golant gaffer

[helmuth]

I'm thinking about building a golant gaffer. Who did the job and/or can give some informations, whether it's a good choice? Is there any golant gaffer in germany?
Thanks for any reply!!
Helmuth

[John B]

Jeff Robinson is building one. He's nearly there I think. He'll be along shortly no doubt.

[Wiley Baggins]

Helmuth,

There was a building article (possibly the first in a series) in Watercraft Magazine (Issue No. 10, which their website lists as "sold-out," but which you may be able to find at a used bookseller, or library).

Also, if you have not visited this site ( http://www.golantgaffer.co.uk/ ) you might be able to get some leads there, as well as download a study packet (again, if you have not already done so).

[Jeff Robinson]

Yus, I admit I am a builder of a Golant Gaffer. Not finshed yet, but this weekend I should be able to pick up the last of the standing rigging (been a problem finding leather and a cobbler ... ) and maybe do a trial run on raising the mast. Maybe a couple of weeks to go to launching.

So I cannot tell you about sailing her yet, but I can say that the building process has been variously mystifying, frustrating and tremendously satisfying. Sailing should be so good ...

Feel free to write privately Helmuth, if you have specific questions. The designer has an email address on his web page, and if you buy the plans, you will get a list of where plans have been sold. There is at least one other builder in this forum.

JohnB - I saw there were several plan sets sold in NZ - have you seen any sign of a GG in NZ yet?

JR

[john welsford]

Originally posted by helmuth:
I'm thinking about building a golant gaffer. Who did the job and/or can give some informations, whether it's a good choice? Is there any golant gaffer in germany?
Thanks for any reply!!
HelmuthAlwyn O'Connor in Tauranga near here is getting close to turning his over, I've been watching the progress and suggest that it is not ideal for a first time builder, but a determined man with reasonable tool skills and someone to ask questions of would get there in the end.

JohnWelsford.

[John B]

Jeff, I picked up some leather at a local market( a belt maker man had it) and sewed it up. Punched all the holes with a hammer and ground down nail and just went for it, It's turned out ok. Sort of 80% as good as professional in about 4 times the time... but hey..
I used a waxed linen thread. Find it at craft shops and the like.

I was really happy with the saddle and it's hanging in there.

OH, to answer the question... no. Never seen one myself.

[ 10-18-2002, 01:22 AM: Message edited by: John B ]

[Paul Brooks]

Hi Helmut
I'm building a Golant Gaffer as well.

I've nearly finished and hope to launch mid 2003.
In my opinion, great plans - very well thought out and easy to follow.

Quite a few have been finished now and two are for sale in this months Practical Boat Owner at £22,000 - so they seem to hold their value (assuming they get the price).

A couple of reasons why I chose this design - I think they still hold true now.
1) The designer uses his - and calls it his favourite design. (He's also quite well known in the UK)
2)Apparently sails very well
2) It just looks right - this really helps to keep you going when the task seems endless.
3) It fits into the garage (but only just)
4) It's a substantial boat - 600kg of lead keel, good sail area and inboard diesel.
5) All the parts you might not want to make (hardware, keel, sails etc) are all available as set items from UK suppliers.

Problems? only two
It takes twice as long as you think
Did I mention the small garage?

Please feel free to e-mail me if you want more information.

Good luck
Paul