TOPIC:

I have recently acquired an old Fosrite Albacore with a view to upgrading it as much as possible. Currently the transom flaps are loose and use two short bits of shockcord as hinges. What are the usual hinge and seal arrangements on a GRP Albacore for a good seal but ease of use when required - hopefully at minimal cost!



Graham Birch


Albacore 5859

Graham, I bought a piece of clear plastic glazing (about 5mm thick) from B&Q and cut out to size. A small rectangular piece abutted along a short edge was screwed to the boat and stuck to the flaps with clear tape which acted as a hinge (leave a small gap between the sections to allow for movement). Drill a hole in the middle of the flaps and thread some thin elastic through each with a stopper knot on the outside then form a loop on the inside to take round a suitable 'hook' about a foot in. Works a treat, is simple and light. If it breaks just replace. Trevor

Thanks trevor. Have got the flaps and the elastic into the boat, but just trying to work out hinge arrangement and if any seal is required - it looks like domestic draught excluder (soft foam type) was used before. What type of tape did you use for the hinge arrangement and was this a top hinge or side hinges close to the rudder pintle?

You don't need a good seal as the flaps are above the water line unless you are sitting to far back.

You could also consider some pieces of tow strapping for the hinge.



Phil


A6504 "Nemesis"

Northern rep.

You could also try a peice of windsurfer sail window, fit it right across the the back covering both holes. The fixing then becomes the lower Rudder fitting. Two simple lenghts of shock cord then pull it agaisnt the transom. The material is flexible anough that it just bends when the boat is full of water and a exit route is required. Works great on my boat.



Peter 7993

I have a side hinge close to the pintles. The tape is clear Duck tape. Just stick it on both sides and with a small gap it is fleaxible enough for a hinge, Trevor

Took the boat out Friday evening in a gusty force 3 - transom flaps tideid up with old seals and foam tape removed, flaps flush with transom and secured by new elastic for both hinges and centre holes. Worked fine with no leaks! Many thanks for everybodies input .....



Next problem is to sort out how the elasticated jib pole works - probably a job for a midweek evening!



Graham Birch

Albacore 5859

suggest you bring a digital camera to the Inlands next weekend at South Cerney. There are lots of different systems to pick from!