Buckler 23' / 24': information sought

[Rachael]

I'm looking for information on a "Buckler". All I know for certain at this stage is that it was 23' or 24' long and has a centre cockpit... and that the one that's come to my attention was, at some stage (and aside from being sunk by the sea-scouts), twin-masted.

It's not the Islander (which appears to have been by the same people but was much shorter) but might (speculating) be a MkI or MkII. The only potentially relevant links I can find (anywhere) are these:

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F156098
What's that "sail"boat

The Buckler in question may well have been extensively remodelled... not least with a single 24' mast and inboard, 5HP diesel engine... but I'd appreciate any and all observations on the design of this craft.

[Rachael]

http://www.boatshop24.com/web/en/wer...nd/1569433.htm
http://www.boatshop24.com/web/en/wer...nd/1517864.htm

[Rachael]

[mr curious]

ha he ha - blue peter?

that design is just calling out for a "junk rig".

imho
..

[Butch .H]

Man what it is junked

[Rachael]

This one's a tad better...

[Butch .H]

No dont get me wrong I would love to have one of them.Prefrably a junked on for a re-build. Man they are so ugly thats what makes them cute

[mr curious]

but seriously...

i like it, particularly the livin space

[Butch .H]

A chicken coop an dog kennel and a trailer park home

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by mr curious

i like it, particularly the livin space

I'm struck by how bright the rear cabin can be: many "prettier" boats are rather more like caves below-decks... and those six large windows certainly get used to good effect in the one example above.

Having seen the rough and ready one in the flesh (albeit without having yet gained access to the cabins) I get the impression that turning the cockpit into a cabin as shown in the red Buckler would be essential... if only to avoid wet dashes to the toilet / foreward cabin.

Originally Posted by Butch .H

No dont get me wrong I would love to have one of them.Prefrably a junked on for a re-build. Man they are so ugly thats what makes them cute

The photo of the boat at sea with 4 sails up is quite inspiring... but "Tigga" currently has a bermuda-rig that might not be as striking no matter HOW much work is done on everything else.

What anyone taking one on would have to take to is the mid-cockpit sailing position: you get a very clear view of the sails and of where you are going... but lose that spectacular outlook along the full length of the boat that we get used to with more conventional vessels.

The cockpit is also very deep: having grown up dangling over the edge of dingies I might find that (as well as the wheel rather than a tiller) a bit disappointing...

[Butch .H]

What are the asking for old Tigga.A good clean up will probebly reveal she is not in bad shape.Although no boat is work free even if the boat is free

[Rachael]

Originally Posted by Butch .H

What are the asking for old Tigga.

The registered owner passed away earlier this year and the family isn't really sure what she's worth.... so are basically open to offers. It's a bit difficult to make any judgement without seeing inside the cabins... but the keys have finally been located - so watch this space!

Originally Posted by Butch .H

A good clean up will probebly reveal she is not in bad shape.Although no boat is work free even if the boat is free

The GRP isn't in bad shape: just one ventilation cap broken. The windows need replacing, but that's no big deal. The front mooring point was wooden, and came up through the GRP... and it's rotted away: not good, but maybe no big deal either.

The engine is water cooled and was rebuilt in 2007 after the head and one cylinder were cracked by frost. So long as the frost didn't get it this last (fortunately very mild) winter it should be fine (although the propeller may be too big for the engine). What little I could see of the wiring (very little) didn't inspire confidence... but it was all working in some fashion last summer!

The real unknown is the interior: I'll post photos once I've got some!

[Butch .H]

Yes please let us know what you find.It will be interesting. I think you could dress a boat like that up realy nicely

[mr curious]

how sea worthy is the Buckler?

[Rachael]

The Buckler appears to have been designed for use at sea. They are pretty substantial boats and the deep, covered centre cockpit / wheelhouse strikes me as thought up with big swells in mind - you are a LOT more enclosed and protected than on a more conventional yacht.

The draft appears to be somewhere between 1.06m and 1.1m (around 42"). They are 2.5m (over 8') wide, and the two for which I have details weigh 1,600 kg /1800Kg (3,500-4,000 lbs). The same two Bucklers have 9hp / 10hp inboard diesels an with four sails it seems that 24-27 square meters of sail could be hoisted.

I get the impression the thing would be pretty uninspiring and tub-like in light winds on sheltered waters... but would probably come to life when crashing through the waves with strong winds and tides to ride.