Dinghy ID

https://images.app.goo.gl/FvE3XsPnetrsSkQ86 (looks like a kestrel mk1)

If its a metal board then it is probably an ancient Kestrel, 40 or 50 years old at a guess. Its a mistake to think that glass fibre boats last for ever, they do deteriorate. In addition to the glass fibre parts going soft and losing their finish, leaving fibres to give you glass fibre itch an especial killer is bits of wood in obscure, inaccessible and yet vital places that have rotted out.

It's up to you, but if I were putting the sums together (and I am no stranger to basket cases and major boat refurbishments) I would reckon that free was at least a couple of hundred quid too much. I would be surprised if you could put that boat back in good club sailing condition for as little as £600. Sails, ropes, rigging, fittings, paint, launching trolley, cover, these things all add up. And when you've spent 600 odd quid it will be worth maybe 150.

But the worst thing is the sheer frustration of sailing a life expired boat. Every time you sail it another thing goes wrong, and it's a truncated sailing day and cart it back home to fix.

Hi
Thanks for ID

Bundle of laughs on here isn't it.

I haven't got 10k for a new dinghy

So will give it a go .

I shall buy most bits pre owned
And if it's hopeless will just sell
Them.

If we get to Bob about in the estuary
All we want for now

Cheers
John

Hi John,

Have owned many old grp dinghies over the years. A few have been mistakes but most have been a cheap way of getting on the water. If 15 feet long suspect this is a Kestrel, as said. Good tough boats to play around in, though powerful so some care needed.

If you can remember handling Enterprise on shore 30 years ago, Wayfarer probably 3 times heavier, first class cruising boat, but you need to think about handling ashore.