Sails.....

[Superflid]

Been thinking lately of learning to sail and have a few contacts who can help in that department.
Saw this on Ebay, it's just up the road from me and might do as a project over the winter with the idea of using it next year.

Unfortunately it is sail-less and I've no idea of the problems involved with equipping the thing!
How, who, where and importantly, how much will it cost to buy sails.

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[boomerangben]

I'm not a dinghy expert, but I expect it will be one of a class rather than a one off, so getting sails for it shouldn't be too much of a problem. If it is a one off, then I'm sure a sail loft will be more than happy measure up and sell you some. It might be something like a Merlin Rocket?

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[maxi]

At that price you just can't lose. Sure as hell was not built in the 30's, far more likely the 60's. Looks to be similar to a Graduate but there were lots of similar designs around, but identification shouldn't be difficult.

Grab yourself a copy of Yachts &Yachting and you will find lots of sailmakers specialising in dinghies, and they will tell you all you need to know about measuring for new sails, and there are also lots of second handers around too.

From what little is visible in the pic, there doesn't seem to be a lot of equipping needed.

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[Stemar]

Since no-one with any real knowledge has replied, here's my 2 penny'th.

I don't know what dinghy sails cost new, but you'll need the measurements then trawl the sailmakers in Yellow Pages to find to get an idea of price. I wouldn't expect to get away with less than about £250, though

I assume you're looking for a bit of fun on Rutland Water rather than winning races. I'd look around Loot for second hand sails, or hang around local sailing clubs and see what you can find. Minor modifications could be done on a domestic sewing machine. Just look at how the sail was put together in the first place, and adapt it.

One thing, which shouldn't necessarily put you off, but needs to be considered. Your profile suggests your mobility is limited. Any dinghy depends on your weight being in the right place to stay upright and she may need you to move pretty quickly at times to avoid swimming lessons.

Another thing to beware of. There's no such animal as boating on the cheap. Everything to do with boats comes at a special price - around double what you expect! You can cut corners - a boat that lives undercover and only comes out a weekends may not need the same quality of varnish as on that lives outside, or as many coats, but cheap safety ain't.

Good luck - if I haven't managed to put you off you'll have a ball. If I have, you shouldn't be doing it anyway!



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[Superflid]

Thanks for all the replies.
I decided that it might be cheaper and less hassle to buy a complete dinghy rather than try to save a few quid and end up spending more!

The guess about playing rather than racing is correct, my racing days are well over....

Regarding mobility, I'm in a strange position. The condition I suffer from is unlike normal arthritis (Psoriatic arthritis, PM me if you want to know any more) and allows me to do almost anything I peviously could, but only in short bursts. As long as I can rest between "bursts" I'm OK even if it's only very short rests. The problems start when I try to do anything without rest for more than a few minutes.
I'm pretty sure a little gentle sailing would be within my limits.

I'll be back for more advice, I'm sure.

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[dickh]

DON'T bother with this one on ebay - there are lots more WITH sails. You don't know what class this one is, nor does the vendor, (I asked) Depending on what class it is you MAY be able to get sails cheaply secondhand (if a popular class) or you may have to buy new, which I suspect will cost you at least £300.

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I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Superflid,

I think that the estimate of £300 for new sails is extremely optimistic... I would suggest more like £800 to £1000 given that this is a boat with two sails, and possibly even has a spinnaker... some classes are even past £2000...

Find and join your local dinghy sailing club... they'll have loads of boats that are for sale at a sensible price... you don't have to spend a fortune... but believe me, restoring a dinghy and fitting sails etc etc is not a small undertaking.... every bit of rotten wood removed reveals another piece of rotten wood, and fixtures and fittings are ludicrously expensive.....

If I think about my own club's notice board, there are often boats on there for a few hundred pounds... with everything present... they are not perfect, but sailable on day 1.... and with a little TLC, you'll sell it for what you paid for it... plus you get the added benefit of probably buying a class that is known, so easier access to advice, spares and replacements....


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