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VirtualVagabond · 01-08-2013, 21:08

Wonderful boats to live on, big and beamy with mountains of space, and good downwind sailing. Think of it as a motor-sailor going to windward because they are relatively flat bottomed and don't have much of a keel at all.
If you understand the limitations of the design and the boat still suits you, go for it.

Vic

Indigo Sky · 01-08-2013, 21:20

Vic

When you say " The limitations of the design " what do you refer to ?

Seagull111 · 02-08-2013, 04:38

Good luck with the brig. Sounds like great fun.

Tony B · 02-08-2013, 04:45

Good luck
and welcome aboard

barnakiel · 02-08-2013, 05:54

I have seen a Spray (or a Spray -like) boat rigged this way. She came from Canada. She was in Spain. Owners seemed happy with the layout and spoke highly of its merits.

b.

VirtualVagabond · 02-08-2013, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigo Sky

Vic

When you say " The limitations of the design " what do you refer to ?

Just the windward performance. I know there was a guy about 20 years ago who built one in fiberglass in Ballina called "Seafire's Gem". He added a timber 'rail' to the long, shallow keel that gave it an additional foot because he was concerned about the windward performance. Unfortunately it was before the internet really got established and I never did get to find out how she sailed.

Having said that, every boat is a package of compromises and the Spray package gives wonderful liveaboard space, second to none. And that is what you have 24/7. I just felt you should be aware that your trade off is the probable need to motor assist when going to windward. This is not a problem at all, many boats do it anyway, often if they have a family or partner who hates going to windward just for the more comfortable ride.

I think of far more importance in an older steel boat of any design is how it's been built and maintained. Get a good survey and ask for any evidence of electrolysis.

Please don't take my comments as trying to put you off a Spray, they are good boats, Slocum proved that! Just take any comments as part of having a clearer picture of the boat you'll be calling home.

Good luck.
Let us know how you go.

Vic
PS. Starting another thread with "Any Spray Owners Out There?" may put you in touch with a few Spray owners and their input will probably be very valuable.

europaflyer · 02-08-2013, 08:30

I can't really contribute any experience to this thread, but I just wanted to say what a beautiful boat she is! I always thought of the BR Sprays as ugly tubs, but without the usual high gunwale (shown here) yours really shows that there is a lovely hull underneath! It would be really great to see some more photos of her.

As for the rig, I would have thought sailing with the headsails and mizzen to start with should be the easiest way, as mentioned above. A good engine will be your friend at first. Add in the squaresail when you have a bit more confidence. Please keep us informed!

europaflyer · 02-08-2013, 08:43

A bit of internet research and Blue Knight popped up as a 44'/45' Spray. Another pic here, apparently rigged with three squaresails on the mainmast. What a boat!

More info here and here.

Indigo Sky · 02-08-2013, 15:21

Yes I have seen this picture of her - she is actually 53ft - confirmed -
and Yes - " What a Boat " Built in 1986 in Newcastle Australia -
She has 2 x Mitsubishi Vetus 32 hp motors

She has been in PNG for the last 9 years

europaflyer · 02-08-2013, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigo Sky

Yes I have seen this picture of her - she is actually 53ft - confirmed -
and Yes - " What a Boat " Built in 1986 in Newcastle Australia -
She has 2 x Mitsubishi Vetus 32 hp motors

She has been in PNG for the last 9 years

53' length overall, or length on deck?

Indigo Sky · 02-08-2013, 15:30

53ft Length on deck

europaflyer · 02-08-2013, 15:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indigo Sky

53ft Length on deck

She looks it. Internet got it wrong, no surprises there.

Hope you manage to get her - you'll be the envy of any harbour you pull in to! Just don't be disappointed that she isn't a demon to windward. As I'm sure you realise, Sprays have unusually shallow hulls.