‘Minnow’ is in Her Boathouse

She arrived this afternoon after travelling all the way from Norway strapped to Gary McCourt’s boat delivery trailer.

Moving her from the trailer to her trolley took about an hour. Gary has devised a clever way of doing it by the use of four pyramidal supports and two crossbeams. Ratchets at each support controlled the vertical movement of the crossbeams under the boat. Gary was able to lower her with a good degree of precision, so that she was gently placed onto her trolley.

I wondered if the castors attached to the underside of the trolley would be strong enough to take the weight, but they showed no signs of disintegrating, for which I was very pleased.  My neighbour, Gary and I pushed ‘Minnow’ into her boathouse, i.e., the garage.

 So far I haven’t been able to examine her in detail, but I shall take time over the next few days to assess what work may be required before her first sail with me. Of course, I shall have to buy a suitable road trailer for transporting her to the water.

Boathouse for ‘Minnow’

The garage has been swept clean; all cobwebs have been removed – I found a new broom for a new boat.

Hopefully, the road will be clear for the delivery at mid afternoon tomorrow.

The excitement is building, but my hopes must not be too high.

For sure there will be things that I shall not like; however, the good points will surely outweigh the bad ones.

Will I be shocked, or will I be elated; perhaps neither. I may be moderately pleased, or even fully satisfied.

Never before have I acquired a boat without first seeing her close to hand. I am not anxious, but I want to get over the first meeting, which is rather like a blind date. Incidentally, I met my wife through a blind date, not of my choosing, but to satisfy a friend who was unable to attend one that had been arranged for him.

This is a bit of a gamble, but the odds are good. After all, ‘Minnow’ was built to the plans of Matt Layden’s Paradox, with a few minor changes. The basics are there, and possibly a lot more, because she has been tested by two previous owners. I understand that some of the lead ballast has been supplemented with concrete ballast. I’m hoping it has been done well, and that the boat sits on her designed waterline.

If all goes to plan, ‘Minnow’ should be snug in her boathouse by tomorrow evening, and I’ll know the answers to most of my questions.

Great Expectations

The Dickens novel, Great Expectations is full of twists and turns, disappointments, doubts and the unexpected, but finally all ends well. Pip, the central character, is reunited with Estella, and he sees no end to their relationship.

The unexpected happened to me today, for ‘Minnow’ did not arrive, but there was no certainty that she would. A reply to a text message informed me that her ETA would be on Wednesday afternoon of this week. Well, that’s not long to wait, since I’ve been patient for weeks, knowing that the boat could not be moved from Norway in less than three or four days, and I would have to wait until she could be delivered.

Meanwhile, I’ve been attending to the garden, and my son-in-law has been doing most of the graft. He prepared and laid a path beside the driveway, and he undertook other tasks such as levelling ground at the bottom of the garden and laying turf to replace bare patches in the back lawn. My daughter painted the pergola. I simply mowed the lawns and watched them work.

 

This is a great time of year for barbecues, and on Sunday afternoon we had a sumptuous feast grilled by the Master Chef – my wonderful son-in-law.

For more than a month our house has been filled with summer visitors. Today, one lot went and another arrived. Visitors often do the unexpected, so life is by no means dull.

What will tomorrow bring?

Dreaming Again

I never cease to be excited by the ever changing scenery beside the River Crouch at Hullbridge. Sunrise and sunset, ebb and flow, whispering winds, swans, boats and people; the passing of the seasons; colours, light and shade; clouds, bright and fluffy, clear blue sky; falling leaves and black mud - these are the riches of this very special place.

Hullbridge is a slumber land for dreamers – dreamers like me. Yachts restlessly wriggle on the falling tide; then sleepily they rest until awakened by the urgent flood. They strain at their moorings, longing to be off, longing to curtsy in response to the wind; longing for fulfilment, just to be what they were meant to be: pleasers and charmers, dancers of the sea. Moonshine, shadows, sparkling stars; spindrift, spray, rainbow light; these are jewels of joy they bring.

My excitement is heightened by the imminent arrival of ‘Minnow’, a magical mistress seeking a new master who will cosset her; one who will dress her and make her fit for purpose. She is not the prettiest Essex girl, but she has inner strength; beneath her scars she has character and dignity and fidelity. She will satisfy her owner, and he will be content.

