MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : River Boat

I'm after an old merlin to river sail (wind seems to normally produce a beat and run with tacking every 10 seconds), are there any of the old merlin designs that are very good on a wide ditch? Any help much appreciated.


Posted: 13/08/2008 15:53:23
By: cc
Anything designed by Jack Holt, and designs such as the Proctor IX, IXb and XII and Adur 7 should be suitable. The Holt boats lend themselsves more to this kind of sailing than the Proctor ones but will usually be much older, most were built in the 50's.


Posted: 14/08/2008 08:19:40
By: Chris M
I have an Adur 7 for sale.. bought it with good intentions to sail on the river with my daughter... unfortunately she has opted for riding.... call me on 07967 599 050


Posted: 14/08/2008 09:49:09
By: steve
I had the first Adur 7, she was very competitive in her day and they remain so on the River, my nephew Andy Harris has won open meetings in his 'Omega' no.1605. If she's in reasonable condition I'd seriously consider her but you might have to buy new sails etc. which will probably cost you more than the boat itself.

The boats that were best on the River in the past were the Holt 'banana boats' starting with 'Lucky' no. 177 and continuing from no. 200 to no. 229. The snag is that they were copper rivetted and ribbed, I know of only one that's still alive and kicking' that's 'Diabolo' no. 214, she was champion boat in 1953 with Les Brain and Peter Easton and is now owned by Nick Price Commodore of Ranelagh S. C.

There are several similar Holt plywood boats such as 'Crescendo' no. 607 and 'Passing Cloud' no. 1079. They are competitive today and their current owners are unlikely to part with them. Any of the plywood Holt boats from around no. 520 onwards should be OK but with the same caveat about additional costs that I mentioned with the Adur 7.

The Proctor Mk XII is also worth considering


Posted: 14/08/2008 11:09:38
By: Robert Harris
Don't forget more recent boats either, particularly Satisfaction, Smoker's satisfaction similar but wider, both these much more likely to be available in good condition - some years ago Caroline of Ansbach cleaned up on the Thames but popular opinion was that though listed as a Smokers Satisfaction and with some similarities in overall beam, the hull shape was nothing like it on either side and nor was it quite symmetrical.  Where is she now?


Posted: 14/08/2008 16:56:30
By: Andrew M
Don't forget the NSM2's too. Whilst the older designs seem to do very well in the absolutely no wind situations, I seem to recall the NSM2's taking a lot of river prizes at club level. Wide enough to be powerful, not too wide so they can tack quickly.


Posted: 14/08/2008 17:08:40
By: Alan F
Hi if your looking for a more modern boat i have an nsm4 for sale tin rig,Mylar main, in fair but sailable condition looking for £500 ono let me know if interested its also on ebay 07775 664104


Posted: 14/08/2008 17:32:05
By: Graham
Having had a Satisfaction myself I agree with Andrew M.


Posted: 14/08/2008 18:42:55
By: Robert Harris
I have merlin 36, which Ian Proctor sailed to third place in the first nationals, for sale, restored with new Mcnamarra sails on a 25ft mast makes a very good river boat and perfect for the vintage wing. offers around £650.
chris 01373 461430


Posted: 14/08/2008 21:06:56
By: chris
Caroline, now Anarchy, is at Ranelagh.


Posted: 15/08/2008 02:18:06
By: Nick Price (214)
Graham please can you post the ebay link, if the listing hasnt allready ended, cheers


Posted: 28/08/2008 14:46:59
By: liam
Hi sorry boat  sold on ebay and now resides at Ranalagh


Posted: 03/09/2008 09:07:49
By: Graham
I have just listed Who's Pretty Boy at a bargain basement price as it is a shame to leave it in the garage. It may suit your purposes.It certainly seemed to have potential.

From the design guide
"this idea was being put together with Alan Jackson, aimed at the pond sailor and Salcombe Week. This design won a race at Salcombe, but thereafter never received the time and effort to assess the potential of the boat. The changes were basically to tuck in the transom to help tacking and carry heavier helmsmen."

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/secondhand/view.asp?id=693

Posted: 03/09/2008 16:43:41
By: Alan F
I've also got 1395 for sale a proctor mk9b see the for sale section.. 

Rob


Posted: 04/09/2008 09:02:13
By: Rob Wilder
1395 will not be a 9b. first one was in the 1800's


Posted: 04/09/2008 10:25:50
By: .
According to year book (handy desk side reading!!) Blue Streak is a Proctor XII built by Chippendale in 1962.  So . is right.


Posted: 04/09/2008 10:59:47
By: Garry R
ok sorry I typo error from me! its a mark 9..


Posted: 04/09/2008 13:25:26
By: Rob Wilder
Blue Streak is still a Mark 12 though.  Is the typo in the sail number?


Posted: 04/09/2008 14:02:29
By: Garry R
Rob - give Rob Cruikshank a call, he is a Tammy member and may be interested


Posted: 04/09/2008 16:46:43
By: Andy H
can you send me his number... ?


Posted: 04/09/2008 21:33:03
By: Rob Wilder

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