I acquired a 16 foot wooden sailboat. no mast or sails and unvarnished. I cant locate a manufacturers label on it. is it most likely a kit? thank you.
identify sailboat
- Thread starter mark allen
- Start date
Welcome to the forum!
It could be a kit, completely homemade, or an older production boat that just lost its ID somewhere along the way. Do you have some pictures we could use to see if someone recognizes the design?
It could be a kit, completely homemade, or an older production boat that just lost its ID somewhere along the way. Do you have some pictures we could use to see if someone recognizes the design?
If it's 16' long it could be a Comet.
Or maybe an X-Boat.
Or even a 505.
Pictures would help. There are a lot of 16' wooden boats. Try to get a shot from above, showing the cockpit layout and mast partners, from abeam, to show the rudder, sheer curve and any chine, from the bow, to show the amount of flare, and from the stern showing the shape of the transom.
Or maybe an X-Boat.
Or even a 505.
Pictures would help. There are a lot of 16' wooden boats. Try to get a shot from above, showing the cockpit layout and mast partners, from abeam, to show the rudder, sheer curve and any chine, from the bow, to show the amount of flare, and from the stern showing the shape of the transom.
Unless it's painted. Or the varnish has come off because it was left out in the rain for 20 years. We need Mark to supply a photo. Or several. Or even a better description of the boat. "16' wooden sailboat" is not enough to go on.
I don't think it is an unknown 16 that one I believe is a vampire 16 as we all know no photo can be taken. So a photo of the boat can be handy when it comes to identification, also many boats have logos on the mainsail and that too can be helpful
That looks like a Fireball. It's a two-person racing dinghy (with trapeze) that can be quite a handful to sail, especially in a breeze. Some were built as kits. You might want to check with the US Fireball Association about your # 3875. The wooden ones are theoretically better than the 'glass ones because they stay stiffer (and thus, faster) longer.
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Fireballs were very popular racing dinghies 40 year ago. They were pretty easy to sail compared to lots of other trapeze boats at the time. Lots of couple sailed them. There is a strong class association (still, I imagine). The one pictured appears to be in good, or even new, condition. I am sure you can find a rig and sails for it, as so many were made. You could have a lot of fun with that boat. Get someone familiar with the Fireball class to 'show you the ropes'.
That's a beautiful boat. If I had the energy I'd happily varnish her with 10 to 12 coats of Captain's Varnish, and she'd be a show piece, and a great sailing boat.
I believe that is a Snipe. SNIPE - sailboatdata I would spend the money (and/or) time to get a mast and sails. If you do a great job of finishing that boat, I think it would be worth much more than you put into it, which I very rarely say.
Working in an uncluttered shop like yours would be a dream come true.
Mind you, I think you need a paddle nearby to smack all of the clowns that come by and write "un-neighbourly" comments on your white boards.
I'm with you. 20 years ago I'd have worked with you, doing the varnish on boats like that.I could even build the masts, booms, and spin poles. Now it is just too late for all that physical work. What a pity that your boat building talent is going to be lost.
My teachers were actually Cape Horners' who had been lucky enough to voyage under sail commercially. Since all of my children chose other paths, much of that knowledge is soon going to be lost.