Repair & maintenance: Miracle issues

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Miracle issues

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=6999
Printed Date: 15 May 25 at 3:57am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Miracle issues

Posted By: Wee Man
Subject: Miracle issues
Date 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.

Replies:

Posted By: radixon
Date 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

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Posted By: Steve H
Date 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.

Posted By: rogerd
Date 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.

Posted By: Barty
Date 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.

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http://www.highlandtopper.com - For Topper boats & spares in Scotland-highlandtopper.com

Posted By: Wee Man
Date 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.

Posted By: rogerd
Date 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.

Posted By: Wee Man
Date 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.