‘Sandpiper’ Has Gone

'Minnow'

There is a little pang in my stomach and a tinge of sadness that a chapter has ended, but what a chapter! And a new one is about to begin!

I saw the tail end of ‘Sandpiper’ disappearing around the corner as I waved her goodbye. Whether she was sad or not, I do not know. She had a new Master. She was off to Graffam Water for a life of luxury, a life of indulgence. No more tides, no more frightening maelstroms - real or imagined - no more endurance passages, no more headlands, nothing but picnics and gentile sailing around the lake. There will be tea parties galore and sunny afternoons …….. Pottering as Potters should potter.

Hopefully, a fresh page will be turned this coming Monday, 19^th August to reveal ‘Minnow’, a seasoned Paradox sailboat, all the way from Norway, repatriated to her country of birth. She will smell the tang of sea salt while crossing the Strait of Dover. She will feel the ferry lifting to the swell, and know that she will soon have a new Haven and a new Master who will give her adventures by the score.

Sea billows roll, roll on, and bring her home safely.

John 10:10 'I have come that they may have life, and that they may it more abundantly.'

Links

Graffam Water

http://www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk/

Graffam Water Sailing Club

 http://www.grafham.org/  

Strait of Dover

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Dover

Notes for ‘Sandpiper’s’ New Owner

A boat is unlike a car in that she is very individual, especially when it comes to handling. Cars are much of a likeness. They have steering wheels, accelerators and brakes. Drive one car, you can drive another. There are no brakes on sailboats, and speed is down to sail handling. Steering is by tiller or wheel. Because of their individual characteristics, boats will respond differently when experiencing identical conditions. Their helmsmen have to know how to get the best out of them.

Experience counts. Put the boat into the hands of a novice, and she will not be sailed to her maximum potential.

On parting with a boat to a new owner, I usually give him a list of tips. My suggestions are based on what I have learned when sailing and looking after her. I shall be giving ‘Sandpiper’s’ new owner the following notes:

‘Sandpiper’

Use of the Trailer

When the trailer is not attached to the towing vehicle place a support under the back end to stop it from tipping, especially when someone is in the cockpit.

Before launching the boat, cover the vent holes on the wheel caps with waterproof tape to prevent water entering the bearings. Remove the tape after retrieving the boat.

Use a long rope with a turn around the ball hitch to lower the trailer and boat in the water. Have a painter to hand for securing the boat while the trailer is being retrieved.

Rigging the Boat

Have a stepladder or stool handy for getting in and out of the boat.

Lay the mast and Genoa luff rod centrally on top of the boat. The top of the mast needs to be kept clear of the hatch. This can be done with a helper or by an improvised support. I use a padded stool on top of the lazarette lid.

Insert the bolt through the tabernacle and mast. Make sure the mast is placed centrally in the tabernacle. Shackle shrouds to the chainplates. Attach a line to the eye at the bottom of the forestay to which the tack strop is shackled. This line is pulled when the mast is being lifted – best done by someone standing in the cockpit. If you are on your own, the line can be passed through the forward hole of the tack plate, so that it can be pulled when the mast is being lifted. Temporarily secure the line.

Alight from the boat and pass the line under the forward crossbar of the trailer’s winch mechanism and thread it back through the eye at the tack end of the forestay. Pull down the line to tighten the forestay. If you find this difficult, tie the end to the winch crossbar and use a rod to make a tourniquet. The lower tack strop can then be shackled to the tack plate. Remove the tourniquet and line. The mast is now rigged.

Place wooden cheeks either side of the mast within the tabernacle.

Slot the boom onto the gooseneck, and pass the lower end of the fixed topping lift through the upper shackle of the fitting at the aft end of the boom. Secure the end of the topping lift by making a rolling hitch. This can be used to adjust the boom height. Shackle the mainsheet block to the boom. To raise the boom when not sailing, lift it and pass the topping lift under a cleat on the starboard side of the boom, then under the port cleat.

This is a good time to ship the rudder and the outboard - both in their fully raised positions.

