Suitability of a Falmouth Pilot

[CharlesM]

Hello All

I have found an interesting looking boat, a Falmouth Pilot Gaff Ketch Cutter (does one add the cutter bit if it has 2 foresails??) and would like to know the suitability of this design as regards heavy duty ocean going.

Does anyone have any ideas as to the suitability of this type of boat?

As an aside, I do feel a Gaff rig is prettier, and by some accounts it seems to be simpler to manage than the standard rigs one finds nowadays.

Thanks
Charles

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[snowleopard]

don't know the particulars of the boat you are talking about but pilot boats often were extremely seaworthy as they had to wait for homeward bound ships in all weathers. the bristol pilots are famous for this. hulls were generally very seakindly and liveable even in heavy weather, and fast enough to beat others to the trade.

the biggest consideration for seaworthiness of an old boat is its condition.

as regards the suitability of gaff rig for cruising, there are good and bad points:

pro:
low aspect sail plan helps stability.
main can be raised or lowered without rounding up
few or no winches needed
less hi-tech gear required so easy to repair
powerful off the wind
pretty

con:
heavy gear, partucularly the gaff. risk of injury
poor to windward
long bowsprit can be inconvenient and expensive to moor.

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[Clive_Rigden]

Charles,

Ask the same question on the Classic Boat Forum. I've seen stuff about Falmouth Pilot boats there quite recently.

Good luck!


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[pugwash]

Got the right one?

Maybe he means the Falmouth Pilot design by Warrington-Smythe, some of which might have had gaff cutter rig? Different kind of thing altogether, chunky and safe but not very fast.

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[CharlesM]

Re: Got the right one?

Yo Pugwash

It is a replica design by Percy Dalton of Falmouth. Dont know if this helps.

Thanks
Charles

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[Gunfleet]

Percy Dalton?

Nuts!

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[CharlesM]

Re: Percy Dalton?

Nuts?

Do you have an opinion or information you can share John?

If there is something I should know about this boat or about the design please tell me.

Thanks
Charles

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[Gunfleet]

I\'m showing my age...

Percy Dalton was the brand of peanut sold at boxing and football matches in the 50s and 60s.

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[CharlesM]

Re: I\'m showing my age...

lol

I should have made the connection as loads of sites about peanuts came up when I did a search on Percy Dalton



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[pugwash]

Re: Got the right one?

Replica of what? Obviously a heavy displacement, long keel job. I thought Snowleopard got it right. I think some (if not most) bermudan rigs are very much simpler than your average gaffer with a long bowsprit. It's a huge question, this one, and I'm surprised you didn't get more feedback from the forum. That the question is so big it's hard to know where to start doesn't usually confound Scuttlenutters. Anyway, it's a good idea to try out the options before committing yourself. Read the books and put in some time under sail. My ketch is bermudan and I'm very happy with that but i always sail two-handed or solo. Hope this helps.

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