I am restoring a pond yacht, built by my grandfather , James Melville and a Mr. Ingram in Tayport, Scotland, in the early 1930s. The hull is 55 inches long x 13 inches at it's widest point ( beam ). The mast is 62 inches tall and the boom is 33 inches long. She weighs 26lb. The measurements and weight and classic lines are consistent with a classic 6 Metre yacht design, popular with model yacht builders in the 1930s.
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Friday, 25 March 2016
Braine Quadrant.
Typical to a vintage yacht and fitted to "Grace" in the thirties was a Braine Steering setup part of which would have a Braine Quadrant. "Grace" was fitted with a simple tiller arm on the rudder post but I wanted a more vintage look and so decided to fit a Braine Quadrant. Unfortunately they are like hens teeth and "Graces vanished years ago. I did inquire to having one made but the cost was silly.
I did find a suitable one supplied by Graham Bantock's Sails Etc. but they only make it in stainless steel which isn't very vintage. I bought their quadrant then set about making it more appealing and brassy by soldering on brass sheet then cutting to size. I re-drilled the holes and tidied it up. The finished article looks great and only cost £19.00.
I did find a suitable one supplied by Graham Bantock's Sails Etc. but they only make it in stainless steel which isn't very vintage. I bought their quadrant then set about making it more appealing and brassy by soldering on brass sheet then cutting to size. I re-drilled the holes and tidied it up. The finished article looks great and only cost £19.00.
The first tiller I fitted to "Grace"
Braine setup with quadrant.
The brassed-up Quadrant
Tuesday, 22 March 2016
Sunday, 6 March 2016
Grace in the water!
After 75 years in dry dock "Grace" is let loose on Swannie Pond, Dundee, skippered by club President Forbes so I could hold the camera!!
Without edit.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
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