Description

SMALL BOAT MASSIVE CHARACTER! A good chance for a serious lover of historic small boats to sail this beauty at a realistic price.

Sprite is a Classic (1920s/30s) gaff-rig dayboat or weekend cruiser. Single-hander or crewed. A joy to sail, a joy to work with.

17-foot, with bowsprit 20-foot overall, 6-foot-6 beam, 2-foot-9 draught. Carvel built, larch on oak frames, long keel, massive lead ballast, red sails (main and jib, 14 m2 approx), all running rigging renewed 2023 in top maritime tradition. Cabin with grab rails on top, can sleep two, no creature comforts. 4 x brass-framed portholes. Bracket for outboard: Mercury 5 hp 4-stroke available extra. Good inventory for local pottering in tidal waters: e.g. CQR and kedge anchors with chain, warps, fenders, jackstays. No electrics. (Hand-held VHF radio and GPS available extra.) Trailer OK for yard work, not for highway. Hand-made tiller (by perfectionist!) in antique oak, plus teak tiller spare.

Long keel means she sails straight. Jackstays for safety as you go up to the mast to hoist sails.

Tailor-made full-length canvas cover. Cockpit cover for summer use. Mainsail cover.

Asking price reflects value of original classic boat plus work in progress: no skimping! Keeping to the traditional integrity of this much-loved craft.

Full restoration 2002-06.

Survey April 2022.

Specifications

Accommodation

2-berth cabin, no creature comforts, but with bedding and camping stove will do for a weekend!

Construction

Carvel-built hull, larch planking on oak frames

Sprite on trailer

Sprite berthed

Sprite under way

Gaff rig detail

Sprite deck view

Sprite bow view

Sprite stern view

Engine(s)

5 HP 4-stroke Mercury, worth about £500, available extra (not available separately)

Safety Equipment

Jackstays - webbing from strong points aft to samson post for'ard, clip on a personal harness for extra safety as you go to the mast for halyards and topping lift.

Location Map