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Post by fenwellie on Apr 14, 2012 13:48:02 GMT
I'm in the process of tracking down a Moth to sail at Cam SC, and pondering the merits of wood as opposed to plastic. The boat will be living out, much of the time, but I'd guess that epoxy wood is pretty much as resilient as glass in t hat respect.
Then of course there's the usual question of relative performance; although I suspect that I'd probably be the biggest drawback to the boat - whatever it's made of!
Anyway, I'd be grateful for any opinions; my budget is about £1,500.
Cheers,
Marc
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Post by Pie-eyed on Apr 14, 2012 15:04:23 GMT
It really is a personal thing to be honest.
People say that plastic boats are maintenance free which is nonsense, when they get damaged you have to repair them just the same as wood... quickly! Once the gel coat is cracked they start to absorb water just like wooden boat do, it is just more obvious as the wood darkens and eventually fails whereas plastic boats just get heavier and go spongey.
Making a good repair to a wooden boat is far easier and can be a pleasant diy job or plenty of professionals around.
Plastic on the other hand is really tricky to touch up and match gel coat and you need to use some unpleasant gloop!
Wooden boats can stay looking good even with a little wear all of there lives if you give them a little love, where as plastic boats tend to get scratched, discolour, crack and lose there luster after 5 - 10 years as the gel coat breaksdown and becomes porous and chalky. You don't see any pretty old plastic boats that's for sure.
All out boats live out, as long as you have a good cover, keep them drained and throw on an extra tarpaulin for the winter to keep the frost off. Standing water and ice will damage them both it is just more visible on wood.
When it comes down to actually sailing there's not much in it performance wise, like you say that is more down to the helm.
In the boat park people don't stand around admiring plastic boats they tend to run their hands over the wood ones... lets face it they have soul.
Rog last year had the choice of a brand new plastic hull/wood deck and a 30 year old wood 'Skinner'.... the new boat sat on the trailer alot as the wooden boat made him smile more!
So no real answers.... Sorry
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Post by fenwellie on Apr 14, 2012 15:50:41 GMT
Thanks for your thoughts; I've noticed that the second hand GRP boats dont seem to get snapped up quite so quickly - and have definite leanings towards wood myself! What sort of wooden Moth does £1,500 or so buy?
Marc
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Post by robwilder on Apr 15, 2012 18:07:27 GMT
Marc - Good to hear your thinking of buying a British Moth.
As already pointed out pros and cons for both wood and GRP.
Not sure why some of the GRP boats don't sell so quickly.
£1500 should get you a decent enough boat for club racing.
Hopefully we can encourage you to come out and join us at a few open meetings and the Nationals as its a rather special year for the class.
Chairman Rob
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