Saving Old Seagulls

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Antique-Wooden-C ... 3a5aef8c58


Just put a deposit on this little boat. Unfortunately there is no history with it. Anyone recognise the shape. Assuming it is approx 40/50's. Originally had sailing rig, gaff I would think but long gone, copper rivets etc. Purely coincidence that there is an AD on the transom.

Cheers Hugo.

You've certainly got a good eye. What a beauty! Elegant lines ... She'll do a Seagull proud. Be sure to post a pic when you get her in the water.

It was worth a 4 hour drive to see the condition, thank goodness apart from 6 screw holes she is undamaged. Interestingly there is no fittings on her or evidence that there has been which leads me to believe that she has never seen water.... not even a drain plug. There is a centreboard slot but no box which again leads me to the same conclusion. Has excellent timber fitout internally. Looking at the short shaft AD hanging on her it looks like a longshaft is required. Fortunately I have SD naval that will look a treat on her and an EFNR with alternator which I will use for longer upriver trips (tho it might look odd).

Now to find a trailer.

One of those big salties will see you in that, Hugo, & think, "I wonder if they taste different in that pretty crunchy coating?"

Not sure if you have ever watched "Deliverance" the '72 Stateside film, but they are amateurs in comparison with some of our outback water communities. Crocs... handbag material.

She is home and the work begins.



I love the upswept bow.



She is surprisingly light.



Just love copper rivets.



I think I will bolt the seagull bracket directly onto transom.

It has taken 5 years to find her. Now to learn a new skill!

I would use one of those transom mounted plastic brackets off to the side and fit a rudder for steerage.
It looks like the boat was only built for display, it should fix up really well

Not a greater believer in plastic. Just found some rot but looks an easy fix. Need to build some bottom boards though, might make them removable. Debating whether I'll add a sailing rig. Construction seems a little too light for a heavy wind. Have to say I'm more at home with displacement diesel vessels, so this will be an interesting/enjoyable learning curve.

Dropped into the Sydney Maritime museum to get some inspiration for the bottom boards and came across this:





I can see these as having Seagulls on them. Sorry about the blur!

Mmmm..... maybe I should stay in Sydney harbour!

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/mons ... 5883549931

Ooops, had the boat three years and still haven't finished (or started )

Crack on Huggy, I have not put my boat in the water yet this year.

H-A

Hay Hugo,

Your fine ship came home in 2010, its time for an update on you progress.

If not, can i have the mags of the trailer for my HR?