Mk1 Restoration

[charliedelta]

Hi All

I was wondering if it was worth the effort to restore a MK1. There are couple MK1's that have come for sale that appear to be in reasonable condition.

I was tossing the coin if I buy a MK1 restore and and make it seaworthy for a Indian Ocean trip or Just Buy Walker H28 or Duncanson 29 which appears to be better physical and seaworthy condition.

Would be Interested in any opinions.

Charlie

[steve]

Hi Charlie,

All three of the models you suggested were well designed and built boats, and are now available at bargain prices  You could also add Compass 28s to your list.

I think the answer to your question depends on (a) whether you will be singlehanded (b) how long you expect your trip to last and (c) which seasons / areas of the Indian Ocean you intend to sail in.  

If singlehanded a Top Hat would be fine but if there will be two or more of you on board for more than a couple of nights then one of the larger models would be highly preferable.  I am not saying that two people cannot exist on a Top Hat for many months as has been proved many times, but a bigger boat would be much better.

If singlehanded, the extra cabin space becomes less important but the bigger boats should give an easier, quicker, performance if all other things are equal.

Possibly the most important feature is the type and condition of the engine and associated fuel system, engine mounts, gear box, propeller, etc.  I sail a Top Hat with an outboard motor and consider that preferable to an inboard diesel for the type of sailing I do, but if you are planning long offshore trips then a newish, well maintained, diesel inboard is preferable.  

If heading for areas of prolonged calm periods, then a highly reliable engine becomes even more important.

Sails and standing rigging can be replaced relatively cheaply (about $5000) whereas a new inboard engine will cost much more.  A new mast would also be expensive so make sure that the mast and its fittings are in good condition.

I don't think it would be sensible to go to the expense of fitting a new inboard engine to a 50 year old Top Hat. Therefore, unless you are singlehanded and can find a Top Hat with an excellent engine, I would not choose a Top Hat.

I would be happy with any of the models you propose but, if all other aspects are equal, I would choose the Walker H28 as I think it is the largest of the three.

[charliedelta]

Thanks Steve for that comprehensive answer. I will think all those points through. My main concern was the reported weak spots in the MK1's hull that when combined with age make the long term integrity doubtful. The H28 looks like hull that has few issue and seems to be very well built. Why I like the MK1 was the potential to strip the interior while getting easy access to the hull for adding stringer etc. All this seems like a lot of work which I probably not have to do on the H28. I also looked at the Clansman, however the layout just look awkward and would be difficult to modify.

Thanks

[Phillip]

Well that's just not true about reported weak spots in Mk 1 hulls.
Just remember it was the early days of building fibreglass yachts and compared to today they are OVERBUILT!
I don't know where you got that from, certainly not a Mk 1 owner.

The ONLY reported problems with Top Hat Hulls is the amateur joining of the deck to hull in about 6 cases. I know that two have been fixed.
When Formit allowed the deck to be fix by the new owner they quickly became aware of the problem and stopped hulls leaving the factory with the deck not attached.

And remember that the forward deck of Mk 1s is solid fibreglass whereas in MK 2&3 its a foam core which is some cases has become soft.

[charliedelta]

Thanks for your opinion on the MK1.

I only mention the MK1 potential because Ian Mitchel mentioned that Jamie on Possibilities had some issues with cracking around 1 stringer that needed attention. Since I know very little about the MK1 I cant surmise that it was a common issue.

I still would prefer a MK1 because it would much easier inspecting the hull without having an internal liner. I may be wrong.

It would be great if some with some experience like yourself maybe write a quick survey guide for potential new buyers.

Cheers

Well that's just not true about reported weak spots in Mk 1 hulls.
Just remember it was the early days of building fibreglass yachts and compared to today they are OVERBUILT!
I don't know where you got that from, certainly not a Mk 1 owner.

The ONLY reported problems with Top Hat Hulls is the amateur joining of the deck to hull in about 6 cases. I know that two have been fixed.
When Formit allowed the deck to be fix by the new owner they quickly became aware of the problem and stopped hulls leaving the factory with the deck not attached.

And remember that the forward deck of Mk 1s is solid fibreglass whereas in MK 2&3 its a foam core which is some cases has become soft.

[Phillip]

I think Ian's cracked stringer was an isolated case as I have not heard of any other such damage of failure.

As to a survey I am hesitant to offer such a document as I have no qualifications in surveying vessels.

But happy to answer questions on problems presented with photos, either here or on the Facebook site.

[Miker]

Charlie, don't discount later model Top Hats. I have a Mark 3 and actually don't know if the foredeck is foam core or not. It certainly doesn't feel like it. I also don't have an internal liner. The interior was apparently left out of some boats as a "race plan" interior. I also don't have an enclosed head, just a pot under the v-berth. All the interior of the hull and coach roof is visible and accessible.
Jamie Mitchell's boat "Possibilities" traveled the world with an outboard through the transom, so whilst it's not necessarily the 'best' engine, an outboard can still do the job.

Good luck with your hunt.

[charliedelta]

Thanks Phil and Mike for all the useful information.

I will consider it all when I find a suitable Top Hat.

Its heartening to know that all the MK's are worth considering.

Thanks