Hello

[DF43]

Hello, New member here.

My partner and I recently purchased a Colvin Gazelle on the east coast of Australia. We are living aboard while doing some upgrades before heading off on our sailing adventure.

Looking forward to reading through what other boat owners have been up to, and maybe getting some hints along the way.

[Auzzee]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Tell us about the Colvin. Does it need much in the way of upgrades? Where is the boat and where are you going to take it when she is ready to go. Please keep us informed and feel free to ask any questions you may have about fixing and improving.

Knowing the style of the vessel, I recommend a book 'The Finely Fitted Yacht', by Ferenc Mate. It is available from most good marine booksellers and from eBay (second hand from about $5). I promise it will be your favourite volume and it is peerless when it comes to improving classics.

Best wishes.

[DF43]

Originally Posted by Auzzee

Hi, welcome to the forum. Tell us about the Colvin. Does it need much in the way of upgrades? Where is the boat and where are you going to take it when she is ready to go. Please keep us informed and feel free to ask any questions you may have about fixing and improving.

Knowing the style of the vessel, I recommend a book 'The Finely Fitted Yacht', by Ferenc Mate. It is available from most good marine booksellers and from eBay (second hand from about $5). I promise it will be your favourite volume and it is peerless when it comes to improving classics.

Best wishes.

Hello Auzzee,

To answer your questions:

Dragonfly needs a few things doing, and a couple of items that we would like to see. Such as:

- New rigging. Partly due to age, and partly due to wanting to change the geometry of some parts, like the split backstay on main mast into double backstay. The mizzen is not rigged correctly, so needs to be rethought.

- change toilet system from electric to composting, with benefit of removal of all plumbing and through hulls.

- change style of sheeting for mizzen, as it doesn't work properly.

- obtain one more anchor. We currently have three : 50lb (manson) and 90lb plough, and a 60lb danforth (sand). We are short one rope rode and some chain. Want a very large fisherman style to complete the set. Have all 3/8" chain main rode, and 1" rope backup.

- change out current house batteries (2 x large AGM) for probably at least four deep cycle units. Depends on space in engine room. Keep current AGM start battery.

- install wind generator (air x) on side of solar panels / davits.

- install HF radio (codan 9360), tuner and pactor modem.

- ditch the current sailing instruments and consider replacing with wireless units. I don't look at wind instruments when sailing, but would be useful in training my partner in how it all works.

- install instrument binnacle over helm to house current chart plotter etc.

- Find a cheap MPS and install gear to use it. Ditch the spinnaker pole and possibly replace with a lighter pole for Genoa.

Lots of smaller stuff....

[DF43]

To answer the second part of your post Auzzee, I havnt heard of that book. Relative to fitouts, I have been removing stuff from the boat mercilessly, including a very nice teak folding table, to minimise maintenance and prepare the boat for serious ocean crossing.

I prefer workmanlike finishes to brightwork. We have very minimal varnish now, which I hope to reduce as far as possible.

[haiqu]

Beautiful yacht and well worth restoring.