YACHTING NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19699, 27 July 1927, Page 16

YACHTING NEWS.

PURCHASING A BOAT.

HINTS FOR THE NOVICE.

SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS.

El' SPINDRIFT. About this time of the year a large number of people consider the purchase of a boat, and as there is more in buying a boat than meets the eye, the writer has endeavoured to offer a few suggestions. The first matter that' must be settled when purchasing any kind of boat is to determine whether it is intended to use it for running about on the harbour as a day boat, or as a cruiser. If the former is decided upon, the question of accommodation is not a very serious one to consider, but should the boat be for cruising, then onte must keep in mind the probable number of the cruising party and what sleeping accommodation is required. No two persons, as a rule, agree as to the best and most comfortable interior arrangement; everybody has his own ideas on this point and the novice is not excluded. Probably the most important consideration is the financial side of the proposition. One should arrange what is the maximum amount one wishes to pay for the craft, then take three-quarters of that amount and do not pay more for the hull and engine. The balance one has in band will easily be spent in the "slight" alterations and modifications which one is sure to make to the craft of one's choice. Expert Advice Desirable. The next step is to go in quest of a craft that will conform with requirements —a full-powered launch, an auxiliary yacht, or a sailing boat with an auxiliary engine. There are two methods to be adopted. It is always advisable to employ an experienced boatbuilder to carry out full inspection, but if the prospective owner cannot go to this expense, he must carry out the survey at his own risk. If the boat happens to be afloat the first thing to do is to get it up on the beach. View it from all angles at a reasonable distance. Bearing in mind one's first decision as to where one is going to cruise, determine whether the design of the boat is suitable. Has it easy lines that will lend themselves to comfort in a seaway ? Or has it a fullness of body that will make the boat hard and sudden when rolling ? Has it a deep forefoot with a flare on the forward sections to make a dry boat? Or is it shallow and very "pinched," giving the appearance of tendencies to plunge and ship a lot of water on the foredeck ? What type of stern has it ? If it is a full, fiat transom it will not be comfortable in a heavy sea. If it has a counter which is very long and narrow, it will also be uncomfortable in a following sea. What are its proportions ? Does it strike one as being inclined to topheaviness, or is it well in the water and giving the appearance of solidity ? Weigh up every point as to whether the boat looks as though it will meet with requirements. Appearance goes a long way. Planking and Interior.

Next, scrape off the paint in one or two places on each side of tho hull and examine the planking. See whether tho fastenings are of iron, or another metal; the former is the inferior. Look carefully at the plank ends on the stem and stern, inspect the garboard strakes (the planks adjacent to the keel) on each side for their full length, inspect also tho strakes immediately above the water-line. It is at these places where rot generally first develops. Then go inside the hull and lift some of the floor boards. Inspect very carefully the end of the keel, keelson, stem, sternpost and dead woods; also the heels of the timbers and floors. Be sure that no timbers are broken or rotten in the Carefully inspect tho decks first from below and then from above to see that every plank is sound; also that the decks are laid with comparatively narrow planks and that the seams are not wide or open; also see that the beam shelf is sound.

When the survey of the hull is completed one can turn attention to the goar. Examine the mast and spars, if any, and see that there are no bad splits. Openings with the grain if well stopped are safe, but heart shakes must not be tolerated. Inspect the standing and running gear. The sails should be either laid down on flat, dry ground or hoisted for inspection. The engine ne.xt claims attention; here again a novice is advised to consult a person who has had considerable experience with marine engines. If the prospective owner wishes to survey the engine himself he should first look at the nameplate for date of the engine, name of maker, and other such information. Do not buy an obsolete engine, or one made by any firm now defunct—trouble with spares will be the inevitable result. Depreciation Aspect.

Regarding age, remember that depreciation is about 10 per cent, per annum. With the owner's permission, open the crank case housing posts to see whether the bottom ends of the connecting rods are in order and not slack and that the compression is good. Inspect carefully the fuel tanks, lubricating oil tanks, etc. If everything appears satisfactory request that you be allowed to start up the engine and take notice whether it starts easily. Do not forget to take into consideration that the boat may have been laid up for many months and first starting ma.v be a little difficult. Listen very carefully for knocks; take note of any vibration and see that the engine takes the load easily when the clutch is engaged. Examine the reverse gear. After half an hour's run feel the main portions of the engine and see that there is no excessive heat and at the end of the trial remove the crank housing post and sec that the bearings are cool. Club Jottings.

The Takapuna Boating Club, which had arranged to hold its annual prizo night on August 10, has now decided to postpone the fixture until August 17. Botli the Takapuna and Devonport clubs had agreed to hold their prize nights on August 10 and although tho Takapuna Club was first to make its announcement, it has given way to the Devonport Club for two reasons—one, that the latter body is the senior, and the other that the Devonport Club is uirnble to make arrangements other than for August 10. The action of tho Takapuna Club in this matter is to be commended and there is no doubt that while this, spirit of goodfellowship exists among the clubs, yachting and motor-boating will continue to flourish.

On Friday evening the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will hold its annual smoke concert and distribution of prizes. The Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, will present the trophies. The Devonport Yacht Club will hold its annual 6tnoke concert and distribution of prizes in the Masonic Hall, Devonport, on Wednesday, August 10. The annual general meeting will be held in the dubhouse on Auguet 29.