Wooden yacht

Nigeldownes

Nigeldownes

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I want my first yacht, I am unbelievably novice and the craft I like the most are made of wood, I have always had a love of wooden sail boats, every one says I am mad.

I have found a craft that resembles a Sea king, 24 feet in length clinker built with mahogany planking on Canadian Rock Elm frames, centreline and floors are of Iroko the stem is laminated and she has marine plywood decks. The keel is 10cwt cast iron: Oh and quite beautiful.

Because of her lifting keel I can keep her at Greenwich, I love working with wood and my friend is a technology teacher and therefore has access to a full workshop.

I think it’s a sensible move, what do you lot think. What questions should I ask of the buyer, any help would be appreciated. I had been thinking Westely GK24 but when every one said “its madness to buy a boat in the first place go for it“, I thought I might as well give in and get a classic.
 
Not so very old, with that spec. You'll need a survey of course, and you'll need a surveyor who is familiar with the type and the construction (ask here..you will get a choice of three I expect!)

I'd start by asking who the designer was, where she was built and how she sails.

Continue by asking about the engine, what gear she has, is there a dinghy with her, is there an inventory list, etc. How does she dry out? Etc.

Oh, nearly forgot.

Very first step - beg, borrow or blag a copy of Ian Nicholson's "Surveying Small Craft" before you look at her.
 
I am guessing she sails well because the 2nd to last owner regularly sailed her to Holland. The engine needs a service. And the boat need attention. It was last in the water November 2006.

Inventory is as follows:


Engine Volvo Penta MD1 single cylinder 6 HP diesel


Electrics / Electronics

12 Volt Battery
Swiftech VHF radio telephone
Echo pilot echo sounder

Tankage

Diesel 10 Gallons stainless steel (2003)
Water 10 Gallons plastic


Safety Gear

Jackstays
Radar Reflector
Manual bilge pump

Shore Gear

Inflatable dinghy / manual foot pump / oars
Winter cover


Misc Information

Full survey history
 
I was just the same - real boats are in wood etc. etc. After two wooden boats, I now have an aluminium one. Nuff said?

But then, you're not going to listen to anything I say. I didn't, either!

Bon courage!
Brian.
 
Having said that, My 1st yacht was a derelict found in Devon. Fell in love and broke every rule in the book (No survey etc) Under the paint a Burmese Teak hull copper fastened, Why do I now have GRP? She got too small for family, If not for that I'd still have her, Maintenance free? No such boat, A good wooden boat is as good as any other, material not that important as once in good condition, regular care will keep her good for years. When I bought Janina I was a fool because she was wood, then because she was Teak (paint won't stick). etc, etc, Get a good knowlagable surveyor and if it's wood you want, go for it. Good luck, Mike
 
Sorry to butt in but i just need to let mickshed know that every time i read his tag line, i laugh out loud, and yours isn't so bad.
Incidently, i've hummed and hahaed and hahed and hummed about buying a wooden boat, i've seen several, and the one's i like are always too this or too that, I'm getting sick of the whole "but what about this problem or that one."
On my behalf, incompetent crew, please just go ahead and buy something you can stand back and be proud of and everyone else will admire too, even if that boom'll kill you or that boat's in too good condition you won't look after her well enough / or so bad you'll work more than sail!

P.s. Always listen to Mirelle, he seems wise and is infinitely helpful.
p.p.s good luck
 
More recommended reading from the Oxfam shop...

"Boat Repairs and Conversions", Michael Verney, John Murray, 1972/77/79...

"Wooden Boats Restoration and Maintenance Manual", John Scarlett*, David & Charles, 1981, 1987..

"Surveying and Restoring Classic Boats", J.C. Winters, Adlard Coles, 1992

Plus of course Eric Hiscock's "Cruising Under Sail" and Graham and Tew's "Manual for Small Yachts".

I've got an MD2; it still works (Smiffy - I need to ring you re prop!)
 
When you say "keep her at Greenwich", do you mean the Greenwich Yacht Club? I ask because, whilst their drying moorings are excellently priced and great for anyone who lives (like me) in or near Greenwich, they try and avoid letting yard space for any extended periods of time, and as a new member you might find it difficult should you need to pull the boat out for longer than a month or two. They are a brilliant club, though - I looked into membership about a year back, and will again once I can afford it.

There seem to be quite a few old boat fans living in London - perhaps we should look at arranging a meet...

/<
 
Oooh - is she still for sale?

That is a gorgeous boat - I'm very envious. I've never seen her in the flesh, but the photos & description in the adverts are so very tempting. Unfortunately SWMBO vetoed the idea when I suggested it...

If you decide not to buy, let me know & I'll have another go at the Other Half (or just buy the darn thing anyway without telling her, unless it's totally rotted away!)

Oh - and if Greenwich proves to be a problem, I'm sure we've got space for you down river at Gravesend.

Hope to see you on the river sometime...

James (with 18' of plastic, wanting to upgrade to 22-24' with lifting keel, and seriously tempted by wood despite all advice to the contrary. Now feeling the pangs of jealousy).
 
I've thought over this some more, and would like to reconsider...

You definitely shouldn't buy this boat! At 24 feet, it's far too big for a first timer. You should be considering something much more in the 18 foot range...

And although we all aspire to beautiful wooden boats, you really should start with a fibreglass one, and then move up to a wooden one later.

So you should be looking for a fibreglass 18 footer, something like a Bradwell 18 would be ideal for you. Luckily I know where you can buy a lovely example, just down river from you. Now where is that lovely wooden sloop?

James
(whistling nonchalantly, and wondering why there isn't a "tongue in cheek" smiley...)
 
My thoughts re Greenwich yacht club are.

I can buy the thing and do (depending on the survey) the works needed on the hull if any at the boat yard in Essex. I can then bring her to Greenwich to use the drying out moorings.

I am awaiting an interview at Greenwich but may also join another club, Gravesend is on my list to check out, as is Erith.
I don’t want to be stuck to bilge or lifting keels for ever and Greenwich is a long way from the coast. I dream of exotic cruising so docklands isn’t high on my “top vistas of the world list“. That said its low cost friendly has an unbelievable club house. The waiting list for the yard is a concern but I would hope to do the works in one go (ha).

Any one with any suggestions let me know.

Cheers.
 
Greenwich have the most amazing facilities, and were very friendly to me when I went. I'm looking forward to going back when I can. However, as someone who kept a boat on the Thames for almost two years, I can confirm that Docklands sailing is not all that. The wind is understandably flukey above the barrier, and the traffic can lead to all sorts of stress. Also, the working boats aren't very fond of yachtsmen and can make life difficult.

Moreover, as you know, once you traverse the barrier heading seawards, you have a long and tedious trip ahead of you (if you've done it as many times as I have).

All these factors eventually contributed to my decision that having Crystal within walking distance of my house was not as important as easy access to beautiful sailing grounds and 'getting away from it all'. I bought a car instead, and will be keeping her in Suffolk. Roll on the warmer weather!!

/<
 
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