Repowering a top hat inboard

[Shaun]

From: BCL (Original Message) Sent: 01/10/2008 04:17
Dear all -

I purchased my first yacht about 5 months ago - a Tophat Mk III (which I love!) and is in great condition save a few small things -

1) Windows leak - is resealing these easy to do? If so, how or am I better off getting someone else

2) I am going to need a new engine at some point I suspect (its a very original looking and sounding Yanmar Diesel) - what would the $$ be for to repower with a 10 or 20 hp diesel?

3) No spinnaker - can I buy second hand from another yacht class - eg a J24 or similar? Has anyone got dimensions for a Tophat spinnaker?

Finally - I cannot seem to find a class association for Tophats - does one exist?

Thanks and regards to all - this is a very useful site for a newby like me!

Brendan Lyon
Topknot



----------------------

Reply
Recommend Delete Message 2 of 5 in Discussion

From: nswsailor Sent: 01/10/2008 04:26
Brendan,

I have a mk1 with a 10hp Nanni. The prop is three bladed and I can do the hull speed of 6+ knots just after I antifoul. As time goes on I lose a 1/2 knot!
So going to 20hp is really over doing it.

Don't know about the windows as mine are diffrent to the mk 3.

I believe you can use the J24 sails, try the J24 racing clubs as some of those boats replace their sails each year. I still need to measure mine for the group.

There is no association, this webb page is it and not many of the 800 odd hulls that were built are members of this group.

Phillip
SEAKA
-----------------------------------

Reply
Recommend Delete Message 3 of 5 in Discussion

From: Storm_Petrel_ Sent: 01/10/2008 21:58
Hi Brendan,

I was worried about my Yanmar when I bought my boat too. But the general concensus on small Yanmars seems to be that if they are currently running OK and you service them regularly they just keep on going. They say that Yanmars blow up from lack of service they do not wear out. But if your Yanmar has been treated badly you could look at a rebuild to save $$$.

I have an ancient QM15 Yanmar in my MkII and it pushes the boat at the hull speed (about 6 knots) easily. The motor looks pretty ordinary and is sometimes a little slow to start in the dead of winter but it does always seem to start and has proved to be very economical.

Windows can be resealed but you have to be sure to use the correct technique and sealant. There is a post on resealing windows on this site.

Cheers,
Mark

--------------------------

Reply
Recommend Delete Message 4 of 5 in Discussion

From: marklang2 Sent: 02/10/2008 05:56
The Royal Motor Yacht Club has a Top Hat Sailing Division which races on Pittwater the 1st Saturday of each month and has a range of social and nautical activities during the year.

Unfortunately, I'm the only Top Hat (most of the others are ex Top Hatters). Anyone who'd like to come along and race and join the raft up afterwards are welcome to come as guests for the 1st two races. After that there are formalities like being a member of a yacht club and getting a Cat7 audit.

If you're interested send me an email and I'll pass on the details,

Cheers,

Mark

Windy Business

-----------------------------------
Reply
Recommend Delete Message 5 of 5 in Discussion

From: BCL Sent: 03/10/2008 20:48
Thanks - I'll look at a service and get the seawater gasket replaced (which leaks) -

Thanks for the advice guys.

BL