1966 wooden wayfarer

[peterm]

I am considering purchasing a 1966 wooden Wayfarer sailboat that has been stored in a airplane hanger for the last 15 years. I have asked the owner about soft spots or rotted wood, he says there is none. Does any one have any advice on what to look for. Any info would be appreciated.

[WFK]

peterm, 15 years inside is a good start, atleast you know it's been kept from the elements. The obvious things to look for is the general condition as you see it. Peeling paint, bare wood, stains,? Look along the keel where water may have sat for long periods of time, check deck beams. If the owner isn't too affended, take your pocket knife or an ice pick take a poke at suspect looking areas. A gental tap with a hammer will give evidence of solid wood or the very sad thud is a dead give away for rot. Look at the foot of the mast, having sat in water could show rot.

Good luck
Bill

[wolfietuk]

Two big questions, How big is the boat? Ant what type of construction.

Rick

Have you thought of getting it surveyed?

[reddog]

Wolfie;
The Wayfarer is a 16 ft.,multi-chined dinghy,with a centerboard.It is a class design by Ian Proctor,I believe.They were built in marine ply and GRP under license.
They're quite able little boats,one in particular having been sailed across The North Sea,The Atlantic and up the coast of North America to The Great Lakes by an Englishman named Frank Dye.He has two or three books about his adventures.Actually I think he used two boats during these journeys,the first having been put on display in England.
peterm;
I would check for deteriation or any delamination of the ply planking,glue joints,fasteners,etc.Also pay particular attention to the centerboard case and the board itself.Other than that the general condition of the boat and gear should tell a storey.
These boats were available in kit form from one or two different companies so it may be a home-built,which isn't necessairly bad just something to be aware of.
Fun to sail and enough room for four to daysail.They will also plane in the right conditions.Sounds like a good find.
All the best;Earl

[Shalfleet]

The Wayfarer is a great dinghy, very popular in the UK (mostly fiberglass). This could be a Wayland Marine kit, (the rowing guys) although it seems like 1966 could be early for that.

If you have not already looked, checkout the UK class association site that has some tips on buying used boats: http://www.wayfarer.org.uk/BuyandSell/GuidetoBuying2ndHand.htm .They even sell a Wayfarer book!

I learnt to sail in a Wayfarer and performed an uncontrolled gybe onto rocks (there was not a mark), so this dinghy is close to my heart.....