Fireball 12634 Dinghy

[Howitzer]

Hi guys,

I've just bought this Dinghy and was wondering if there was an easy way to find out roughly how old it is?

I believe (newbie to sailing) that they still produce the same style but in Fibreglass and are into the 30,000 mark but otherwise no next to nothing about them.

Dave!

[Huntsman]

There is a vintage/classic dinghy association, I should think someone there woudl know..

Or try woodenboat forums, a bit of interest in early dinghies there too.

Let have some pics.

[Howitzer]

Thanks for that, i'll have a look at the forum.

Here is Googleyes, I'll get a picture with the mast up soon hopefully.

The wood has come up beautifully, really pleased with it.



I now just need to learn how to sail haha

Dave!

[chrisga]

Good luck Dave, thats a good project!

I dont have a fireball myself and know little about them, but I believe Fireballs have just passed the 15000 mark.

The class website is here:

http://www.fireballsailing.org.uk/

However, I'd recommend asking any questions you might have about fireballs here:

http://www.dwsc.commrich.co.uk/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=...

Its my local club and there is a big fireball contingent there who know their stuff!

Hope that helps.

Chris

[Huntsman]

Howitzer said:

The wood has come up beautifully, really pleased with it.

Nice looking old tub.

[Shifty Scott]

Hi Dave
My first boat was also a Fireball sail no. 11512. I believe it was built in the mid to late 70's. So your boat is probably late 70's early 80's.
Fireball's are a fantastic boat to sail in all conditions.

[Howitzer]

Thanks for the replies guys.

My friend is doing the work to it, he mentioned he was selling it and I looked at it and HAD to have it, it has instant character and the more I read about them the better I feel about the impulse buy haha.

I'm secretly hoping it was built in 84 as it's going to be a birthday present for the future missus Dave and it would be the icing on the cake.

I can't wait to get wet!

Dave!

[Erik Estrada]

A fireball was one of the first boats I crewed on. spinnaker and trapeze. Ours was a wooden one, and absolutely beautiful after a winter varnishing. I eventually helmed and dad became crew due to trapeze weight, this went swimmingly until I pitchpoled her in a force six, at which point dad on the trapeze went swimmingly....

Beautiful old boat, very very light on the helm, even in weather, but very fragile centreboards if yours is the three piece construction....

Jono