MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : 3248 - Snowduck Needs Help

Help please,

Snowduck No.3248 is now undergoing a bit of necessary TLC at her new home in Gloucester.

This is my first Merlin so any guidance would be most welcome - so far I have just stripped her of all the fittings and the varnish, how far should I go with the rebuild ? Are there any do's or don'ts ?

Can anyone tell me the history of this boat ?
I think she is a Rowsell Omega foam sandwich NSM1, she possibly spent some time in Burghfield (based on a berthing sticker still on the trailer).

Both the sails and the cover are very tired - I would doubt that the value of Snowduck justifies the purchase of brand new - Therefore, does anyone have anything suitable lurking in their garage ?

Thanks in advance - Andrew


Posted: 31/08/2009 19:50:44
By: Snowduck
Hi Snowduck
I'm pretty sure this was Valentine (ordered on Valentines Day in 1981) and the original owners were Tony Corbett and Robbie Sampson at Queen Mary. I remember racing against it. As you say, it is a Rowsell/Omega foam sandwich NSM1, which was very much in vogue then.
best of luck
Mark


Posted: 31/08/2009 20:25:14
By: Mark Nicholson
Hi Andrew,

I don't remember Snowduck at Burghfield - but it's big boatpark!

Your Merlin deserves a new cover! - seriously, it's the one piece of kit that is going to keep the value of the boat and reduce maintenance. Secondhand covers are really not much use (I only throw mine when they are completely gone) - and you will need one cut to fit the NSM shape. Most of the major cover manufacturers will have templates for the shape - look around on the web over the winter - usually there's some good offers then (specially if you're not in a hurry).

For sails, have a look at the Second hand section - I've found a good suit secondhand.

Colin (3387)


Posted: 01/09/2009 09:20:07
By: Colin
Thanks to Colin and Mark for your posts - as well as Peter and Phil who have already kindly emailed with encouragement and advice.

I've just completed the initial removal of the varnish and commenced with a bit of sticking where the various joints have failed.

After putting in this ammount of effort - it looks like I will need to shell out for a cover, any suggestions on the best value at the moment?

I guess now is also the time to consider if there any possible amendments to the deck layout I need to be aware of prior to varnishing?

Andrew


Posted: 02/09/2009 23:56:05
By: Snowduck
definately polycotton if varnish is involved. p&b, banks, speedsails all good quality and value - cheap can mean lower quality fabric, fittings and shorter life. My p&b cover is starting to look stiff & tired after 6 years. Also, I would buy a flat top / mast up rather than boom up next time. Should have a loop for the main halliard to lift the cover clear.


Posted: 03/09/2009 08:56:26
By: John C
I recently bought a cover from Velas that is the best I have ever had.  Very good fit and quality.  The Speed cover that preceded it never fitted properly despite going back for alteration twice and ended up porous after about 4 years.

http://www.velas.co.uk/

Posted: 03/09/2009 10:12:40
By: Andrew M
I have had many covers for various boats from Rain and Sun Tel 02380230444 ask for Phil. All covers have lasted really well.


Posted: 03/09/2009 10:43:41
By: David Gates
The big advantage of a boom up cover on a wooden deck is that there is an air gap between cover and deck. This helps the cover stay drier with less condensation inside and so the varnish last longer and the steeper slope drains water better.


Posted: 03/09/2009 13:39:31
By: PJ
I'd agree with the boom-up option. I've got the flat cover and it's good, but there is a tendency for water to puddle at the stern. 

The boat is parked "flat" - she doesn't have any transom drain holes, so it's better to keep the hull flat and let any water drain though the bailers. The next cover will be boom up, there's a little problem where the strut passes through the cover (damp on the foredeck).
HTH
Colin


Posted: 03/09/2009 13:59:23
By: Colin
Perhaps I'm looking in the wrong place, but covers for Merlins appear to be very expensive.

Anyone made their own recently? - if so what did they use and where did they get the material from ? - would they recommend this to others ?

Thanks in advance.


Posted: 27/09/2009 23:10:33
By: Snowduck
For a cover I would try Mike Rimmer at Sail Register. I'm sure he'll have a pattern for an NSM1, http://www.sailregister.co.uk 
His site says that a flat mast up cover is £125.55 delivered.


Posted: 28/09/2009 05:44:21
By: Steve B
I get my under and overcover material and accessories from Point North by mail order. Undercovers in non-waterproof nylon (allows damp to drain out) are very easy to make with a drawstring for that "boat-in-a-bag" effect.

http://www.profabrics.co.uk

Posted: 28/09/2009 13:44:45
By: Pat2121
I have had 2 covers from Rain and Sun - for a Merlin (bespoke) and a Firefly and they are excellent.  Great fit, no silly threading of buckles with frozen fingers, breathable and lasted very well indeed.  Not the cheapest but worth the cash


Posted: 28/09/2009 15:27:16
By: Garry R

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