SteveB_Sigma33
Well-Known Member
Can anyone recommend a good web site where I can pick up some tips on rebuilding a dinghy?
Restoring a fireball dinghy
- Thread starter SteveB_Sigma33
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ex-Gladys
Well-Known Member
Is it a wooden or glass meatball? I sailed them years ago, and a friend of mine built two, so I may have some pointers....
Piddy
Well-Known Member
Hi Steve,
There are a number of current and ex Fireball dinghy sailors at your local, just out of P.Solent, sailing club. I'm sure they have a wealth of knowledge about them that they would be keen to pass on. The FB used to be one of the big classes there so there are still a few of the more mature dinghy sailors that remember them.
Cheers
There are a number of current and ex Fireball dinghy sailors at your local, just out of P.Solent, sailing club. I'm sure they have a wealth of knowledge about them that they would be keen to pass on. The FB used to be one of the big classes there so there are still a few of the more mature dinghy sailors that remember them.
Cheers
Csail
N/A
I have one sat in the garden with damaged hull but rigging,sails etc are all good if you need any bits.
fireball
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The FB used to be one of the big classes there so there are still a few of the more mature dinghy sailors that remember them
[/ QUOTE ]
Oi .... I used to sail one - and I'm not old!!
The FB used to be one of the big classes there so there are still a few of the more mature dinghy sailors that remember them
[/ QUOTE ]
Oi .... I used to sail one - and I'm not old!!
SteveB_Sigma33
Well-Known Member
The one I'm restoring is a wooden one. In front of the dagger board there is a soft spot which someone has told be the front tanks may have had water sit in and hence cause a bit of rot. So going to pull out the middle panel in the hull and see what the damage is.
ex-Gladys
Well-Known Member
The Fireball woodenb construction has effectively a spine which includes the c/b case, the bit running forward of that into the front tank and inside the tank to the bow, going up to the deck. If you have a "soft spot" it can only be waterlogged ply, or the "spine" has bust.
Last time I sailed a meatball was in the 1973 Nationals at Penzance. 200 boats. As a chunky youth I much preferred crewing a trapeze dinghy than helming; I went on to crew 505's which were even more fun!
Last time I sailed a meatball was in the 1973 Nationals at Penzance. 200 boats. As a chunky youth I much preferred crewing a trapeze dinghy than helming; I went on to crew 505's which were even more fun!
SteveB_Sigma33
Well-Known Member
Thanks botheras, thats handy info. So if I pull out the centre panel at the front I shouldn't have too many problems. The centreboard box all seems sound.
Aim is to get that panel off check inside and then apply varnish and paint as necessary to make sure it's all nicely sealed.
Aim is to get that panel off check inside and then apply varnish and paint as necessary to make sure it's all nicely sealed.
oldsaltoz
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Aim is to get that panel off check inside and then apply varnish and paint as necessary to make sure it's all nicely sealed.
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I would advise you use an epoxy resin to seal the ply, also mixing micro fibres with an epoxy makes a very very strong glue for bonding ply, just don't clamp it tight and squeeze the glue out or it won't work too well at all.
Avagoodweekend......
Aim is to get that panel off check inside and then apply varnish and paint as necessary to make sure it's all nicely sealed.
[/ QUOTE ]
I would advise you use an epoxy resin to seal the ply, also mixing micro fibres with an epoxy makes a very very strong glue for bonding ply, just don't clamp it tight and squeeze the glue out or it won't work too well at all.
Avagoodweekend......
Lakesailor
Well-Known Member
But don't apply epoxy to inside and outside as any residual or future damp will get sealed in.
