Just purchased a 15 foot spindrift that needs TLC. Soft spot on deck near bow, standard rigging needs to be replaced and boat came with original sails that appear t be in good condition. It also came with the original trailer. Has not been in the salty water of Long Island NY for several years. What can you tell me about this boat? Where can I get replacement parts? I am concerned about the center board and noticed there is only a heady stay, two shrouds Port/Starboard but no back stay, no spreaders and no Cuningham.
1984 Spindrift 15 foor
- Thread starter PConti2025
- Start date
You may not need or want a backstay. If the shrouds are angled back from the mast and triangulate the rig with the forestay it is likely the design. It is like my MFG Bandit 15 - no spreaders (No problem).
Replacement parts? You might have to make them if the manufacturer isn't still in business and there is no class association. You may find parts on marine salvage sites but you can't count on it.
The soft spot is a soft spot. It can be repaired or monitored.
The trailer may need more maintenance than the boat. You should probably do the hubs if you don't know the history of the trailer.
Replacement parts? You might have to make them if the manufacturer isn't still in business and there is no class association. You may find parts on marine salvage sites but you can't count on it.
The soft spot is a soft spot. It can be repaired or monitored.
The trailer may need more maintenance than the boat. You should probably do the hubs if you don't know the history of the trailer.
A dinghy of that size might not have a backstay or spreaders. Look at the Blue Jay, Snipe, Thistle, Flying Scot and others. Parts may have to be whatever you can find that will work. Setting up a Cunningham is simple. You need to run a line from the gooseneck through the Cunningham grommet in the luff of the sail and down to a cleat on the side of the mast. You could also mount two cleats, one on each side of the mast and simply run the line from one, through the grommet, to the other. Either setup will give you 2:1 mechanical advantage, which should be plenty.
Two ways to help determine the condition of your hubs/bearings:
1. Drive for 40 or so minutes then see if the hubs are warm
2. jack up the trailer by the FRAME and give the wheels a spin. You'll hear or feel if it's no good. It should be smooth and basically silent
Replace bulbs with sealed LED lights. Supposedly, hot halogen lights can shatter when they hit the water. Sounds logical. Use heat shrink butt connectors when installing
1. Drive for 40 or so minutes then see if the hubs are warm
2. jack up the trailer by the FRAME and give the wheels a spin. You'll hear or feel if it's no good. It should be smooth and basically silent
Replace bulbs with sealed LED lights. Supposedly, hot halogen lights can shatter when they hit the water. Sounds logical. Use heat shrink butt connectors when installing
@PConti2025
can you tell me year of boat and trailer. Can you please provide a picture of the cockpit from the transom and one looking of the foredeck too. Former sailboat dealer
can you tell me year of boat and trailer. Can you please provide a picture of the cockpit from the transom and one looking of the foredeck too. Former sailboat dealer
Oh I just dropped the boat off at boat your for storage and maintenance. Here are two pictures that I have. I
