MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : wood Merlin

I am looking to buy a Merlin for Class events and to sail all year round at my local inland club and have a budget up to £5000. I am hoping to buy FRP, but there seems to be more choice and more extras included with the wooden boats. Can anyone give any advice on using a wood boat all year round,with no indoor storage facility available? How much maintanance is required with a wood boat?as I have only prevously owned GRP boats.


Posted: 28/07/2007 20:17:17
By: Adrian
Obviously it's better to keep a wooden boat inside, but if keeping outside a good quality breathable cover is essential. It's best to give the boat an airing one a week or so, even if that means going to the club and just taking the cover off for an hour or so. This gets rid of any standing water under the cover and helps prevent frost damage.

If you can possibly keep the boat at home, leave it close to the house. The ambient warmth from your house should prevent frost forming and that will prevent varnish damage.

Finally keep on top of any scrapes or bruises to the varnish. Just touching them in with a bit of varnish will prevent water ingress and make a permanent repair 10 times easier!


Posted: 29/07/2007 09:45:52
By: Chris M
The other thing is, that as I'm sure Chris will testify too, that more modern wooden boats are much more durable than previous incarnations.  For example Pocket Rocket on the for sale list will have been completely epoxy coated from new, which is much more durable than old-school varnish.  That boat looks like a great buy by the way!


Posted: 29/07/2007 09:51:41
By: deepy
That is true though it does depend on the builder and when it comes to wood you generally can't go wrong with a Smart, Rowsell, Turner, Jackson or Driver built hull. The construction and fit out will be first class and provided it's been well cared for will need little doing to it.

I do like Lawrie's boats, and think Pocket Rocket is a steal at that price. It won't be there for long!


Posted: 29/07/2007 11:02:46
By: Chris M
If the boat has been refurbished properly with modern epoxy 2 pack, it won't be that much trouble to her looking great.  Good quality 2 pack is a lot more hard wearing than traditional varnish and doesn't need recoating as often, but as Chris has stated, you still need to keep on top of the minor scratches and scrapes (which of course everyone does on their FRP boats as well, right? :)  However, I'd still be reluctant to leave a nice wood boat outside all year round, hard frosts over Winter can be tough on the finish, so 3546 now gets tucked away in my garage Xmas through to late Feb / early March.


Posted: 29/07/2007 11:57:30
By: Dave Lee
Pocket Rocket (Still for sale.....) has its original varnish/paint and is still looking top notch, though I had the varnish topped up at the beginning of this season by Laurie.

She's got plenty of competitive and you won't get a faster boat for the money!

Thanks for the plug Chris's!

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/secondhand/view.asp?id=548

Posted: 30/07/2007 16:55:01
By: Joe Mac
Im 3525 a Rowsell Canterbury Tales epoxied inside and out with good breathable cover and usual refinements in excellent condition full details on secondhand list.  Just need a new owner as been replaced with a one string Winder.


Posted: 30/07/2007 17:05:27
By: 3525
Suprised Joes has not gone!! I would buy it myself if I had the cash. I just can't be bothered to advertise mine and trade up otherwise It might be possible!


Posted: 30/07/2007 19:00:31
By: Jez3550
Theres a thought?!


Posted: 30/07/2007 19:05:54
By: Jez3550
Does anyone know if Pocket Rocket has been sold yet?


Posted: 25/08/2007 22:30:58
By: Interested
Not as far as i know


Posted: 26/08/2007 08:55:28
By: Secondhandman
I was going to go for her but lost my crew at the nationals. Good boat going begging really!


Posted: 26/08/2007 18:20:42
By: Jez3550
What weight is this design best for, I ask as the design guide speaks of low down bouancy which I assume would help more portly helms and crews?


Posted: 27/08/2007 23:09:24
By: Martin 3190
It carries my 13&1/2 stone around just fine sailing with about 23st all up. Certainly found it alot less sticky through the tacks and more forgiving than my previous tales.

Still for sale, plenty of nibbles but no bites...


Posted: 28/08/2007 08:21:27
By: Joe Mac
It's a well looked after boat and great value... 

I hear the current owner recently went for a yacht in replacement 1395 with the FMM and promptly went for a swim, must have been a hot day...


Posted: 28/08/2007 14:58:01
By: ITK
A hot windless day indeed. They must be tippy these old boats... Well done Joe.


Posted: 28/08/2007 18:04:05
By: Mark Ampleford

REPLY

To Reply, please join/renew membership.

Owners Association


Developed & Supported by YorkSoft Ltd

Contact

Merlin Rocket Owners Association
Secretary