http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/The-Dingy-Year-Book-1959-Coles-Alfred_W0QQitemZ8369099809QQcategoryZ30136QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Oops sorry - making it easier to access

Sad Merlin sighting - there is info on the CVRDA site too from someone who has seen it.

And another - this is number 1872 the owner says.

1872 must have gold plated fittings! Or a lot of non ferrous stuff to reclaim!  I will be very glad however, if he gets the price with a margin to spare.  Good luck to him and all who sail in her.

can't understand why the seller hasn't bothered to take a decent pic and show her at best - maybe it's only half a boat!

A sad story this: The Merlin had been 'worked on', thwart changed, self bailers mounted right back by the transom..... and the number was missing. There was nothing in the way of identification, from the pictures on Ebay did anyone have a stab at identifing the design.

Although mainly sound the transom was pulling away a tab from the garboard planks so it would have been a fairly chunky rebuild job.

The buyer for the boat is NOT a yotter but a gardener - this boat is destined to see out it's days as a glorifed flower pot.

What a way to go!!!

David (ex 1317....3199......and soon to be....?)

Onother early MR on ebay.
This was the reply to some questions, if anyone needs a cheap trailer!
771 ?

"A little work to make sailable, but doesn't need restoration. Number 771. Alloy mast, wooden boom, old sails. Trailer very good and fully roadworthy. No launching trolley or cover. Been dry stored in a garage hence condition. Towed it to local sailing club to get an opinion as I'm no sailer. Comments were very favourable ie.Not much work required, Trailer worth �100, etc. Many thanks."

One of my old boats, a maximum beam , 7' 2" Bob Hoare Hornblower, would suit beginner to merlins as quite stable but extreme beam meant it scooped water a bit, needed to be sailed very upright. Went ok in its time.

Its had a variety of names:
Jig-a Jig, Rising Sun, Enfin dont know whats its called now tho

Another one

I do want to shift my MR fairly quickly. Is ebay the best way?

Depends what it is Jonny? If it is the right sort of boat at the right price it will go from this website list very quickly. What is it and what does it come with? I am always on the look out for a good boat to do something with!

This rather sad looking Merlin on e-bay is not getting much attention. However if the number is correct it is a very good boat! It's name is Flamin-go and it was second at the champs in 1966 and 6th in 1969 - quite a feat against the now wide 'WOTS'! might be worth a bid for an eager Vintage sailor who can do a bit of work.

www.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7232069812&fromMakeTrack=true

Try this link.

This one might work even better!!

Also interesting that:
http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/secondhand/view.asp?id=266

Is (with a little help from Photoshop):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7233486854&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Are they one and the same or has the picture just been 'borrowed'...

Can't see why he would take the Number off if it was the same boat. Bit missleading though!

Jonny, just remember to take the cover off your boat before taking the photo!

you never know though - it might be better left on!

Its 2863 Admiral Benbow. I have put it one the list but am open to offers. I spent last autumn sanding and varnishing so would be best without cover. I will stick it on ebay next week unless I get any offers from the website. Need to get the digi camera working. Thank you for your responses!

Jonny, It may be better to put a rough idea as to what you are looking for in the description. In my experiance people are reluctant to make offers for fear of offence.

I am a salesman and still feel uncomfortable makeing offers without a guide price.

Ok thanks Jeremy. I will try and amend today. Not quite sure what she is worth though. £400 ish?

I would have thought that is about right, depends on how nice she looks. Pictures always help too.