Info wanted on Top Hats

[Shaun]

From: peter12381 (Original Message) Sent: 7/06/2006 2:29 AM
Hi all

I'm looking around for a small seaworthy yacht to buy and a Top Hat or Folkboat would seem to fit the bill. I haven't sailed in a Top Hat though (well actually I haven't done any sailing for a couple of decades, living away from the coast, caught up with work, bringing up kids, etc, you know how it goes). Anyway I'm hoping to renew my acquaintance with the sea, and am wondering if subscribers to this group might be able to provide some information regarding Top Hats.

1. What are the pros and cons of the different marks? I understand they all have the same hull shape, and I've seen from his site that there are different cabins and fitouts. I read in one article that the Mark 1 was more strongly constructed. Is there anything in that or are they all pretty rugged?

2. How balanced are Top Hats? Do they develop much weather helm as the wind gets up?

3. How tender are they? I'm guessing that with the high ballast ratio they would heel to a certain angle but then not go much further. Is that right?

Thanks
Peter



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Recommend Message 2 of 4 in Discussion

From: GosfordPhil3 Sent: 9/06/2006 7:00 AM
Personally top hats are a great little family boat. A space sailer would have that little bit extra room but would sacrifice stability in a blow as the balast ratio is less but they cost about an extra $5000 for a good one when compaired with the top hat. For a family i would not go past the mark 3. The interior was refitted to suit families. It comes in two options with the toilet in the V berth or seperate. Whilst the seperate toilet is a squeeze it would suit a family needing to attend to night time duties if staying out. In regards to weather helm it does get a bit with a full main in strong winds, but with a reef and a No 2 they are very well balanced. If you have time with your purchase I would wait for one with a well maintained inboard deisel. The outboard is a pain to lift in and out as is required on the mark 2/3, and if left in whilst sailing affects peformance. Flushing can also be an issue but this has been discussed in previous message threads. Hope this helps
Phil

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Recommend Message 3 of 4 in Discussion

From: BigLofty4 Sent: 11/06/2006 3:40 AM
Hello Peter,
If you haven't already, have a look at the recent thread started by Gavin on buying a Top Hat. It is on the "For Sale/ Wanted" message board. On the links page, you will find downloads of reviews of the Top Hat as well as other downloads relevant to a prospective buyer. In short, you will find a lot of useful relevant information just by browsing the site.

Good luck with your research
Cyril

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Recommend Message 4 of 4 in Discussion

From: peter12381 Sent: 17/06/2006 4:46 PM
Thanks Phil and Cyril for the advice and encouragement. I'm not in a rush so will keep looking and learning before I make the committment. This discussion group is a great resource and the accounts of Ian and Jans travels very inspiring.

Cheers

Peter