Sailing

The boat performs well when on her designed waterline. Therefore make sure the bow has sufficient weight to keep her trimmed correctly. Lead or water ballast forward of the forward bulkhead will do the trick. She will not go to windward efficiently unless she is trimmed correctly.

Think about reefing when at the upper end of Force 3. From thereon, reef both the Genoa and the mainsail to achieve a balance. The mainsail is easily reefed when the boat is hove to, i.e., with the foresail backed and the mainsail freed off to leeward. The tiller should be secured to leeward. In this position lower the sail while manually rolling it around the boom. You can reef to the lower batten, but in extreme conditions, you should extract it and insert a couple of towels before rolling further. This is to raise the boom while keeping the sail flat. Make sure the topping lift is slack to allow the sail to set properly. Keep the luff very taught.

Centreplate and Rudder

Before lowering the centreplate remove the securing pin. Lower the plate steadily until fully down. The support bolt passes through a curved slot, not a regular hole; therefore when the plate is being lowered it slightly moves aft. It may be necessary to push the rudder down, until it is fully down. If it is not fully down, the boat won’t sail to windward properly. When the boat is at anchor it is better to have both the plate and the rudder raised.

Tiller

The tiller can be lifted to allow the lid of the lazarette to be raised. It can also be separated from the rudder by sliding it aft.

Anchoring

Free-off the anchor chain and flake about 6 or 7 metres of warp onto the cabin top. Have the anchor ready on the foredeck for letting go.

Cooker

Ignite a match or gas lighter; hold it over the burner and turn the knob anticlockwise. The canister can be released by lifting the lever. I never did this until replacing a canister. I was vigilant not to accidentally turn the knob on.

Solar Panel and Battery

It is a good idea to periodically check the battery voltage with a voltmeter to make sure the solar panel is doing its work,. That’s because there is a possibility that the plug may not be correctly fitted into the socket. The battery is maintenance free.

Cockpit Drain

If the boat is trimmed to her lines, the cockpit will drain, but if she is down at the stern she won’t fully drain. It is best to keep the plug in the cockpit drain because under certain conditions water can be siphoned into the cockpit. The plug also keeps rubbish out!

There are two tiny drains at the very aft of the cockpit that need periodic checking to ensure they are not blocked.

Lazarette

The lid of the lazarette can be kept open by a line under it attached to cleats on the outside of the coamings.

Well, I’m looking forward to meeting ‘Sandpiper’s’ new owner on Saturday, when he comes to collect her.

‘Sandpiper’ – Ready to Go

The Ebay auction brought a satisfactory result. Although I lost financially, I certainly gained experientially through my involvement with the boat. I took her on knowing there would be work to do, but I didn’t realise to what extent! The biggest and most important aspect of renovating her was rebuilding the centreplate box in the proximity of the through-bolt. The repair was a complete success, and it improved the structure of the box. I felt pretty good about it.

Almost everything required attention, but now she is in good working order. There are still things that can be improved, such as installing replacement windows, building stowage racks in the cabin and adding berth cushions. Later, she could do with a new suit of sails, and her underwater parts could be repainted and antifouled.

Maintaining boats is a continuous business – pleasurable if done a little at a time when the need arises.

No doubt ‘Sandpiper’s’ new owner will have a lot of fun tinkering with her and sailing her. I understand he will be sailing her on inland waters. She’ll be a super boat for day sailing, fishing, motoring and picnicking. I sincerely hope he will be very pleased with her.

Making a Trolley for ‘Minnow’

Wicks and Homebase were the sources of materials for building ‘Minnow’s’ trolley. This morning I bought three planks, plus nuts and bolts from Wicks. By visiting two Homebase stores I was able to obtain six heavy duty castors – two of them from Rayleigh and the others from Vange. Officially, these castors are no longer stocked at Homebase; therefore I was fortunate to find them.

Within an hour-and-a-half of arriving home, my son-in-law and I finished making the trolley. We used eight bolts to hold the frame together, and we attached six castors to the underside of the frame. Hopefully they will be sufficiently strong take the weight of the boat and her trolley. I believe the trolley will be robust enough to withstand at least six months of constant use.

