Small Craft Boat builders Southampton England

Discussion in 'Wooden Boat Building and Restoration' started by ian_upton, Aug 20, 2015.

  1. ian_upton
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    Location: Grand Blanc, Michigan

    ian_upton Junior Member

    I came across a small sailboat from this company. Guessing it is from the 30's.

    14' and a beam just over 5'. Wooden centerboard.

    Anyone know any history from this company?
     

    Attached Files:

  2. Richard Woods
    Joined: Jun 2006
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    Richard Woods Woods Designs

    I used to go past their yard regularly. They built Wayfarers and Leaders in wood and then later some small trailer sailers, with clipper bows (their names escape me)

    So I guess you saw a 14ft Leader. A bit like an Enterprise but wetter to sail and much less popular (I have sailed both)

    http://www.leaderdinghy.org.uk/documents/Know Your Leader/Know Your Leader.pdf

    Only one I have seen in the US is on Whidbey Is, Wa

    Richard Woods
     
  3. SukiSolo
    Joined: Dec 2012
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    Location: Hampshire UK

    SukiSolo Senior Member

    I've certainly seen that plaque on a few boats, mostly in the 70s' though. Sorry I don't know much about them. Unlike Richard I've not sailed a Leader, seen them yes. Wayfarers and Ents I have sailed, neither are my favourites for different reasons. No reason for it not to be sound if not optimised.

    I'm always wary of the glue joints on stuff that old. If it is milky at all, the adhesive is most likely Cascamite, which is not good at keeping waterproof over this amount of time. Keep the boat as dry as possible when not in use. If it is sound, why not enjoy it.
     
  4. ian_upton
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    Location: Grand Blanc, Michigan

    ian_upton Junior Member

    Thanks for the info. I will get a picture of the hull and post. The PDF of the leader looks close, but I was told this never had a spinnaker. Many thanks.

    Ian.
     
  5. ian_upton
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    Location: Grand Blanc, Michigan

    ian_upton Junior Member

    Interesting. The Leader was first built in 1960 or so. Previous owner said this came from the 30's. Search will continue.
     
  6. Richard Woods
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    Richard Woods Woods Designs

    It won't be from the 30's if it is a plywood dinghy....

    RW
     
  7. ian_upton
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    Location: Grand Blanc, Michigan

    ian_upton Junior Member

    Definitely plywood. Obviously not as old as suggested.

    Hoping to have some photos in the next few days.

    Thank you!
     
  8. SukiSolo
    Joined: Dec 2012
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    SukiSolo Senior Member

    Small Craft also made GRP GP 14s' as well s not just wooden boats.
     
  9. ian_upton
    Joined: Apr 2006
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    ian_upton Junior Member

    I think we may have the answer here. The GP14 looks to be what I have.

    Unfortunately the boat is several hours away and I will not get to her for another few weeks.

    Pictures from the GP14 website seem to match.

    Thanks.

    Ian.
     
  10. ian_upton
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    Location: Grand Blanc, Michigan

    ian_upton Junior Member

    Sail number 1433. Sail mfg date was 1954.
     

  11. Richard Woods
    Joined: Jun 2006
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    Richard Woods Woods Designs

    Yes, you are right , sorry. A GP14, the Leader didn't have the aft deck and mainsheet horse shown in the first photo. The Leader has a double chine hull, the GP single chine, so are obviously different

    RW
     
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