TOPIC:

Hi all,



Back in the good old days when my legs came in short pants instead of my breath as now, I sailed an Albacore. I can't remember the sail number but it was 25-something. In between I've sailed a lot of boats, all good in their own way, but I really fancy an Alb again.



I'm not about to throw large pots of money at Speed Sails for something with all mod cons; I was wondering how realistic it is to buy an older boat for about Ł1000 - Ł1500 and update the rig controls to modern standards. Are you sailing with rig tensions that would affect an older hull? And is it easier to do this with boats from some builders than with others?



One thing I have learned from lurking on this site for a while - good Albs don't hang around for long...

It's perfectly possible to rig up an older boat to be competitive and to take the strain. Some hulls are quicker than others and some are stronger than others. So it's worth doing a little research into who made quick boats and what number ranges are known to be quick.

I've just taken a "risk" on an older boat but I'm certain that once rigged, tuned and sailed well she'll be as quick as any. If she's not quick .... it'll be the sailing and not the boat that'll need attention.

I don't have much solid information on who made quick boats ... but Woof or Young shapes are generally good. And some number ranges for Knight and Pink are quick (so I'm told). Maybe someone else will give you more detailed info. Good sails pushes up the cost, but I don't think there is any way of going quickly without fairly good quality sails. DLT
Snekkja2009-07-06 16:31:59

Derik



I agree with Snekkja, it is perfectly possible to get a competitive Alb within your budget.



This may help: www.8oar.com/Albacore/AlbacoreBuyersGuide_Draft_0.2.pdf



Some of the guide prices need revising as I put this together a while ago.

Second hand prices have dropped and the new epoxy Ovi/Speed boats are more expensive.

JohnW2009-07-06 18:10:53

This Forum really is a gem of information, and we have been gleening ideas and tips for ages before embarking on our own refurb of an old, but clearly much loved Alb.



We are doing the work in a 6 x 3 metre Party tent erected on our lawn,as suggested by Tomato Boats who repair fireflies, and we intend to use Blakes Classic varnish both inside and outside the hull and decks.

For preparation we have a Metebo SX E 450 Duo dual orbital sander, which is a superb tool, a Pro Scraper with tungsten carbide blades, and a variety of flat and three cornered scrapers, and wet and dry sandpaper. No doubt a good deal of time, elbow grease and patience will also be required, but we are confident that this will be rewarded in due course.

Having restored and regularly sailed a Signet 20 and now a Tomahawk 25, we are really missing our dinghy sailing, so we have just joined the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, and are hoping to join their dinghy handicap racing on the Orwell very soon.

The mention of sails is very importand, and we have just purchased the set of McNamara sails offered on this forum recently ( Many thanks Mike for your helpful advice about our Proctor D mast, which appears to be in good condition)

We therefore have two sets of old, but still in good condition Alb. sails for disposal at little cost to anyone interested.

As a matter of interest we also intend to use a set of Speed sails which Richard specially cut down for us for use with our previous Alb. which we sailed at Tewkesbury some years ago - I'm 67 and Marilyn is 65 in a few day's time, so hopefully this may encourage others to try one of these amazing boats too. (No - age does not matter)

Many thanks to you all for all that earlier advice and info, most of it still on the Forum.

Derek and Marilyn

JohnW, thank you for that. That's a valuable document from which I've learned a lot in a very short time!



Another forum I belong to (not sailing!) has a section for Downloads, where documents like this can be stored and made available to anyone - just a suggestion if you're reading, Mr Forum Administrator!



Now all I need is a boat. I feel rather like the reader of the original Mrs Beeton's recipe book which contained a very good recipe for jugged hare. It began, 'First, catch your hare...'

Hi Derik,

If your looking for a restoratation job, have you seen the Alb. on Ebay currently going for about Ł250



The description is interesting, but it certainly needs rescuing from a fate such as suggested...



cgi.ebay.co.uk/15-Albacore-Dinghy-Family...7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50



Good luck and regards,

Derek

The above boat on ebay looks like it's worth about Ł150. Si Challen's dockboat was much better and he was asking Ł200 in the end to get a sale.

Steve

Actually I would go for A6645 if she's still for sale.



Topic: For Sale 6645

Posted: 15June2009 at 10:36pm

FOR SALE



ALBACORE 6645

“KISS ME KATE”



Cold moulded hull built by J D Young, white with varnished decks. 2 suits of sails, flyaway pole, nearly new cover, launching trolley and road trailer. Ready to race.

Winning club racing boat which can be viewed at South Cerney Sailing Club.



Ł850.00



For further information or to arrange a viewing contact

Bob Penfold on 07748 760615

or Stephen Penfold on 07896 287541



relocation forces sale