The advantages of having a trolley are threefold: Importantly, I shall be able to receive the boat when she is being offloaded from the delivery trailer on 19^th August, and I shall be able to convey her to my garage where she will be out of the elements. I’ll also be able to conveniently move her in and out of the garage for working on.

This temporary facility will give me time for acquiring a suitable road trailer. Just now I am uncertain as to what will be the best type of trailer.  Whatever, I end up with will depend on the cost. I don’t want to spend more on her trailer than on buying her, but I fear I shall have to pay more for a trailer.

Note

One more day, and the auction for ‘Sandpiper’ will have finished. I wonder how much her new owner will settle for. Details of the auction can be found by visiting yesterday’s blog:

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/viewing-sandpiper-prior-to-bidding-at.htm/

Viewing ‘Sandpiper’ Prior to Bidding at Ebay

Today is Tuesday, 13^th August, 2013. Two interested parties have booked to see ‘Sandpiper’ prior to bidding at Ebay. I set her up on the driveway to my house with the mast raised and the sails bent as if she were ready for a sail.

What struck me was how well she had fared since being built in 1972. Those were the days when heavy fibreglass lay-up was the norm. Builders at the time were unaware of how durable and strong GRP was, and they played safe by adding more laminates than were required.

The other noticeable feature was how clean she looked. Apart from staining in the cockpit, gelcoat on the exterior of the cabin top and the coamings was remarkably clean and in tact. Yes, there was some crazing where you might expect to find it, but nothing serious that would allow ingress of water into the laminates.

She’s a sturdy, practical, little trailer sailer that will provide good service for years to come. The sails have seen the best of their days, but they set rather well and draw the boat along nicely. I’ve had over 4 knots from her when on the wind in the right conditions, such as when sailing from Ramsgate to Dover in the early stage of my summer cruise to the West Country.

She represents excellent value for money. Anyone who gets her will have a bargain.

There’s another day-and-a-half for viewing before the auction closes. To see her, please arrange a time by phoning me at 07588288060. Thank you.

The Ebay.co.uk auction number is 161082579480. Key the number into the Search Box.

Bill of Sale for ‘Sandpiper’

'Sandpiper'

I’ve sold enough boats to know something about drafting a Bill of Sale for a boat. A simple one for a trailer sailer such as ‘Sandpiper’ can be downloaded free of charge from the RYA website. (See first link below.)

A more comprehensive one can be found by clicking the second link.

I quite like one that I have used for several of my boats. It includes warranties from the seller that he will indemnify the buyer. The seller also guarantees that the boat is sold free of liens, encumbrances and liabilities. The seller warrants that he will defend the buyer from adverse claims should they arise.

A Bill of Sale is a useful document that goes a long way to proving ownership of a vessel. It is a legal document if drafted correctly, and it has witnessed signatures of the Seller and the Buyer. If a Bill of Sale is produced and signed each time a vessel is sold, the line of ownership can be traced to the original owner(s). Thereby the history and pedigree of a vessel can be established, and perhaps where she was built and by whom.

I am preparing ‘Sandpiper’s Bill of Sale for when her new owner collects her from my home.

Links

RYA Bill of Sale for a Boat

http://www.rya.org.uk/sitecollectiondocuments/legal/Web%20Documents/Legal%20Leaflets/Members%20Advice/Bill%20of%20Sale/BILL%20OF%20SALE.pdf

Free Bill of Sale for a Boat

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/2222840/free-bill-of-sale-boat

My New Project

 

'Sandpiper'

Over the years I have owned many sailing boats. Each one has been a ‘project’. Some I have taken on as they were. Others have required significant changes. A few I have built from scratch, and two I built from basic kits.

Ownership of my boats and affinity for them have been important aspects of my relationships with them. I live a fantasy with each new boat. I see them as living creatures that respond to my affections. There are times when they sense danger and tell me what to do. They suggest when to reef and what course to steer. They give their wisdom in appreciation of my cosseting, and they respond by caring for me. Together we share glorious adventures exploring the coastline and the fringes of the ocean - always dreaming. There are times when we are terrified, elated, calm or plain exhausted, but in the end we always come through together. Back home at Fairhaven, we are grateful and thankful for our safe return.

