TOPIC:

I am helping a friend do up an old Albacore (a Fairey which still has its aft deck). It has modern rig but the previous owner never capsized - so it is equipped with plastic bottles not buoyancy bags. The new owner is a novice and I want to make sure its safe for him. But the question is how much buoyancy and where should it go? I don't want to overdo it and have it float too high, but its got to be safe and stable when they do fall in. Any tips, bag sizes or products to recommend?

Simon
I have a Fairey Marine Albacore with it's aft deck still in place, No 195, and believe me there is no way you could accidentally put too many buoyancy bags in. There is a large triangular one under the foredeck, two sausage shaped ones under each side bench and a large rectangular one under the stern deck. And some polystyrene blocks wedged firmly under all of them.
In fairness it is no harder to right than a more modern boat, just lots of water to deal with when you get back in.
All the best
Steve