Lion
04-17-2002, 02:17 AM
Hi Chris, Thad, RGB, Scott and others!
Well, we did it! Went ahead and purchased the Fenwick Williams 18ft Catboat (as per WB '50 Boat Plans') and she arrived by boat carrier from interstate today . Has been very well built originally in 1988, carvel on steamed frames using local timbers, Australian Red Cedar and spotted gum. The cedar, (Cedrela Australis) is beautiful, soft, quite rare and highly sought after by furniture craftspeople and to my knowledge not that common in boatbuilding. Have to see how it goes!
The former custodian saved and stored her under cover for several years and I think only reluctantly parted with her. (He does however have three other timber boats and a family!). No mast or rigging but a sail made and since lost - anyone know where it went ? Prior to the immediate past owners involvement the original interior was removed and centre board trunk cut away in ill-considered attempt to fit a fixed keel! Wait, there's more - a 3ft glued/moulded plywood transom exstension was also added !! (since hacked off).
Why take it on ?
Technicaly despite the vandalism she is in sound basic condition and most of the work we can do without recourse to exspensive tools and materials. Well thats the theory at least.
Practically you get a lot of bang for your buck with a huge cockpit, adequate o/nite accomodation, shallow draft and 'interesting' sailing.
Emotionally this is one handsome husky boat with beautiful lines that makes us weak at the knees - there is something about Catboats (and FW is obviously a master) - just look at the postings when someone asks a question about Catboat design.
I suspect that our future postings will not be on Design Forum; rather many enquies on the Building /Repair. We are looking forward to the project - gulp! Wish us luck - you guys have a lot to answer for!
Well, we did it! Went ahead and purchased the Fenwick Williams 18ft Catboat (as per WB '50 Boat Plans') and she arrived by boat carrier from interstate today . Has been very well built originally in 1988, carvel on steamed frames using local timbers, Australian Red Cedar and spotted gum. The cedar, (Cedrela Australis) is beautiful, soft, quite rare and highly sought after by furniture craftspeople and to my knowledge not that common in boatbuilding. Have to see how it goes!
The former custodian saved and stored her under cover for several years and I think only reluctantly parted with her. (He does however have three other timber boats and a family!). No mast or rigging but a sail made and since lost - anyone know where it went ? Prior to the immediate past owners involvement the original interior was removed and centre board trunk cut away in ill-considered attempt to fit a fixed keel! Wait, there's more - a 3ft glued/moulded plywood transom exstension was also added !! (since hacked off).
Why take it on ?
Technicaly despite the vandalism she is in sound basic condition and most of the work we can do without recourse to exspensive tools and materials. Well thats the theory at least.
Practically you get a lot of bang for your buck with a huge cockpit, adequate o/nite accomodation, shallow draft and 'interesting' sailing.
Emotionally this is one handsome husky boat with beautiful lines that makes us weak at the knees - there is something about Catboats (and FW is obviously a master) - just look at the postings when someone asks a question about Catboat design.
I suspect that our future postings will not be on Design Forum; rather many enquies on the Building /Repair. We are looking forward to the project - gulp! Wish us luck - you guys have a lot to answer for!