Reluctant sale of this very tidy little Cruiser is due only to lack of finding a reliable crew which, although she's easy to sail single-handed, does require help (especially at my age) with transporting, launching and recovery etc. I bought 'Sea Spray' about 4 years ago when it was in need of some tlc, and set about a programme of refitting and refurbishment. She was launched on the Ouse at Bedford several times for trial runs at various stages, and onto Graffham Water when the new sails were fitted. She spent last season on a pontoon mooring at Tollesbury Marina, Essex, however, following a few enjoyable week-end forays out into the estuary, I was then housebound with a back injury for 3 months - the next time I saw her was to bring her home at the end of the season!So, whats on offer :-
A manageable boat that sleeps 2, which can be kept at home on it's braked road trailer either on a parking space or in a garage - (provided you have a minimum access of 7ft width X 7ft height). And which will happily sit upright in the mud should the need arise. The mini bilge keels will prevent her from tipping completely on her side when on firmer ground. The cockpit is self-draining. The 9" wide, weighted keel provides stability. She can be used as a sail boat, motor cruiser or fisher, or all three at the same time! The perspex windows and rubber seals are new, the cabin and upper decks have been painted throughout. Below the water-line was anti-fouled for the first time ever last year. The standing rigging is simple and 2 people can easily get the mast up or down. And she'll float in a little over 2' of water. The galvanised trailer has good tyres and brakes (and can be extended by up to 5' to take a much larger boat), new winch strap and light board, spare wheel with jack and wheelbrace. You'll need your own number plate, though. Trailer and engines have been thoroughly rinsed through with fresh water after every use. The Hull's original gel coat colour has faded a little over the years and collected a couple of small scrapes, but there is no structural damage, nor any sign of Osmosis. Sea Spray comes with:-
Virtually new Genoa and single-reefed Mainsail, both new from Kemp Sails last year, with new Roller-reefing gear for the Genoa. The old sails, plus hank-on storm sail, come as usable spares. Stainless Steel standing rigging. An ultra-reliable and very light to carry 2hp Yamaha 2-stroke outboard with 1ltr. integral tank, which pushes the boat along adequately when mounted on it's new adjustable bracket. (I have 2 other good engines available by seperate negotiation if desired, a 4-stroke 5hp Honda with new 11ltr tank, fwd, reverse and neutral gearbox see pics 11 & 12, and a 4hp 2-stroke Johnson Seahorse). There are 3 Steering options; Tiller and Rudder for sailing, O/b Motor (with rudder removed) or by Steering Wheel, which is mounted on cabin bulkhead and connects directly to the rudder via a stubby replacement 'tiller' - this can be used when sailing and/or motoring, but is best suited with sails stowed away when cruising canals, rivers etc, or when fishing. Other deck gear includes; anchor and chain, warps, fenders, mooring ropes, manual bilge pump, large removable storage/seating box across the transom and a Telescopic boat Hook.Electrics, Navigation & Accomodation;
A very (too) large leisure battery feeds Led Cabin lights & Nav lights, plus Nasa Depth finder. The bulkhead mounted Compass should be illuminated - but I managed to short-circuit it and blew the bulb! The Switch panel with handy cigar lighter for charging 'phones etc, is mounted in the cabin. Clock and Barometer. Quarter berths on either side provide seating and 'snug' sleeping bunks, which have new 4" foam and wipe-clean covers. Forward of the varnished wooden interior bulkheads - which serve as 'king post' to support the mast, is another seating area to starboard, and opposite is fitted a wash bowl with manual pump, water is supplied from collapsible plastic tanks. A single hob portable gaz stove with approx 10 spare cannisters takes care of tea-breaks and basic cooking. However, the instructions stress that this appliance is for outdoor use only. Going forward, is the New and Unused camping style toilet, basically a bucket with seat and lid, plus disposable chemical bags. The forepeak houses the anchor and chain with hatch above for access, with room for any other 'stuff' you may need to stow. There is ample further storage beneath the bunks and under the sink area. There is a bag of sundry tools, fixings, bolts, shackles and spares, etc. Safety & Sundry Equipment; (Optional Extras)
3 Lifejackets, Fire Extinguisher, Fire blanket, Handheld VHF Radio + The 4 or 5hp engines mentioned above. All for sale by Negotiation. There is a very thick file which attests to all the money spent during this project, amounting to thousands of £'s, and although I derived a measure of satisfaction from the work, I don't intend to give her away! She may be an old boat, but I like to think I've given her a new lease of life, and I'm sure she'll give a new owner many years of sailing pleasure. Almost everything mentioned above except the Outboards and Trailer, and which is not made of GRP, is under 4 years old or newer.Contact; Terry on 07845 957938, or mail via ebay with any queries or plans to view etc. Thank you for looking.