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Lance
I used BoteCote Aquacote when I replaced the side decks on my Sabre about 18 months ago.
As the old decking was a white pine finish and the foredeck was still quite sound, I was looking for a water-based polyurethane that would not yellow the replacement hoop pine ply as many solvent based finishes do.
After discussions with BoteCote, I coated the new side decks with two coats of their epoxy resin, followed by three coats of their Aquacote brushed on wet on a still “green” previous coat. The epoxy seals the timber and joins, and the Aquacote is mainly to provide UV protection.
BoteCote recommend applying the Aquacote straight over their epoxy resin – they seemed wary of using it directly onto wood. From memory, I think you mix a little water with it to activate the curing process.
I was pretty happy with the result. There has been no yellowing of the hoop pine finish, and I seem to have a good glassy finish that is wearing well. I did find the Aquacote a bit tricky to use though – it goes “off” fairly quickly so you have to put it on and leave it without overworking it. Also the mixes and curing rates are noticeably affected by changes in temperature and humidity.
My foredeck was repainted about 10 years ago using British “Little Ships” water based clear polyurethane – a product that seems to have disappeared from the market place.
Cheers
Peter
Low Impact – 633
Thanks , Phillip, for your clarification.
Although nearly 30 years young, my boat’s hull is in remarkably good condition – a credit to her previous owners who obviously treated her kindly. I really have no reason to touch the hull.
My refurbishments consist mainly of replacing some fittings which are showing the wear and tear of age, and fitting a new Centreboard (to the current specifications).
Once again, Thanks
Petro
Low Impact 633
Like Paul, I acquired an older Sabre (633) last year and have been gradually refurbishing it while enjoying club racing. It has three floor battens only. The only other Sabre (late 1300’s) at our Maroochy Club also has only 3 floor battens – I understand it sailed at National Titles around 2000, so it must have been accepted under trhe rules at that time.
I note Phillip’s reply and especially the sentence – “Older boats may use the batten arrangement currently used in the building notes which does allow for two battens each side.”
Does this indicate that older boats have the option retaining their original three floor batten arrangement, or must they “upgrade” to the later four batten set-up?
Like most other owners of older boats, I would hesitate to undertake this work unless it was absolutely essential.
Petro
Low Impact 633
Gidday Lea
My older Sabre that I acquired last year came with a collection of memorabilia collected during the last 25 odd years by previous owners who have mostly been quite “senior” sailors who have kept “Low Impact” in immaculate condition!!
One item was a 116 page Sail that Sabre Handbook edited by John Snellgrove and dated March 1997.
It is a collection of contributions on sailing in general, and Sabreing in particular – many drawn from articles in the Sabre Rattle during the 70’s and 80’s. Topics include History, Sail Control, Tuning, Racing and Maintenance. It has helped me come to grips with the boat, but on some occasions the advice does seem a bit contradictory.
We also had a copy in our Maroochy Sailing Club library – donated several years ago!
I am unsure if it is still available ( possibly from the Victorian Assoc) but some other readers may be able to enlighten us.
Regarding Regattas – Maroochy doesn’t have any scheduled around Christmas! We had a major one in early October that clashed with the Qld States! I was to be the PRO but my offsiders decided on the Saturday that they could handle the duties and it was time I spent a bit of time in my Sabre, God bless them!!!
Our next major Regatta is our Head of the River weekend on 18/19 March, incorporating the Corsair River Titles on the 18th.
Maybe our tacks will cross on the water soon!!
Cheers
Petro
Low Impact 633
I’d like to join Lea in thanking Alan for his advice on sail shape and tell tales etc.
I sail at Maroochydore where there are only a couple of Sabres and we are both feeling our way trying to get that ideal shape etc. for different conditions. Unusually, this year we have had a run of light conditions, including a couple of drifters, which have really tested our patience and resolve.
Although we have the “Sabre Book” and regularly pore through the various articles, Alan’s advice seems to make it a lot clearer.
My background was in Thorpes (an older Queensland development class) where sail shape was mainly controlled by bending a fairly soft mast. I have found the Sabre mast does not want to bend (!!!) so it is a whole different ball game.
I’m sure Alan’s advice is appreciated by all Sabre sailors , but particularly by those of us like Lea sailing in very small fleets in mixed competition with other classes.
Petro
Low Impact 633
