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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    3,096

    Default convert traditional surf lifesaving boat to sail

    Hey all,
    Been a while since I've posted, G'day to all.

    In short, can classic surf lifesaving boat convert to sail and be a good performer?

    In more detail:

    I have a 12' 6" classic timber, gaff rigged Catspaw sailing dingy. I think that I have outgrown it. I have 2 little kids and with the 3 of us and gear, and the relatively small beam, it's a bit cramped. I have reasonable "hobbist" sailing skills, in Laser, Taser, small cats, crew on 18' Historic Skiffs and the Catspaw. I have woodworking skills but no boat building or design skills.
    I'm motivated, but in the 'thinking it out' stage.

    For personal, historic and cultural reasons I am really drawn to the classic surf lifesaving boat.

    Converting a classic surf lifesaving boat to sail, (preferably gaff rig and jib/spanker) will it produce a dud or a reasonable sailboat?

    As always, thank you for your consideration and input.
    Last edited by Clinton1; 18th October 2020 at 03:27 PM. Reason: spelling
    Cheers,
    Clinton

    "Use your third eye" - Watson

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/clinton_findlay/

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    back in Alberta for a while
    Age
    68
    Posts
    12,006

    Default

    Clinton,
    I'm not sure that a classic tuck stern surf boat tapering sharply from it's widest point at the forward most thwart (seat position) would make much of a sail boat.
    For stability under sail, the mast would need to be positioned near where the boat's beam is the widest. You might then find you need a second mast -- ketch or yawl -- to stabilise the stern.

    Things like the generally flat bottomed hull could make a sail rigged surf boat unstable, even if it were fitted dagger boards or a center board.


    but hey, if you're keen give it a go
    regards from Alberta, Canada

    ian

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Sydney
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    3,096

    Default

    thanks Iam
    Cheers,
    Clinton

    "Use your third eye" - Watson

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/clinton_findlay/

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    3,096

    Cool

    I was originally inspired by a bloke who modified a surf lifesaving boat to put a weather proof canopy on the front, with a sleeping platform, and mounted an outboard motor in a well about 1/4 back from the stern.
    Surf lifesaving boats are our heritage, and often get sold for peanuts.
    Maybe just run a jib/spanker and a missen mast sail rig to balance things?
    Cheers,
    Clinton

    "Use your third eye" - Watson

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/clinton_findlay/

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