Gareth Martel
Hi all,
After reluctantly having to sell Cinnabar a couple of years back I am very pleased to say that I have got together with my old crew and we are planning on rejoining the class!
I am currently on the hunt for the right boat, and was hoping someone could give me a bit of advice. As many will remember about us we have a habit of being tight and sleeping on board regardless of the weather. A boat Im interested in at the moment has had the forepeak removed and replaced with the weight penalty as per the class rules. I know that it wouldn’t be too hard to construct something that would work as a forepeak, but what I wanted to know is what would it take to put something in class legal, so I could then remove the weight? Ideally we would want to do the work ourselves, to save on cash ( the boat in question would need allot of work on the interior if we decided to go for it!).
Also, what are peoples feelings on having a survey. I note not all insurers require one since she is under 23 foot, and feel I know the boat well enough to know the areas to watch out for myself, and am now considering two boats, both without a survey at all recent.
Really appreciate any advice, and cant wait to get back into the class!
Gareth
Richard Higgins
Hi Gareth, we knew you couldn’t stay away for too long!
As Mark says it is an easy (and cheap) fix. We have recently stripped SO out below leaving the main saloon bunks in place but removing the forepeak woodwork (apart from the bulkheads) and the galley. we have also replaced the windows and repainted her inside – even Mark was surprised at the new wide open bright interior.
We are thinking of selling So and she would be an ideal boat for you – excellent rig, lots of sails and race proven sitting on a well kept 4 wheeled West Mersea galvanised trailer. She is class compliant, carrying corrector weights which you now know all about.
If you are interested in having a chat, do let either Neil or myself know.
Cheers
Richard
Paul dela Feuillade
Hi,
I just wondered if I could buy/beg/borrow the templates for the forecabin woodwork please? I have Fiddler’s Elbow (no. 253) which has had the forecabin stripped and I now want to replace it so that the kids have somewhere to sleep!
Thanks in advance.
Paul
Mark Taylor
Sorry for the late response – hadn’t checked the site for a while. I’ll dig out the bits of wood from my shed and draw around them and send you the templates. Can you send me an address for postage etc.
regards
Mark
Paul dela Feuillade
Many thanks MArk, much appreciated. I’ve sent you a PM.
Paul
Mark Taylor
Gareth,
It would be great to have you back in class.
I removed the forward cabin from Saraband a few years ago and whilst I would wish to retain it for later use I can assure you that a class legal forecabin is very very easy to install……assuming that the half bulkead approx 30 inches ahead of the main bulkhead is still fitted! Mine was held in with just 4 screws and there are 5 pieces of plywood, 3 of which have hardwood edges to retain mattresses.
If you proceed with a purchase of a forecabin-less boat then let me know and I’ll send you paper templates of the 5 pieces of wood so you can cut out the sheet of plywood. Alternatively, get or bring a 8×4 sheet of marine ply to me (or a high quality exterior if you are still skint!) and I’ll cut out the plywood for you……if it fits Saraband then it should fit your boat! You can then add the hardwood strips and get berth cushions made etc.
regards
Mark