Fairey Atalanta (26) - free and cheap!

[David_Old_Jersey]

I think I have mentioned these boats before, never had one but always had a soft spot for them. Maybe one day? A real go anywhere boat (skipper permitting) and floats in a puddle of piss, but with the keels down draws around 6'.

Before y'all get too excited  :P, they are made of wood! and around 50 years old. and mostly UK based, but some are in the US of A. The good news is that they are hot moulded hardwood (Agba) veneers, baked under pressure in an autoclave (as was the Mosquito Bomber airframe during WWII - by the same folks at Fairey), so no joints to leak - with wood construction that is as good as it gets. The exception being the transoms which are plywood -  3 guesses how they can go  :(.

Of course after 50 years and multiple owners (of varying capabilities and knowledge and pockets) plenty around that have issues, from basket case upwards. But also some nice ones around (GBP6-8k? / USD9-$12k? - albeit what the prices are in the US for a little known wooden boat is another thing).

The owners association (UK) has a for sale list that includes free and cheap - of course free and cheap always has a cost!

http://atalantaowners.ning.com/page/boats-for-sale




For sale in Canada with more photos:-

http://www.aurorawoodwork.com/Tenga.htm

[David_Old_Jersey]

I got distracted into reading more about Atalantas!

http://faireyatalanta.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-why-fairey-atalanta-was-i-having-bad.html

http://www.sailingtoday.co.uk/fairey/fairey-atalanta

[Travelnik]

I like it!

Unfortunately, I don't have the time and money to put into a nice wooden boat.

I've always liked Uffa Fox designs too.

Maybe someday...

[Porter Wayfare]

If I just had more money I could afford a free boat.  Atalantas melt my heart.

[David_Old_Jersey]

Yeah, free always has a price tag  :)

A lot of innovative thought went into her design (early 1950's - but a fair chance she had been on the back of a fag packet far earlier, possibly even during WWII).....if she was designed last week (with a few styling tweeks and mod cons) she would be considered ground-breaking.

IIRC she takes a 4x4 to tow, and a few folks have trailed them down to the Med from the UK and used as caravan enroute! Although I don't remember ever seeing a picture, she was designed to have a dinghy stowed (upside down) on the aft cabin. A few also around that are now powered only by O/b. no doubt due to engine going pop!

[Porter Wayfare]

The one in west Canada looks terrific.  It would be so much fun!