Just looking at the fact that a number of boats have disappeared from the For Sale part of the web site. Does this mean that Merlins are still selling well or are we to assume that many owners have withdrawn their boats from the list until conditions improve?

As ever, all information gratefully received.

Many thanks,
Chris

3655 and 3563 have both been sold recently. Not sure about 3624?

Take It Easy, 3606 is still available boys and girls. Looking really tidy as been playing with her the last few months. Rigs just had a lovely coat of varnish so it slides through the air faster, and the hull is looking like new!! Comes with loads of kit and ready for the new season.

On a serious note it does appear that this is becoming a very one design fleet with all the Winders (of any mark) seeming to be sold before other designs. I guess those new to the fleet only really see the current Winders at the front of the fleet and know less about Linton, Driver, Smart boats etc. A shame as they are all great boats.

They are selling but not neceserily for the asking prices. 3624 is sold.

Is that "All the right boats but not necessarily in the right order" Is Mr Preview now sailing Merlins.  I do hope so.  Waht do you think of it so far?  All together now ......

Bet new boats have not come down in price even with 15% vat !

I was told 3645 Blue Velvet had sold, but that was an error, so she is back on the list - hope thats right now!

I recently sold 3655 having had it on the for sale list since August. I would say that despite a fair bit of interest most people phoning about the boat were actually looking for older cheaper boats and ended up buying such boats (or deciding Merlins were too much of a treat in the credit crunch). Aside from the chap who bought poached salmon who had to make a decision between essentially similar boats the first person to call me who really wanted a boat of this quality / newness bought it (the other one bought poached salmon). So i would say not that many in the market for single string Mk 4 Winders.

I sold 3658 last year using the website and have just returned from winders who had 3 new merlins on the go [for people who had sold their boats without advertising them] 2 to build before mine and several more to build after . Clearly the class is very strong despite current times .

In the current economic climate, im sure people will consider the option of one stringing older boats,ive heard comments that the early boats cant be done ,total myth! Dave Lapes is fine,ours also (3610) and I believe Winders have done several more. £for £ they offer excellent value as most mods can be retro fitted (dropped bow etc) and im sure this is one factor when thinking  about buying secondhand.

3624 sold in january to someone who is new to the merlin class at starcross

Dirty Hands - I've been trying to get a hold of you. Have you changed numbers or something? 

Can you give me a bell on 07920 251 365 when you have a sec. 

Ta, 
Andy

D.H so true, 3580 has had a dropped nose approx �400, and one stringed, approx �1000, and is as fast as the best

3633 sold .

Apologies to all sellers who have sent in photos recently....we've only just got hold of the emails! The secondhand list has 5 more pictures now.

We managed to sell 3515 within a couple of weeks to a Phantom sailor who just liked the look of the merlin class. There are buyers out there as long as sellers are realistic with their asking price.