Questions on an old boat

[pigsail]

Hi all

I acquired my moth from my sailing club last year. It is a Meritlock sail, No 711, built in approximately 1976/77. It came with no paperwork so has no measurement certificate.

Bearing this in mind, I have a few questions.

1. I am renovating the boat – including replacing bulkhead and transom (someone in the past tried tarting it up by gluing extra ply to them) should I be working to the pre 1980 rules (being an old boat) or the new rules?
2. I could really use a copy of the old rules to check what they say as I am renovating the boat – does anybody have a copy of these they could send me please?
3. would a measurer give a certificate on the pre 1980 rules?
4. I would like to reduce the height of my centreboard case in the c0ckpit. Could anybody tell me how much case I should leave in the boat please?
5. what is the current thinking on centreboard shape and dimensions as I could do with making/replacing the broken one that Ive got.

Many thanks – I hope sombody can help!

Graham nelson
moth 711
Ouse Amateur Sailing club

PS - I was hoping to attend the nationals but unfotunately I have not been able to sort out a boat. so have a good one!

PPS – I hope you vote in favour of carbon masts at the AGM so there is a possibility of some older masts for a 15 stone person going cheap! ;D

[Pie-eyed]

Graham,
Earnestly suggest you at least visit the Nationals on one day to see for yourself all the deck/ layout configurations and the vaious height options for centreboard cases.

At least one Meritlock will be there (Mine 700)

Regarding renovation, believe you should be aiming at the new rules, regarding weight and aim to shed as much as you can.
Not sure if it will be possible to go for reshaping the hull lines but others maybe able to advise.
However the Meritlock shape has proven to be, atleast on my boat, reasonably quick.

As for centreboard shapes, these too seem to be numerous from stubby broad boards to narrow and dog leg configurations.
With respect to aerofoil sections good standard practice with respect to leading and trailing edges should apply. Again lots to see at Hunts from 13th - 16th Aug.

I suggest the following people might help...
Graham Pope, BMBA Techinical Advisor
Christina Hardyment, BMBA Archivist
Barry Graver, BMBA Chairman
Colin Hall, Assistance on foil profiles and sections.

Regards
Roger/ Laura

[scruff871]

Graham
We have found some old but very interesting photo,s of a Meritlock Moth construction that may be helpful to you.Forwarded by Geoff Ambrose[great guy]to Laura after we met him a year or so ago at St Edmundsbury.
Could be useful to you re your project.
Please call me with your e-mail or address details if you would like us to send them to you.
Office 01453 886164/Mobile [phone]
Roger Witts