Why the need for all these definitions?

[Sandy Bottom]

Can any conclusion ever be reached upon which we would all agree? I don't think so.

Surely the attitude and approach of the owner to sailing / boating is at least as important as the actual boat. So why not just relax in each others company, accept the differences, and allow a 'Broad Party' to flourish. We are a small enough group as it is and need to welcome one and all, even those with a non-classic who have only a vague interest in our side of the moon. Some folk may yearn for a traditional build but their personal circumstances prevent anything but a modern plastic 'lock & leave' boat - so what, they should still feel very welcome here. We should look for the common positives rather than than strict definitions IN MY HUMBLE OPINION!

:encouragement:

 

[born2sail61]

+1 yeah i'll go with that.

 

[Lakesailor]

This is how all Classic forums work. motorbikes, cars, boats etc.
You define what is classic and then have a pissing contest to see has the most classic.

 

[Eyore]

This is how all Classic forums work. motorbikes, cars, boats etc.
You define what is classic and then have a pissing contest to see has the most classic.

Well if you own a Brough Superior SS100 you hardly want someone on a 1960's Japanese two stroke claiming that is equally worthy.

 

[jamie N]

Can any conclusion ever be reached upon which we would all agree? I don't think so.

Surely the attitude and approach of the owner to sailing / boating is at least as important as the actual boat. So why not just relax in each others company, accept the differences, and allow a 'Broad Party' to flourish. We are a small enough group as it is and need to welcome one and all, even those with a non-classic who have only a vague interest in our side of the moon. Some folk may yearn for a traditional build but their personal circumstances prevent anything but a modern plastic 'lock & leave' boat - so what, they should still feel very welcome here. We should look for the common positives rather than than strict definitions IN MY HUMBLE OPINION!

:encouragement:

What??? Agree?? On a forum?? Have you been drinking etc.etc..!
The Brough Superior analogy is also prescient isn't it. I'm not the type of person to exclude anyone else's 'classic', as long as they include mine!

How about this then:
I'm in Malaysia presently, on a sh!tty little 'ROVSV' - (converted tug), basically earning the dosh to finish my 1969 carvel Folkboat; seriously, it's the only reason that I needed to do this trip. This very day I received an email from SWMBO saying that she thinks the best thing that I can do is to scrap the boat, and buy something newer. This is a true story, this very bloody day!
Now, who'll disagree with me now that mine MUST be a classic, when you've got a spousal comment like that? :disgust:

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Now, who'll disagree with me now that mine MUST be a classic, when you've got a spousal comment like that? :disgust:

Thread VERY carefully, my friend!

Forty-two years ago I lost my favourite girlfriend when she told me "It's either me or your boat!"...and I gave an honest answer.

 

[jamie N]

Thread VERY carefully, my friend!

Forty-two years ago I lost my favourite girlfriend when she told me "It's either me or your boat!"...and I gave an honest answer.

Interesting. You can't remember exactly what you said can you? What you were wearing at the time, even the weather to ensure that I can realistically duplicate the events 'stage'? After all, if you're going to offer a glimmer of hope...etc.etc..adnauseum!

 

[Greenheart]

...she told me "It's either me or your boat!"...and I gave an honest answer.

Jeez, I hope my SWMBO never says that to me. Pretty sure I'd have to tell her the same thing you did!

I'm afraid I think Drumbeat's all-inclusive hope for mateyness, overlooks how broadly the owners of different boats vary. We may all use the water, but that's where similarity ends.

Might just as well suggest that horse-riders and green-laning 4x4 owners should see things the same way, because they use the same places...or cyclists and bus-drivers...

...I reckon the fact that differing types of users share the same zone for their pursuits, accentuates and flares-up the differences between them, rather than bringing them together.

So, by distinguishing at the start what we think makes a classic boat, we attempt to close the door on (or at least frown at) entries from people who, despite their temporary curiosity, actually see the boating world from a position of such impatience with maintenance and avoidance of wood (or other materials which need and reward care and effort) that they'd actually spend small fortunes on floating objets that are shapeless and artless and ugly, just to escape the bother...

...surely you'd agree their comments aren't very relevant on a forum for classic & wooden boats?

 

[Lakesailor]

Well if you own a Brough Superior SS100 you hardly want someone on a 1960's Japanese two stroke claiming that is equally worthy.

