Dick: How interesting that you bought a Nonsuch 26. I just sold my Nonsuch 30 and bought a Montgomery 17. As you may know, the 30s all have cored hulls and decks while the 26s have solid fiberglass hulls. I have heard of some 30s with blister problems but it's rare. I loved my Nonsuch but it was too much boat ($$$) for me. The 26 is an excellent compromise and one I would consider if I ever decide to go up in size. It certainly can sail rings around the boats mentioned here. Maria ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Lane" <rqlhgl@wt.net> To: <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Friday, March 22, 2002 6:37 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Bones: Flicka resin/date question
When I was looking around for a bigger boat than the M23 that "Bones" now owns, I looked at several 1975-79 era Norsea 27s, they all had significant osmotic blisters particularly at the turn of the bilge. That was one reason I bought a Nonsuch 26 instead. Dick
Wilsometer@aol.com wrote:
In a message dated 3/21/02 6:52:57 PM, bownez@juno.com writes:
<< Scott,
Looks like you have you have been doing your homework on the Flickas. Ever looked closely at it's bigger brother the Dana? Quite a boat. I have heard similar stories of blister problems on earlier Flickas, I believe pre '88. It was due to resin formulation. A Lake Superior Flicka owner by the name of Sterling Weatherford has his referb story posted on the web. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Later,
Bones >>
Hi Bones, Thank you for the follow-up. I 've been aboard a few Dana's, but have yet to sail one. I met Bill Crealock (the designer) once, and we discussed the relative merits of the different 'pocket cruisers' (or tabloid yachts, if you subscribe to Jay Benford's theory that pocket cruisers refer to powerboats only). I like the Dana very much, although I favor the outboard rudder and more plumb bow of the Flicka. At 8000 pounds, I group the Dana more in with the Nor ' Sea 27 and the Falmouth Cutter. All three are trailerable, but not so easily as the Flicka (easy being a very relative term!!), and the price of entry is a little rich for my blood of late (Used Dana's seem to start around the $50K mark, and ramp up quickly depending on age and condition). I would love to be in a position to consider any of the three larger boats, but alas, that is not where I find myself these days.
Thanks for bringing up Sterling Weatherford's story regarding hull hydrolyzation and repairs. I discovered this just prior to almost purchasing a 1985 Flicka with some seemingly superficial blisters. I credit him with possibly saving me thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of work. When I spoke with him, he was quick to point out that not all boats of this period suffered the same maladies, but there is certainly reason to look very carefully.
I was interested to hear from you that PSC changed their resin in 1988. I am trying to corroborate this date, as I would like to concentrate my search on newer boats. Could you tell me where you heard the 1988 date? Others I have talked to have said the same thing. Some say it was not until 1989. The factory doesn't seem to know (apparently there is nobody left there from the original days, and now it is under different ownership).
As silly as it might seem, I intend to keep my M15 even if I do find a Flicka. I just can't stand to part with it (at least not yet, and while I would likely haul the Flicka to some distant location every few years (Alaska from Seattle/Bellingham is first on the list), I can see popping up to BC or down to the Sea of Cortez on short notice with the M15. There is also lake sailing to consider.
Do I understand that you bought an M23? If so, congratulations! I will be eager to hear your further reports!
Cheers, Scott Grometer M15 #478, "bebe"
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