Weekender "FreeAtLast" NOW SOLD

[Knut]

FreeAtLast was launched end of February this year. The building process can be studied using the link:

http://groups.msn.com/WeekenderBoatbuilding/knutsweekenderfreeatlast.msnw

There are only minor modifications to the stock plans. One important change is that the wheel steering is according to Nelson Surbrook design and it has worked without a glitsch from day one. No sign of wear on any part of the steering and it runs as smoothly as silk. No adjustment made so far and there is no sign that it will be needed either.

The mast is about a foot higher than plans to avoid conflict between the shrouds and the gaf. This has worked out fine (the boom and sail has not been raised anything). Sails from Ultasail (main and standard jib from special quality reinforced, white tarp, the Lapper jib is dacron). The mainsail has slab reefing points and the Jiffy reef system has been installed.

The jib club-foot has not been installed. There are two jib-sheets and tracks for the jib blocks to adjust for size of jib (standard or lapper). Jib-sheets are cleated in the cockpit. The main-sheet has a traveller across the transom to allow moving the sheeting point from side to side (helps keeping the boom down and avoid too much twist in the mainsail spilling the wind.

All running rigging is marine grade rope. Shrouds and forestay are stainless steel with SS fittings and turnbuckles. The forestay has a SS lever to allow quick connection of the forestay and tensioning by closing the lever. Therefore, the 4 shroud-turnbuckles need not be moved at all and all adjustments are kept unchanged from sail-trip to sail-trip.

Throat and peak halyards go back to the cockpit. The jib has a down-haul line from the cockpit. All blocks are Harken (or similar grade marine equipment).

The hull, deck and cabin is marine grade plywood. Urea glue (according to plans) and stainless steel wood fasteneres throughout. Hull outside and topsides covered by 6 oz fiberglass and glued with vinyl esther marine grade. The glassing goes 1" down onto the keel sides. This same area coated 3 layers with epoxy primer and then with 3 coats of linear polyurethane paint. Inside hull and cabin is coated with outdoor quality enamel paint. Bowsprit, mast and boom are also painted with epoxy primer and PU-paint as the hull outside.

The upper wooden rub-rail has got an extra protection via a plastic rubrail which completely protects against damage when mooring (can be difficult to hit the right spot with fenders).

The splash coamings are full length (see pictures) and they work very well at keeping the cockpit dry when beating hard upwind.

The hatch-box is slightly larger than plans to give a better seat and to allow more space for drinks and other goods. The hatches under the cockpit seats are sealed to the cabin (in case any water should come in through the tiller transom opening. (Has not happened yet).

The keel has a sacrifical strip of oiled red-oak for protection when beaching the boat. This has worked perfectly and the oak-strip shows no signs of wear or damage from exposure to water. Easy to treat by brushing on some deck-oil at intervals.

West Marine outboard motor mount allows dropping the motor vertically into the water when needed and to lift it out when sailing. It is NOT necessary to swing the motor up to get it out of the water and because of this it is not sticking out to the rear when sailing (would not look so nice and could easily hit something in close quarters).

Mercury 2.5 hp outboard gives 4 knots. The motor has no gear and is used in a fixed position (using the boat rudder for steering).

Two gasoline tanks, fire extinguisher, anchor, mooring lines and 4 fenders will follow the boat. The boat has been used during weekends between launch and end of June. Vacation and extensive work travelling after that has prevented the use of the boat.

The trailer (Procraft single axle bass boat trailer) has been completely upgraded with a new hitch-lift, new fenders, new hitch coupling and a complete anti-corrosion treatment. Cables and lights are also new. The trailer alone is a value of close to 1000 USD.

Asking price is USD 2000 for the whole package as described, ready to go in the water any time. The materials cost alone is substantially more than this. The boat can be inspected or picked up in Miami, Florida. Other arrangements may be discussed.

3 Nov. 03: FreeAtLast was agreed sold today for pick-up end of this month. If for any reason the deal does not go through, I will be back with news as necessary. Thanks for considering the offer.