30 year old Streaker in kit form!
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3345
Printed Date: 19 Aug 25 at 6:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 30 year old Streaker in kit form!
Posted By: Philsy
Subject: 30 year old Streaker in kit form!
Date Posted: 02 Sep 07 at 9:47pm
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I've been offered a 30 year old Streaker kit that hasn't been built but has all
the parts including rig. Apparently, it take about 100 hours to build. Has anyone any experience of doing this? Also, is it a decent class? Thanks Phil |
Replies:
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 02 Sep 07 at 10:02pm
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Yeah build it they are great boats, very light and well balanced. Although they dont carry weight well! ------------- |
Posted By: Philsy
Date Posted: 02 Sep 07 at 10:07pm
13 stone OK, or would I need to diet?  ------------- |
Posted By: Ross
Date Posted: 02 Sep 07 at 10:23pm
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http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/classes/?s=42&c=59
------------- Ross If you can't carry it, don't sail it! |
Posted By: The Moo
Date Posted: 02 Sep 07 at 10:39pm
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Presumably you have looked at http://www.streaker-class.org.uk/
I sailed in the Streaker Class during the mid 80's and my second boat was built semi professionally. The builder was disappointed with the quality of the Holt Kits in terms of quality of ply and weight. In the end he bought a kit and plans and used it as a template to cut his own wood to size. The resulting boat no 1295, with nice sapele decks, and razor sharp chines (no tape used on the edges)was rather special. It remained in my garage for a number of years after I moved on to Lasers as it was just too nice to get rid of. If you want to be competitive at a top level I think you need to weigh the sum parts of the kit and factor in the weight of epoxy and paint and see how it compares to the current minimum weight. I think you also need to look at the rigs on current boats as I understand spars and sails have moved on somewhat over the years. (Rooster have been involved in the Class for some years now.) Also the latest hulls are double bottomed around the daggerboard case area and are much stiffer. If I have over estimated your aspirations then maybe this kit (if it is cheap enough) is a good route into a Class that is really nice to be involved with. The boats are great all rounders and from personal experience used to sail well to their handicap at club level. If my sailing circumstances changed I could be tempted to move back! It might be an idea to speak to the Association and try and arrange a test sail before you make a decision. |
Posted By: Philsy
Date Posted: 02 Sep 07 at 10:47pm
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Thanks, some useful info.
I'm just looking for something to do some fun sailing and racing in, when I can't get a crew. I'd been toying with the idea of something new, like a Laser or Vareo, when this came up at the weekend. Cost for the kit is nothing - it belongs to an uncle who bought it and then ended up with a Laser. His sailing days are long behind him now and he would be happy to see it used. Obviously, I'll need some fresh epoxy, paint etc, so there will be a cost element. Interesting about your number. Apparently, this boat is 1376, so maybe the kit is newer than my uncle remembers. I'll contact the association. Cheers Phil ------------- |
Posted By: Philsy
Date Posted: 03 Sep 07 at 8:14am
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Class association website isn't working properly - the contact form and
forum aren't working.  ------------- |
Posted By: Black no sugar
Date Posted: 03 Sep 07 at 11:04am
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The class association seems to be in a bit of a disarray these days. Their website has been passed on to a new webmaster that took it offline for refurbishment and hasn't put in back on yet. If you're near the South coast and would like to try a Streaker, drop in our club in Lancing. One of our members, Alan Simmons, is very active in the association and he's a Streaker passionate (not to be confused with a passionate streaker). He will arrange a test sail for you, as well as give you plenty of tips and advice. He can also get you in contact with other members if you're not able to come to Lancing. If you want to get in touch with him, please send me a PM. ------------- http://www.lancingsc.org.uk/index.html - Lancing SC 
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Posted By: tickler
Date Posted: 03 Sep 07 at 12:01pm
| The very thought! |
Posted By: Philsy
Date Posted: 04 Sep 07 at 8:57pm
Thanks, I've now made contact with someone at the association who has been very helpful. I may take you up on the of meeting Alan, too. Cheers Phil ------------- |
Posted By: laser4000
Date Posted: 05 Sep 07 at 7:56pm
Streakers are nice boats for 'middle weights", but looking at your sig " http://www.total911.com/ - When you need a real speed kick " - you're not really going to get one of those out of a streaker. The single-handed 'mid weight' range boats is a crowder market - in no particular order there arer laser radials, europes, comets, streakers, lightnings, solos and more.. I would figure out where you want to sail and see what the sail at the local club before committing too much time and money.. |
Posted By: Philsy
Date Posted: 05 Sep 07 at 9:59pm
Fair point, but I can drive cars better than I can sail boats at the moment, so I don't want anything too extreme. Lasers and Solos are the popular single-handers at my club but, to be honest, most of the racing seems to be handicap. I guess I'm only tempted by the Streaker because it's free (although there will undoubtedly be some cost in getting it together). Before it became an option, I was considering something like a Vareo. Phil ------------- |
Posted By: laser4000
Date Posted: 05 Sep 07 at 11:35pm
Ditto at my club, but being a lard-arse I went for a phantom, which is a giggle but then I've done a bit of yotting as well.. |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 06 Sep 07 at 6:57am
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If you think you might be getting the boatbuilding bug this sounds like a good way of making a start on the cheap. Do a half decent job and there's no way you'll make a loss if if you decide to sell the boat after 6 months because you don't like it. If you decide you like the class and want to sail in it and the rig feels out of date then you can always upgrade it: you'll still be way ahead.
Provided you like the idea of giving up the time for the fun of building the boat I don't really see a downside. If you don't like the idea of spending 100 hours odd building a boat then give up now: its not something you should consider doing if you're not going to enjoy the job for its own sake. I'm sure the Streaker association could find someone who was keen on building the kit if you're not. |
Posted By: Philsy
Date Posted: 06 Sep 07 at 9:04am
Sounds a fair summary, thanks. Not sure I'm getting the bug but it's something that I'd like to try at least once - I enjoy having a project on the go. ------------- |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 06 Sep 07 at 9:12am
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Phil, Like Jim says just do it you wont loose out! you can still sell half completed builds if you get bored !! ------------- |