Severing of a relationship with a boat is sometimes tearful, but I soon forget her when a new mistress arrives on the scene. Only once did I regret parting, and that came about through a generous offer - to me as a bribe I shouldn’t have accepted, but to her new owner, a bounty well worth paying. He will not sell her back to share life with me, because he knows of her benefits.

'Minnow'

Now I am about to be severed from ‘Sandpiper’ whose new partner will partake of her favours and appreciate her capabilities. I shall shed no tears, but I shall remember times of joy - blissful, sun-blessed days, sailing the ocean blue. I shall forget moments of trial when Nature vented her fury and tried to overwhelm us; times when she played tricks without warning, to trip us up: squalls, tiderips, fog, rain and hail. But I shall remember the good times, and look for more to come with a new mistress.

‘Minnow’, Paradox that you are, what does the future hold for us? Shall we dance together, have fun, delight and share many rewards to come? 

Bidding for ‘Sandpiper’ at Ebay Continues

There are nearly five days left for the auction to run, and the bidding has reached £500.

Ebay is often a good indicator of the market price for all sorts of things. People will pay what they think items are worth. By following the bidding for similar items, one can assess their going rates. I did this before I bid for my iPhone, and what an excellent phone it has turned out to be.

I have a pretty good idea as to what I can expect for ‘Sandpiper’ and her trailer, but if the winning bid falls short of the mark, I shall be philosophical about it, because I’ve so much enjoyed improving and sailing her. I can’t put a price on the fun I’ve had while looking after her.

Her new owner will have the responsibility of being her custodian – the one who cares for her. She is a classic trailer sailer, an iconic boat of the early seventies that remains popular today.

Bidding at Ebay has commenced for ‘Sandpiper’

I am pleased to say that bidding has commenced at Ebay.co.uk for my ‘C’ Type West Wight Potter and her trailer. At the time of writing, 8 bids have been placed, the highest being £311.00.

To follow the auction, or better still, participate in it, visit www.ebay.co.uk then enter the following number into the Search Box: 161082579480. Save that page to your ‘Favourites’ or ‘Bookmarks’ for future reference.

Because I am only accepting payment through PayPal, bidders must have a PayPal account before they can honour their bid if they should win. (See the first link below for instructions on getting a PayPal account.) Incidentally, when you buy anything at Ebay, you are not charged for the service. The seller is the one who incurs charges. You don’t have to lodge money in a PayPal account in order to pay for what is bought at Ebay. Your PayPal account will be linked to a bank account of your choosing, and the money for payments will automatically be transferred from that account. The process of obtaining a PayPal account need not take long. (See the second link below.)

PayPal charges for services they perform, but these are minimal.

For those who are not computer literate, I suggest you ask a relative or friend who knows about these things to give you a hand.

Bidding for ‘Sandpiper’ ends on Thursday, 15^th August at 17.20.

The Winner takes All!!!

Links

Getting a PayPal Account for Buying and Selling on Ebay

https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/how-to-sell-online

Setting up Your PayPal Account

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/setting-up-your-paypal-account-and-profile.html

‘Sandpiper’ at Ebay Auction

The deed has been done. I urgently require space for my new (second-hand) boat; therefore I have placed my ‘C’ Type West Wight Potter and her road trailer for auction. There is no reserve, and the current bid at the time of writing is £5.50!!!!

To find the auction, key the following number into the Ebay.co.uk search box: 161082579480.

You really could have an exceptional bargain, but if you bid, do it sincerely with the intention of honouring your pledge. Payment within 24 hours will be required through the PayPal/Ebay system, and I shall want you to remove the boat and her trailer from my premises at Hockley, Essex, no later than 16.00, Sunday, 18^th August.

I recommend that you see the boat and trailer before bidding, and you can arrange a date and time for viewing by phoning me at 07588288060, or by using the Ebay communications system.

If you know of any friends or relatives whom you think would want her, please let them have these details.

