Where are the Roberts Tom Thumb 24's in the world?

[Seerauber]

I am the proud owner of a steel Roberts Tom Thumb 24 "Seerauber" (Tony Fountain - The Rainbow Chaser - Seerauber) and I was wondering if anyone in the group also owned one or new of someone who did?

I'd be keen to form a group so that we co uld exchange news, views and experiences.

[Coops]

There used to be a guy living on a junk rigged one on the Gold Coast here in Australia a few years ago. But have not seen it recently.

Coops.

[barnakiel]

Met one in RSA.

b.

[calypsosailor]

Why can't I find more info and blogs from proud Tom Thumb owners? I would love to hear more about these little boats, Videos, pictures, and modifications! Common folks these are a tough little boat someone out their had to put it to the test..

[Seerauber]

G'day Calypso,

have a look at my URL above. Seerauber is just coming off the hard having had extensive work done on her thanks to the "old enemy" of rust but once I am back sailing again, I will be making some videos.

I will keep this site posted on this.

Tony

[calypsosailor]

Thanks Tony! I am about to embark on the journey of de-rusting a Tom Thumb as well! How did you go about getting rid of rust? I go back and forth between using an angle grinder, sand blasting, and navel jelly..
It looks like you have done a lot of work to your Searauber, i would love to hear more about her set up!

[calypsosailor]

[Seerauber]

Hey Calypso,

Nice looking little ship you have there. What sized outboard do you use on her.
Seerauber is about to go back into the briney after a major ($20k plus) repaint, reweld of stanchions, rust removal etc etc so whilst the pocket is belted, my spirits won't be!
As soon as I have some pics, I'll post them.
Tony

[tager]

Nice little boat. How's the interior volume? I find that my Haida 26 makes a suitable liveaboard, but it has a narrower beam, finer stern and more raked stem, same waterline. What is the "standing headroom?"

My boat has 5'9.5" headroom, which was great when I bought her, then I grew an inch. I find it is still quite comfortable. I am considering lowering the floor the half inch I need.

[calypsosailor]

Sounds great Tony, I can't wait to see photos! Right now i don't have an outboard for her, or sails. I will let ya know when i do though. I am also intrested in interior work, Tony would you be willing to post or send me photos of your interior layout, i would be super interested to see it!?! I am having to completely remove Kismets interior to remove the light rusting everywhere! And considering it is my home i will probably spray foam insulation. Did you use foam board or spray foam? Also since you just painted, what paint system did you use for interior, or exterior??
Tager, thanks! The interior is amazing as far as volume, she is only 24' long but 9.5 beam!! I am about 5.5 and i think i have a foot over my head in space (though my 6.6 friend has to slouch over a bit). Before this i have lived on a 32' sailboat with only a 5' beam, and it felt small! I also lived on one of those amazing brent swain 36' and that felt huge (it wasn't mine, but helped me fall in love with steel sailboats!)! For me the key to the right liveaboard sailboat is to be able to stretch out.. That and space for your tools!

[KenHopkins]

Hello fellow Thumbers,
I built my Tom Thumb 23 years ago. It took me 8yrs. in the backyard of my townhouse. We're based in the SF Bay Area. Doubt if I could get away with it now here in CA. Used some special techniques I learned from a brilliant boat builder named Gary Webb. I wonder if Graham would approve of the build.
Ken Hopkins

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by KenHopkins

Hello fellow Thumbers,
I built my Tom Thumb 23 years ago. It took me 8yrs. in the backyard of my townhouse. We're based in the SF Bay Area. Doubt if I could get away with it now here in CA. Used some special techniques I learned from a brilliant boat builder named Gary Webb. I wonder if Graham would approve of the build.
Ken Hopkins

Wow! That's a beautiful one!
Welcome aboard here!

[KenHopkins]

Thank you my friend. It's always nice when something that took so much of your thought and time is appreciated.

[Stu Jackson]

Very, very nice. Almost makes me wish I was back in the Bay Area to come see it (I sailed N in 2016).


Enjoy her, know you will.