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Author Topic: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?  (Read 2096 times)

fairwindsailor

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Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« on: May 25, 2018, 09:02:48 am »

Hi All, I have just been given a yacht hull which I think is of the Graupner kit 'Optimist'.
Also in the bundle were the sails, mast, booms, and the very heavy keel weight.
I would be very interested to hear from any one who has information/build manuals on this kit as I intend to restore it to it's former glory!

Best regards and happy sailing,
Brian Barber.
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roycv

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Re: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2018, 09:48:11 am »

Hi FWS, well lucky you!  You will find more than a few on-line pictures of Optimist.  I have the slightly smaller Gracia, very similar in style etc.  I restored / built that from a part finished hull.  If I can help just say and fortunately there are several of us yotties on the forum as well.

Have you built any yachts before?

Good luck,  Roy
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fairwindsailor

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Re: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2018, 09:58:13 am »

Hi Roy,
Thanks for that, I hope to get started soon and will let you know how it goes. Maybe I'll get some pics posted as well.

Regards,
Brian.
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rodders67

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Re: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2018, 11:12:41 am »

Hi Brian
I have just recently found your search for info on an Optimist and I only registered with MBM yesterday.  I have had an Optimist model yacht for about for about 5 years and I like it a lot.    I am the third person to use this yacht and unfortunately I know nothing about its original build.  It is probably about 50 years old and I am currently applying some TLC to it.  I have recently seen a photograph which shows an Optimist hull without the keel fitted and looking at it I think that the method of fixing the keel is a very weak point.  My boat has a fiberglass cloth bandage around the area where the keel joins the hull and it is rather unsightly.  Improving the look of this area has been a bit of a challenge.  I have also arranged a method of lifting and carrying the boat without involving any strain on the keel.  I an not familiar with the operation of this forum is it possible that we can communicate directly by phone or e-mail?
Regards
Rodney
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fairwindsailor

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Re: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2018, 01:42:26 pm »

Hi Rodney,
Thanks for that, I too am applying a lot of TLC to my optimist, including a reworking of the cabin and access pionts for the RC gear.
The keel weight on my yacht is held in place via a nut and bolt arrangement through the hull! I may well have to rework this in some way.
If you wish, I could email you some 'work in progress' photos as I go along.

Best regards and happy sailing,

Brian.

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roycv

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Re: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2018, 02:06:18 pm »

Hi I used some 2 BA studding in holding the lead keel onto the inside frame of a yacht. Studding out of B & Q can easily be cut to length.  Do not need to screw it up too tight, very effective and strong.
regards Roy
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fairwindsailor

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Re: Graupner 'Optimist' Yacht?
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2018, 04:34:48 pm »

Hi Roy,
Thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I get that far.

Regards,
Brian.
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