Paradox ‘Enuf’, now ‘Minnow’ – Part 2

Here are three more photos of ‘Minnow’. She certainly has character - just like other Paradoxes, but each of them vary in detail and in finish. From photos on the Internet I remember Glen Maxwell’s ‘Zoe’. For sure, she was beautifully finished. I was saddened to hear she had been destroyed by fire when being shipped by road to her new owner. Both Glen and her new owner must have been devastated.

I’m looking forward to working on ‘Minnow’.

This will be the first time I have acquired a boat without physically checking her out beforehand. Therefore I’m hoping that what will require doing to make her shipshape will not be too serious. I know she leaks, and that will be my priority to put right. Will I have her ready for launching before the season closes? I suspect not, because I shall want to make sure everything is to my satisfaction, and by the looks of it, I shall have to obtain a decent trailer. She doesn’t come with one, and those who have enquired about ‘Sandpiper’ have expressed an interest in her trailer too.

It is essential that ‘Minnow’s’ trailer will be more than adequate for transporting her safely by the road, and be designed to make launching and retrieving as hassle free as possible. Ideally, the wheel hubs should not be submerged, but if I have Bearing Buddies fitted, there shouldn't be a problem of water ingress into the bearings.

As each day passes, I become more excited at the prospect of having my own Paradox once again.

Links

Bearing Buddies

http://www.trailertek.com/acatalog/Bearing_buddies.html

Selling ‘Sandpiper’ – Part 2

The advertisement at Apollo Duck was approved. (See first link below.)

Because I want to sell my ‘C’ Type West Wight Potter quickly, due to a new (second-hand) boat being delivered on 19^th August, I am prepared to respond favourably to reasonable offers. You can have her with or without her trailer. If she sells without her trailer, I shall be happy to deliver her free within a radius of 100 miles of my home in Hockley, Essex. In that case, I would require the assistance of two people at the point of delivery to help me get her off the trailer. This can be done by raising the tow bar and sliding her off. She will sit comfortably on three car tyres, two under her quarters and the other one under her bow. The advantage of this arrangement is that the tyres can be placed in situ as she is being slid off her trailer. Old tyres are easy to obtain, and possibly for nothing.

Hopefully ‘Sandpiper’ will have a new home before Monday, 19^th August; thus I shall have room for my new boat.

The cheapest way of becoming ‘Sandpiper’s’ owner would be to buy her without her trailer and without bits and pieces mentioned in the Ebay advertisement.* This is what you would end up with: the boat, mast, boom, furling headsail, mainsail, standing and running rigging, and the rudder.  I could possibly throw in the outboard bracket.

If you made a good offer for the boat and trailer I would include all of the items outlined in the Ebay advertisement.*

Please contact me at 07588288060, and if you would like me to phone back to a UK landline phone, I’ll gladly do so, providing I am at home at the time.

Be free to discuss matters over the phone and to make a tentative offer. You can text if you prefer, but you would be wise to see the boat before finalizing your offer. My preferred method of payment would be cash on delivery or when being collected. If you are buying the boat with her trailer, I would prefer you to collect her from my place.

This is a real opportunity for acquiring a good example of an iconic, classic boat which will be fun to own.

Links

For Sale: West Wight Potter, ‘C’ Type 14’

http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/display.phtml?aid=320064

*West Wight Potter ‘C’ Type (Ebay Advertisement)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161065836009?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

West Wight Potters – ‘C’ Type for Sale

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/west-wight-potters-c-type-for-sale.html

Sale of my ‘C’ Type West Wight Potter

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/sale-of-my-c-type-west-wight-potter.html

‘Minnow’, My New (Second-hand) Boat

http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/minnow-my-new-second-hand-boat.html

Paradox ‘Enuf’, now ‘Minnow’

Derek Clark, the builder of ‘Enuf’, had two articles published at Duckworks Magazine. The first tells the story of her being built, and the other of her being launched. (See links below.)

 I’m not sure why she was given her name, but I think Derek’s wife had had ‘enough’ by the time he finished building the boat, and because she frequently said she had had ‘enuf’, the name stuck! Well, she didn’t abandon him, because she went along to the launching ceremony at Ridge Warf, not far from Wareham in Dorset.

 As far as I can tell, ‘Enuf’ was first launched in July, 2006. Al Law was there to give a hand, and to sail in company with his Paradox, ‘Little Jim’.

