Hi, been looking to buy a merlin for a long time. I have the opertunity to buy a 1974 "smokers satisfaction" design and would appreciate any information people can give me. I intend to sail the boat on the sea and also on a confined loch.
The boat has been stripped back and repainted and varnished by her current owner and seems to be in sound condition with all parts, mast sails etc in good condition. 
Is this a good buy for where i intend to sail? or would i be better trying to find a different (modern merlin) design.
the boat will also be carrying weight as im 6ft6 tall and 16 stones then i have to add a crew as yet undecided

see the design guide for initial information, you can compare designs to suit weight and conditions.

Link below takes you to Smokers Satisfation - more info on the page after it.

Good all rounder and will carry weight, best builders  are; Smart, Rowsell, ALN, Others OK but were not as popular.

Thanks for your help guys, boat will hopefully be moving to scotland in the next few days.

Ramsay, welcome.  We have two Smokers at Chanonry on the Black Isle just north of Inverness.  Great design and you've made a good decision.

There are three Travellers' Events in Scotland this year if you want to come and meet the band.  Wormit on 16/17 June, Chanonry 4/5 Aug, and Holy Loch 8/9 Sep.  Hope you can make it to one or more.  

Where are you based?  Send e-mail.

Ramsay,

After a lot of searching around I've just gone for a smokers as I too have added in the kilos over the years. It carries the weight well and is a joy to sail in all conditions - an important factor for estuary sailing!
You've made a good call on this!

D

Hi Bill, The boat will be based at Kinhorn on the Firth of Forth. With my boat the club now has 3 merlins, the other 2 include one very classic design in the 1000's and another early 2000's sail no.s
Very pleased with the boat but wont be ready to get wet for another few weeks as im having to put it back together, final varnish, attach fittings, paint foils and looking at pictures on the website to work out where all the string goes! 
Would like to even get to wormit for the travellers but as im an instructor with the club we are running a RYA level 1 and 2 course on that weekend so wont be available.

If anyone can give me more history on the boat ive got her sail No. is 2905, i know she is a 1974 Rowsell Borthers, be interesting to know her track Record.

Great to hear from you.  There is no racing until 1500 on Sunday 17th, so I might take the time to come across and say hullo during your coffee break.  I can even say something about Smoker's and ropes if you want.

Thanks Bill that would be good. hopefully by then she will be almost finished for you to have a look at aswell if you manage to pop down.

Have just found out that the classic Merlin at Kinghorn is the one I sold at the beginning of the year - 1728, Proctor IX Ocean Wildcat which I restored and sailed at Forfar and Bill helmed at the Wormit Regatta 2 years ago. (3 was one too many!).