Snapdragon 747

[ericbutt]

I',m sure the forum will have an opinion on these, I'm about to go and view one next weekend.
Anything particular to look out for etc. weak points to look at.

Your views will be appreciated.

 

[Gunfleet]

I had one (well a Snapdragon 24, same thing with a few cosmetic differences). It didn't make very well to windward in its bilge keeled form and stalled easily when tacking, but enthusiasts will tell you different. Look out for the condition of the moulding under the deck stepped mast - sometimes there are all sorts of compression cracks there. PBO did an article many years ago now about a chap who reinforced his. We sailed all over the place (across to France several times) in it, so Thames Marine, the makers must have got something right.

 

[ericbutt]

Thanks for that, I believe most bilge keelers of that period suffered from the windward problem, I've just parted with a Vivacity 20 which was much like that so hopefully know what to expect.

 

[l'escargot]

Heavy lay up and not generally prone to osmosis.

The standing rigging attaches to u bolts through the hull, there have been reports of these corroding/cracking out of sight where they pass through the hull. Have a look on the inside, if they are still glassed over then they are original and probably warrant closer inspection; if the nuts are accessible then they have probably been replaced and should be ok. Not a major problem (unless one goes when you're sailing) just something to be aware of.

Check for play in the rudder stock. To replace worn rudder bearings, part of the skeg needs to be cut away to drop the rudder out. A steel "boot" assembly is then bolted to the bottom of the skeg to hold the bottom bearing. If the boot has been fitted then they have been replaced, if there is no play then not something to worry about in the near future. If there is play, the modification and replacement is no big deal but something to take into account.

Most have an old Yanmar YSE or YSB inboard engine. They tend to go on for ever, but they are noisy and vibrate a lot. If the engine has been replaced then you are in luck. There are still a few about with the old Vire petrol engine in - personally I would only buy one of those at a price that took into account the cost of a replacement engine.

A good safe and roomy family boat. Not renown for winning races but very forgiving and will cope well in most conditions. I've had one for 8 or so years and am only looking at changing it now because I need some more room.

(See PM as well)

 

[Rabbie]

I am very satisfied with mine. Solid, safe sailing. Good headroom and space for a 24 footer. She is no racer but will take you anywhere. Poor points are sheet-winches, ear-removing shrouds and engine access, unless you install a cockpit hatch as I have done. I single-hand no problem. Feel free to PM if you have specific points. Several owners on this forum.

 

[Bajansailor]

L'Escargot Mark on here is a veritable encylopaedia re Snappy Dragons - he has a 747.
I am sure he will be along soon, and will offer an opinion or two.
Ooops, Mark beat me to it! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
The standing rigging attaches to u bolts through the hull, there have been reports of these corroding/cracking out of sight where they pass through the hull. Have a look on the inside, if they are still glassed over then they are original and probably warrant closer inspection; if the nuts are accessible then they have probably been replaced and should be ok. Not a major problem (unless one goes when you're sailing) just something to be aware of.


[/ QUOTE ] That applies to any boat with inverted U, or A bolts, for the rigging and to stainless steel screws securing any fitting for that matter.

If the fittings are removed and rebedded from time to time it prevents any problems arising but if seawater starts to seep in then crevice corrosion gets to work where you cannot see it. Be especially suspicious if there are any signs of slight leakage.

We were lucky not to lose the mast of a Westery Berwick a few years ago when one of these shroud anchorages failed. Another one broke off when I attempted to undo the nuts as well! Both had been leaking a little but those which I had rebedded some years earlier were fine.

 

[actionoptics]

One thing which caught us out was the oil pump. Its shaft goes into a hole bored into the engine casting and wears an eccentric hole causing lose of pressure. Dan Stuttle in Weymouth did a wonderful job which entailed drilling out the eccentric hole and inserting a bush. He had done exactly the same to another YSE 8 two weeks before ours failed. Spent four very happy years in our 747. She took care of us and we learned a lot. Only changed to get more headroom as we are both over 6 feet tall.

 

[MoodySabre]

I had a Snappie 26 until last spring. Built like a tank and sails like one if trying to beat the tide and wind. But very solid and safe. You wont get any trouble from the encapsulated keels but they are straight down of course.

Worst features were a lack of proper mainsheet track and the sheets coming on to the winches at a hopeless angle. Later could be improved with some imagination.

Insurance survey in 2004 has us change the u-bolts as the 1969 originals were still there - changed them but no problems were evident. Other than that a clean survey.

Once we had changed the original petrol engine for a small Beta deisel life improved a lot. Bought in 1999 for £7300 and sold in 2006 for £9300, so half the engine money back. Guy from Dublin picked it up from Bradwell on a trailer. Well respected everywhere it seems.

 

[ericbutt]

Thanks to all for info, Sounds like there are no insurmountable problems to overcome, we'll see what we find next weekend.

 

[marilynch]

I have just bought one!
I know she wont be a racer (thats what friends with faster yachts are for /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif), I will try to sail her as efficiently as possible, she will be very kindly for this beginner and suitable for the sort of sailing I want to do at the moment, wich is a major consideration when buying any yacht.
To start with I will explore some of the many creeks and harbours in the solent where we can dry out (I hope upright) so I don't spill any of my wine while I splosh a bit of paint on canvas.
So If a kindly boat with a shallow draught, and roomy accomadation are high up on your list , then the 747 has everything you will need.
Good luck

 

[davidbfox]

We bought ours 18 months ago. Basically solid boat, looks nice, works..

Snags are not a lot of headroom or storage space, and the 'moat' caused by the mainsheet track outside the cabin door..

First boat we had larger than a trailer-sailer, and I've found it harder than I expected to overcome standard old boat problems like old diesel installation, lots of window and roof leaks, manky cushions.

Make sure you have a trailer or some means of getting it out of the water for maintenance.

I have PDF of the original brochure if you want it. There is one for sale on Windermere at Ferry Nab, too. Been for sale for at least a year - could be a bargain?