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The time has come to sell my much loved boat. Tamarisk is a classic wooden sailing yacht built in 1938. She is pitch pine on oak with a cutter rig and a long keel. I bought her in 2018 in Cornwall and since then she has taught me a great deal about sailing and wooden boats. She is a joy to work on and sails like a dream. Everything is very simple, no complicated electrics or fancy systems. She has a single bunk on either side, a little kitchen area to starboard and a very small forepeak which we added last year as a bunk for our little girl (2 years old the time). Tamarisk is the perfect size for day trips and weekends away or longer trips if you pack light and have a good coolbox. She can be sailed singlehanded or easily with 2 people. I have thoroughly enjoyed owning her and every time I step on board she makes me smile but our third crew member (now 4 years old) is growing fast and sadly Tamarisk is just a bit small for our future adventures.
When I bought Tamarisk she was very much in need of love and attention. I have detailed the work I’ve done below and included my to do list as there are still things that need doing along with the usual ongoing maintenance.
Tamarisk is an old wooden boat, full of character and needs someone who appreciates her for who she is. Someone who understands the work involved in owning a wooden boat and is excited to get stuck in. It is rewarding work, watching 80 year old wood shine after a bit of care is very satisfying. She is a nice size for maintenance. I can paint the hull or touch up the cockpit varnish in an afternoon, both of which are very pleasant jobs on a sunny day.
If you’re looking for a classic wooden sailing boat to enjoy and you like a bit of varnishing and carpentry then Tamarisk might be the boat for you… I would really like her to go to a new owner who can give her the care and attention she needs to keep on sailing for another 85 years.
MAKE AND MODEL
4 Ton Hillyard
Length 20ft
LOA with bowsprit and bumpkin 27ft
Built 1938
Cutter rigged sloop
WORK DONE
New shearplank in Iroko – port side aft 2024
2024 – Hull stripped to good paint (primer in some places and wood in others) above and below the waterline. Painted with Epifanes multi marine primer above the waterline and Hempel underwater primer below the waterline
Rubbing strake stripped and in the process of revarnishing 2024
New fore hatch in Sapele 2021
New mainsheet 2021
New automatic bilge pump 2021
Rudder sanded back and sheathed in light weight cloth and epoxy – painted with Epifanes 2020
Deck paint stripped and redone with kiwi grip on top 2019
New swageless rigging done 2018
New exhaust hose
New 12v switch panel
Hawsepipe through deck fitting refurbished and reseated with non-setting butyl sealant
All portholes resealed with non-setting butyl selant
Interior roof stripped and repainted in Epifanes
Varnish has been stripped right back and redone in Le Tonkinois
2018 – Hull stripped to good paint (primer in some places and wood in others) above and below the waterline. Painted with Epifanes multi marine primer and Epifanes Top Laque above the waterline and Hempel underwater primer and Hempel classic anti fouling below the waterline
2018 – anode removed from hull where it had damaged the plank and hardwood scarf added – starboard side aft
TO DO LIST – I am working my way through this list of jobs
Final enamel topcoat on hull once the weather warms up. Antifouling before launch. Cockpit seat framing and plywood needs attention at some point
Stern gland needs repacking
Toe rail needs small repair on port side aft and both toes rails need sanding back and varnishing
Coach roof paint needs touching up
Varnish needs more annual coats (as always!)
Specifications
Vessel type: Classic Sailing Yacht
Builder: Hillyard
Make: Hillyard
Model: 4 Ton
Constructed: 1938
Berths: 2 + child’s berth
No. of engines: 1
Engine model: Yanmar 1GM10
Fuel type: Diesel
Length over all: 20′
Length at waterline: 27′
Maximum draft: 3′ 3″
Hull material: Wood
Hull colour: White
Keel type: Full Keel
Displacement: 4 metric tons
Current Price: £3500.00
This Classic Wooden Sailing Boat 4 Ton Hillyard Cutter Rig Yacht may be available on ebay