Renaming a boat is not favoured by superstitious sailors, because they believe that a change of name brings bad luck. I do not believe in ‘luck’, or ‘bad luck’, but in ‘providence’, which is defined by the Concise Oxford Dictionary as: the protective care of God. His care can never be bad! Therefore a change of name to ‘Minnow’ does not concern me. Apart from a leak and some cracking of the GRP at the gunnels, she has survived - even surviving from being frozen while afloat during a Norwegian winter.

There is another myth that bad luck will befall any green boat.  The fact that ‘Enuf’ was coated with green-stained epoxy does not worry me. Al’s Paradox was green from the beginning, and as far as I know, nothing untoward has happened to her. Most probably I shall paint ‘Minnow’ grey to hide exterior defects. She will be functional, rather than beautiful, and she will resemble a work boat. Her red sail should make her visible at sea, but to improve visibility, I may coat her mast with bright reflective paint.

Regarding her name, I prefer ‘Minnow’ to ‘Enuf’.

Links

Building a Paradox by a Beginner

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/06/projects/paradox/index.htm

Paradox ‘Enuf’ Launched

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/07/outings/paradox/index.htm

Building Paradox - ‘Little Jim’, by Al Law

http://www.little.jim.freeuk.com/little_jim/little_jim.htm

‘Minnow’, My New (Second-hand) Boat

‘Minnow’, originally ‘Enuf’, built by Derek Clark, is due to be delivered to my place on Monday, 19^th August. She’s travelling by road and ferry from Norway. For the past few years she's been under the ownership of Robert Biegler. Robert has informed me that she leaks, and that the ingress would appear to be somewhere in the region of vent box where the mast is stepped. He has not found the exact location. That will be my priority, to discover where water comes into the boat and to prevent if from doing so.

Apart from that, I have no fixed ideas about how I shall renovate or modify ‘Minnow’. In the past, a few members of the Yahoo Paradox Builders Group have been critical of any changes to Matt Layden’s Paradox. I too, believed she was fit for purpose. Matt spent years ‘perfecting’ her. He wanted a boat for shallow water cruising in the Bahamas, but before reaching the islands, he had to sail her across the Gulf Stream, and although he designed her primarily for beach cruising, he also made her safe for sailing offshore.

I built the Paradox ‘Faith’, and I know for a fact that she was fit for purpose. However, now that I am to have ‘Minnow’, a Paradox that was not strictly built according to plan, I would not rule out making other changes. I believe she has a higher cabin top than the original, and the structure of it is different. Derek added a washboard to make it easier for entering the cabin and to make it more convenient for reaching a transom mounted outboard. Derek modified parts of the interior; for example, he widened the opening in number two bulkhead for the stowage of a Porta Potti up forward.

At this point I am open to the possibility of changing aspects of the boat for achieving a better windward performance, particularly when the wind is Force 5 and above. Because the existing lugsail loses length of luff when furled, the performance of the boat drops to the extent that one has to free off considerably to maintain way. That begs the question or questions how to improve the boat’s windward performance in stronger winds. A dilemma has to be overcome. By increasing the length of the luff, inevitably the centre of effort is raised, which in turn makes the boat less stable. The solution could be a reefing wing sail, which, like a junk sail, tends to heel a boat less than a Bermudan or Gaff sail. However, the fore and aft position of the centre of effort must match the original, unless a forward lifting plate can be incorporated into the hull.

Because things are interrelated, changing one part will inevitably necessitate changing other parts for maintaining the underlying status quo.

Selling ‘Sandpiper’

In addition to advertising ‘Sandpiper’ on Ebay, I have submitted an advertisement to Apollo Duck. Hopefully the advert will be approved, and appear there in due time. The asking price, inclusive of her trailer is £1,400 ONO.

I am seeking a quick sale, because I want the garage for my next project - re-commissioning a Paradox built by Derek Clark. Robert Beigler, who lives in Norway, has been her owner for the past few years. ‘Minnow’, ex ‘Enuf’, is due for delivery to my home on 19^th August.

My wife tolerates one mistress, but not two!!

Links

Apollo Duck

http://www.apolloduck.co.uk/