Heir Island sloop

[Gold Rock]

Hey there,
Has anyone but me tried to determine if plans can be had for this boat? Any sucesses? There was a nice spead done in WB #160, and there's a web site at http://www.ilenyachts.com/HEIRBOATS.HTM . I've e-mailed the builders at heirboatworks@eircom.net, but have never recieved a reply. I don't necessarily take this as the stamp of doom; I know how busy small shops can be, but I'd like to know as I love the looks of it. Thanks.

[michigangeorge]

I've tried for years- phone, e-mail & snail mail. No response! If there are any lurkers out there in Ireland please track him down. Those plans are too nice to keep hidden.

[Gold Rock]

Thanks George. I think the designer was a fellow named Gubby Williams, or the like. Love to get a set of those plans, gorgeous boat.

[Steven R]

I am an admirer, as well. I've had no luck tracking down plans.

For those unfamiliar with the design:

Length
L.O.A. 18 5" (5.6.m)
L.W.L. 16' 6" (5.0m)
Beam
7' 0" (2.1m)
5' 11" (1.8m) as W.L.
Draught
1' 2" (0.34m) and 3' 6" (1.1m)
Displacement
1700 lbs (771 kg)
Ballaxt 450 lbs (204 kg)
Sail Area
175 sq ft; (16.3 sq. m)
(137 & 30 sq ft; 2.7 x 3.5 sq m)
Genoa 65 sq ft. (6.0 sq m)
Hull Wooden Boat:
5/8 cedar speedstrip Epoxy glued and screwed to laminated yellow pine frames and mahogany backbone. Epoxy sheathed with 6oz. cloth.

http://www.ilenyachts.com/HeirBoats/FullLinesSm.gif

http://www.ilenyachts.com/HeirBoats/daysail.jpg

http://www.ilenyachts.com/HeirBoats/roomy.gif

http://www.ilenyachts.com/HeirBoats/Dogs1.jpg

[shamus]

That boat has great appeal. One gets the impression it is only available if Gubby builds it- a severe limitation of his market I suspect. If all else fails, it would be possible to draw something up that was derivative, and similar, without much trouble, I would think. But whether it would all click quite as nicely as this boat is another matter.

[emichaels]

Check out some of Paul Gartsides boats they are similar.

Eric

[bibbio]

Gubby is the only one making these. The first two boats were wooden but they made a mould from the second one and all subsequent boats were fiberglass. They have about 10 in the fleet racing around baltimore in west cork. Gubby and his brother look after the boats over winter to ensure they are all in top condition.

I haven't actually sailed in the boats myself but I have been very interested in them for some time because the design appears to be perfect for two people day sailing in coastal waters (which is what my wife and I want to do as soon as we can organise to build or buy a boat!!).

Gubby is a very genuine guy - I've been on the phone to him a couple of times and he is very helpful as well as interesting. Give him a call (that number on the website is the right one) or drop him a note (the address on the site is also correct). Remember the time difference if you are ringing though (west cork is GMT).

[michigangeorge]

I just spoke to Gubby's wife! Finally dialed the international # correctly I guess. Gubby was not available but will be later and I will try him then. His wife did mention that he has never drawn plans for the design but she thinks he may. Although I'm presently looking for a slightly larger boat I'd still like plans for this one. I'll let you know after I speak to Mr.Williams.

[Keith Wilson]

Let us know if the plans are available. That's a lovely boat, a design where everything seems to be superbly balanced and to fall together just right.

[michigangeorge]

Just spoke to Gubby and he has promised to finish the plans! He did not realize the interest in this country. Sounds like it may take awhile though. If you all are serious give him a call at 011-353-28-38379. His wife said the best time to reach him was about 5:30 PM GMT which is 12:30 Eastern Standard Time.

[Gold Rock]

WOW GEORGE! Way to go! Please keep this post going if you hear from Gubby. I will put down for a set if he gets them done. Let's hear it for the WB forum and the folks thereof!

[michigangeorge]

I repeat- give him a call. He needs to know there is enought interest to justify the work required to complete the drawings. He has his molds and patterns and is building and selling his boats locally and has no reason to finish the plans unless there is a market for them.