Can any one identify this boat for me? It would be much appreciated. I'm puzzled by the built in bouyancy in the stern.

This boat was finished by David Proctor of Whitstable from a Winder hull for the Championships at WYC in 1983. David is a professional boatbuilder who trained at Anderson Rigden and Perkins.  It is an NSM 2 and David sailed it at Whitstable for many years. Aft tanks were not uncommon at the time the boat was built.  David doesn't do computers so he won't see this, but I can put you in touch if you wish. He still sails Merlins at Whitstable.

Is this the boat with the rather differnt and very curvy rear end?

The stern has got a curve to it. I dont know a curly though. I've had the boat about 10 years now. Its a bit of an old world horse, but much loved and sailed regularly. Please pass my message of appreciation to David Procter for his craftmanship.

I have been lucky to own a N12 built by David in 1976 and I can only say  his work is superb. He is not only a very talented boat builder but his boats come out light and stiff. David's work is second to none.

I spoke to David today about other things and he was delighted to hear that Hubble Bubble is alive and well. I will pass on your messages when I see him next weekend

Ken and I had Hubble Bubble for a couple of years at Tamesis about 10 years ago (a good stepping stone for us between Satisfaction and Canterbury Tales).
It was deck stepped and with the excellent built in buoyancy we were able to recover from our numerous capsizes!
Brian

I think the stern built-in buoyancy may be an influence from David's N12 builds where this is a common feature. It can add a little weight but is thought to contribute to stiffness... Be interesting to hear thoughts on this.

3316 Blow Job,a Summer Wine, had a stern tank,(built by Nick Turner). Also sailed at Whitstable.

I believe there is a class measurement rule for stern tanks,limiting the distance forward from the stern.

Aft tanks are ace. BAU now has a carbon one: stiffens the back end, stops the torsion and stops the stern sinking in a capsize recovery situation. Looks sweet compared to the yellow pillow bags too.

I took my tank out and put bags in. The transom was a foot under water and made recovery very difficut.(Capsize was dangerouse in a sea. This was due to the size of the tank, and class rule.

Interesting, Broz. We have found the opposite, the transom floated higher with the tank. With the bags, the transom & side decks were under water.

Our tank extends about 900mm from the transom (Class Rule is 1100mm maximum) and we focussed on getting the volume as low as possible.

Mine fill up with water .......