Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: clockworks on May 05, 2019, 07:51:01 pm

Title: 36R with fibreglass hull - how old could it be?
Post by: clockworks on May 05, 2019, 07:51:01 pm

Clubmate has just bought an old 36R with a fibreglass hull anp plywood deck. The external finish is good, but the inside of the hull looks very rough by modern standards. The chap who sold it to him reckoned that it was originally built and sailed without a radio.


When was fibreglass first used to build model yachts? Google tells me that it was used for cars in 1950, and just before the end of the war for full-size boats.

Title: Re: 36R with fibreglass hull - how old could it be?
Post by: garethjones35 on May 06, 2019, 05:04:18 pm

I have it on good authority (advice from Russell Potts) that fibreglass hulls for model yachts were first introduced in the 1950s.  I have a hull for a Tucker designed Jemima Duck Marblehead, awaiting its turn in the restoration queue.  By comparison with modern mouldings its very rough on the inside and also very heavy.


Gareth

Title: Re: 36R with fibreglass hull - how old could it be?
Post by: Netleyned on May 06, 2019, 05:53:03 pm

If it was measured there might be a signature on the sails, or the sail reg number may be
a tracer.
Ned

Title: Re: 36R with fibreglass hull - how old could it be?
Post by: clockworks on May 06, 2019, 06:32:57 pm

Thanks for the info. Looks like this is a very early GRP hull, which fits with what he was told by the seller.


Presumably by "measured" you mean checked for class compliance before racing? I'll get him to have a good look around for any markings.