Miracle issues

   I'm off on Friday to look at a Miracle which has been languishing in a barn for 10 years. The guy tells me it has a couple of holes but everything is there....and it's cheap.
Are there any real areas of concern on a Miracle or is it just like other wooden boats.
Like i say it's going cheap so I'm not expecting much apart from some work to do to get it useable for next season.

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Wee Man Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Aug 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wee Man Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Miracle issues Posted: 04 Aug 10 at 9:44am
	I'm off on Friday to look at a Miracle which has been languishing in a barn for 10 years. The guy tells me it has a couple of holes but everything is there....and it's cheap. Are there any real areas of concern on a Miracle or is it just like other wooden boats. Like i say it's going cheap so I'm not expecting much apart from some work to do to get it useable for next season.

radixon Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 27 Oct 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2407	Post Options Post Reply Quote radixon Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Aug 10 at 4:19pm
	Its a big Mirror in general terms, so what you would look for in a Mirror is the same as a Miracle. The main areas to check are the bouancy tanks, check the wood for signs of water ingress, normally where the cover sits and the general condition of the boat overal

Steve H Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 29 Jun 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Post Options Post Reply Quote Steve H Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Aug 10 at 5:35pm
	Check the usual places around the drain hols in the transom and the front bulkhead where water can collect. Another area is the ply strap over the butt joint (on the floor, just in front of the thwart). If it hasn't been glass taped well, water can collect there and seep under the strap as there is no channel for it to drain away. Also check the fittings on the rudder stock for security.

rogerd Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 25 May 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1076	Post Options Post Reply Quote rogerd Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Aug 10 at 8:59pm
	Couple of holes would worry me. If they are in the decks then a patch or redeck. If they are in the hull is it because the boat was dropped on something in which case if the hull is sound then again patch it. if its due to rot then check the rest of the hull for rot. In all the places mentioned above.

Barty Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 16 Mar 04 Location: Scotland Online Status: Offline Posts: 240	Post Options Post Reply Quote Barty Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Aug 10 at 12:37pm
	Agree with the rot thing, many miracle floors rot from standing water. Check all the ply strengthening tangs along the sides of the centreboard case as they usually take a right kicking from the crew. If it has a round mast with no spreaders its likely to be bent (mine had 3 bends in different directions along its length!). Dave Butler of Butler Boat makes wooden and FRP boats so would be able to supply the panels to repair holes (assuming they are not to bad). Otherwise it can all be updated to make a great wee boat.
	For Topper boats & spares in Scotland-highlandtopper.com

Wee Man Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Aug 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wee Man Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Aug 10 at 1:59pm
	I'm (rather my daughter) is now the proud owner of Miracle sail no 309. I might have some work to do before it ever gets afloat though. It has several holes in the floor where it has had water dripping in and a hole in the seat at the front, no holes in the bouyancy tanks though. I'm planning to strip the paint off first to see how bad it is and either cut out the rotten bits around the holes and tie in new ply, glass and epoxy. Or cut out the whole floor section and replace. Cost will probably determine which way I go. I'm guessing I need to buy a big bucket of epoxy. The sails are in good nick (stored in an old (switched off) freezer) so no mice problems. Mast has no spreaders so I'll have to fit some since it's still straight.

rogerd Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 25 May 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1076	Post Options Post Reply Quote rogerd Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 09 Aug 10 at 9:34pm
	I reckon she will qualify for CVRDA when shes done. Please do bring her along. Also loads of helpful advice on the web site and forum for all those repair questions.

Wee Man Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Aug 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wee Man Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 10 Aug 10 at 4:10pm
	Thanks, we will come along, looking at her today now she's nice and dry it looks like one complete floor panel section will be the best solution rather than lots of small patches. I'm almost looking lforward to it.