I am thinking about buying a secondhand rocket but would like some info on some of the boats on the for sale page of this web site. I was curious to know why the NSMii made by Naylor has been for sale for so long. As a first rocket it sounds ok to me , but is there some class secret surrounding this boat/ builder. Also having spoken to several people i understand that there is a different build method from sail numbers 3200+ ( something to do with low/ high bow tanks). is there anything structurally important in regards of this difference. Finally does any body have any idea which design would suit me best, my crew and i would be about twenty two stone all up. I have seen several rockets over the years and would love to find a good club racer to cherish. Any tips on purchasing a rocket??.thanks

Naylor only built a handful of Merlins and I think I'm right in saying that none of them have ever won anything major.  I've never seen any of the Naylor boats close up so can't comment on their construction or layout, but there might not be anything "wrong" with them, just that the boats have never been in the right hands.  However, at £700 for a 34xx sail number boat, I wouldn't expect a mint condition hull with a carbon rig! 

Hulls with the low bank tank are considerably stiffer than ones with the old style high tank.  The low tank also distributes the bouyancy more effectively, which makes things easier following a capsize.

At 22 stone you can consider almost any of the more recent designs, it really depends on your budget and where you sail.  If you can stretch to one, an early Canterbury Tales will provide great all round performance and would be the best bet if you sail on a larger reservoir of the sea, or would like to try the odd Silver Tlller open event.  On more restricted water, older designs such as the NSM 2 are still very competitive at club level.  Your best bet is to contact your regional rep (see link), who can put you in touch with an active local fleet where you will get top advice, and even arrange to try a boat out.

The boat in question is £700 and still for sale because it's knackered.

The foredeck has collapsed and sunk around 1.5inches around the foot of the mast and the vendor should make that clear in the advert.

It's not really sailable (yes, sail not sale)

It could be repaired by a GRP professional and, if you got it done for 400-500 quid you would get a good deal, especially if he's still selling it with a Winder carbon rudder.

Had he told me about it before I went to see it i wouldn't have posted.

The other thing to think about is where you are going to sail and at what level you want to sail.

What part of the country are you in and have you visited the local Merlin club?

Suggestion is to get photos before visiting, were not in the dark ages now so most serious vendors should have access to a digital or conventional camara & a trip to 'Boots' If it's cheap expect the worst then you might be pleasantly surprised or !!!!!!!!!

Buy the Quickening from Richard Harris, it is a very nice boat with a good racing record.  Can't believe it is still for sale...!!

What's your budget, Davie?  Advice will be a little different if you have £700 or £7000 for a 2nd hand boat.  E.g. I think The Quickening is actually very good value indeed if you have enough dosh, so for  that matter is 3155 at £695 if it really is in good nick, or 3175 seems desperate to sell!  If you have the cash and the ability, then Mike Calvert's boat is well-priced at £11,500!!

Older designs like the NSM1, Smoker's satisfaction and Summer wine are good starter Merlins if you are joining the class.  If you have a good suit of sails you will almost hold your own to windward, but as soon as you turn downwind  on open water you will be blown away unless the wind is pretty light.  On narrow rivers the very old boats are not just competitive, they are actually quicker than the 2.2m beam modern ones - they tack more easily  and have lower wetted area.