Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail R&D: => Topic started by: yachtieneil on June 24, 2013, 09:12:18 pm

Title: Help needed please by novice on restoration
Post by: yachtieneil on June 24, 2013, 09:12:18 pm
Dear all,
I would be very grateful if you could offer me advice on this restoration project.
I have only just acquired the yacht and I have no background information. On reviewing the deck / sails I think it might be a gaff rig cutter but I would appreciate your thoughts as to this. I would also appreciate your advice as to how old you think it might be. Although the photos dont show it well, its dimensions are 23" long, 7" deep and 5" wide.
I'm not too worried about retaining value, as it is in such a poor state already I feel it probably needs an extensive renovation, and I don't think the paint is original. Equally, it came with a lot of sails (all featured), which I suspect are not all original and maybe don't all belong to this yacht.
I don't want to take advantage of your generosity, but I would appreciate answers to the following technical questions:
1) What is the best way to remove the paint / varnish without damaging the hull / masts.
2) Can you recommend paints / varnishes for the hull which will give a nice finish.
3) Can you give me indications as to where I can buy fittings - such as the metal tighteners for the sheets / shrouds which will not look out of place.
4) Finally, although this may be a while off, can you advise me on which of the sails you feel belong to the boat and as to the best rig / how to arrange the ropes.
Many thanks,
Neil
Title: More photos...
Post by: yachtieneil on June 24, 2013, 09:15:55 pm
Here are some additional photos...
Title: Re: Help needed please by novice on restoration
Post by: Brooks22 on June 25, 2013, 05:06:41 am
I, too, think your boat was probably a gaff cutter. This drawing may give you ideas on proportions of bowsprit, mast, spars. Unless you have a particular attachment to the sails you have, I'd recut them  to fit the spars you make. Better yet, make new sails from new materials. The mast was likely stepped on the deck: a U of brass sheet would be screwed to the deck, and the wooden mast would be pinned to the U; my wife has a French-built cutter model with a mast stepped this way.

There are many possibilities for rigging cutters, google "gaff cutter" to see other examples. Pick a diagram or photo with proportions pleasing to your eye.

The steering quadrant on the rudder head may be part of the Braine Gear system, used prior to radio control. Google "braine gear steering" to see examples. Simpler self-steering methods are available, too, if you don't want to get into the moderately complex rigging used to control the rudder using the Braine system.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Help needed please by novice on restoration
Post by: Brooks22 on June 25, 2013, 05:45:37 am
The French-built cutter model. Notice it has no rudder - steering is accomplished by setting the sheets: loose jibs, to head up, loose mainsail to fall off. The mast does not tilt forward as far as the photo shows: the model was not resting flat on the couch, so  it's a trick of perspective, I think.

The mast step is formed from 2 L's of brass sheet,one on either side of the mast (not the brass U I spoke of previously, though I've seen U mast steps in other models). Shrouds and a forestay keep the mast upright.

The model's rig was made to fold down, probably to ease transportation on the bus or trolley to the nearest French sailing pond. Both the mast and bowsprit are hinged at their bases. A wire bracket snaps over the bowsprit when it's in position, per the photo, keeping the whole rig upright for sailing. No standing rigging needs to be adjusted once you are at the pond :-)
Title: Re: Help needed please by novice on restoration
Post by: tigertiger on June 25, 2013, 09:52:54 am
It look like you might have more than one set of sails there. But both could be useable for that boat.