Quite agree. I go to Classic car shows and see MGs, Rollers, Alvises (Alvae?) and then Austin Somersets and shabby Landrovers. Yes, even Allegros.

 

[Searush]

I have enjoyed the discussions, humour & descriptions of boats on these threads. My old Pentland may never be anything but an MAB, but we love her & have had some classic good times on her.

 

[Greenheart]

And I bet you'd have spent countless cold & frustrating weekends, sanding, caulking, pumping and revarnishing if Westerly had built her from wood.

I reckon perhaps elderly Westerly boats are classics...deserving of respect in the same way as lots of 1970s cars...not quite evoking olden times, but memorable symbols of an era.

View attachment 41919

 

[Eyore]

On the other hand just like cars, some were **** back in the day and are still **** despite the fanciest pair of rose tinted specs. Still if people collect ,SD1s ,Hillman Avengers, Austin Maxis,Austin Allegros etc I suppose they should be applauded for saving them for the mere curiousity if not posterity

 

[Greenheart]

Let's hope history's real dogs - marine or automotive - have mostly rotted and excluded themselves from today's scrutiny.

I recall James May describing Jaguar's rather beautiful XJS coupé having been built from cut-rate components which meant the cars had little chance of a long life. I reckon the large numbers of surviving Westerly yachts from 35-40 years ago indicates lasting ruggedness, so dislike of the designs must be aesthetic rather than an objection in respect of quality...

...and if indeed these are quality products, (as well as being distinctly of their era), to me that justifies classic status, even if they're too recent for many to regard with admiration.

So...I take back my earlier words. The Westerly marque isn't just old, it's classic in my book!

 

[Moodyjim]

But what precisely is meant by the question?

 

[pmagowan]

42?

 

[skipper681]

Thread VERY carefully, my friend!

Forty-two years ago I lost my favourite girlfriend when she told me "It's either me or your boat!"...and I gave an honest answer.

Oops, I had a similar experience so I get where you're coming from.

 

[Kukri]

Been there, done that thing...

Well, I reckon there are more nice girls than nice boats...

...but I don't think my partner would be too chuffed if I described her as a "classic"...

 

[Floating Preferably]

Getting a new boat is a darn site cheaper than trading in your wife. The first wife goes with half your house, pension, other assets, including, maybe your boat! so you end up with half your assets. I managed to keep my boat, (and that has not put on any weight since I bought it) but the whole divorce excercise is not an inexpensive prodedure. Only the lawyers win! So if she is a crew mate you want, keep her happy!
BTW, I reckon if it floats, it is fun, I have friends new to boating, who have bought modern practical GRP boats, and they love the wonderful area of our South Coast, and enjoy it every bit as much as I do. The boats we skipper do not make us better people, just different. Enjoy it while we can, life is a short.:encouragement:

 

[Kukri]

Getting a new boat is a darn site cheaper than trading in your wife. The first wife goes with half your house, pension, other assets, including, maybe your boat! so you end up with half your assets. I managed to keep my boat, (and that has not put on any weight since I bought it) but the whole divorce excercise is not an inexpensive prodedure. Only the lawyers win! So if she is a crew mate you want, keep her happy!
BTW, I reckon if it floats, it is fun, I have friends new to boating, who have bought modern practical GRP boats, and they love the wonderful area of our South Coast, and enjoy it every bit as much as I do. The boats we skipper do not make us better people, just different. Enjoy it while we can, life is a short.:encouragement:

Snap!

 

[srm]

I agree with the OP. One of the positive things about boating / sailing is that we can all be different and express our own ideas through our boats and, other than 'one design' classes, each boat evolves over time.

I have owned boats built of real wood, plywood, steel, and GRP, monohulls and catamarans. I have attended a classic boat rally with my previously owned McGruer designed, Belgium yard built, steel 8 metre Cruiser Racer. My current custom rigged fibreglass hull and decked boat often attracts favourable comment, but then its under water profile is almost identical to the 8 CR but lacks the lovely overhangs, and the rig looks as if it dates from the earlier half of the 20th century. Is it a 'classic'? not in my book as it was hatched from the moulds in 1990, but it has a lot more character and is a far better seaboat than most modern plastic fantastics.

So, as the saying goes, whatever floats your boat.