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Blythe Kyte is in used condition but is ready to
sail (and sails very well) with no significant issues needing addressing. There
are some scratches which can be seen in the photos and she would look much
better with some fresh paint. All photos are recent and represent the current
condition.
She’s light enough for one person to handle on and
off the trailer, yet big enough for 2 to cruise comfortably or a family of 4
using the cockpit tent which is in excellent condition. The cockpit is deep and
self-draining with room for 4, the benches are about 165cm long. The whole rig
can be set up by one person in about 30 minutes. I’ve only ever had 2 people
sailing in her and although not a particularly fast boat is very stable due to
the heavy galvanised swinging keel.
I don’t know too much about the history of the
boat. I bought her about 2 years ago from a boarding school teacher in the Lake
District. There are some old documents including old adverts and insurance
policies from which it seems there are at least 3 or 4 previous owners. The
previous owner kept her in a barn and I keep her in my back garden under a
tarpaulin. I’ve never kept her on the water for more than a weekend away when
sleeping in the cabin. I’m selling due to the purchase of another larger boat.
The hull is made from marine grade plywood which is
sealed and bonded with epoxy and there is no wet or rotting wood. The mast and
boom are aluminium and in good condition. The standing rigging is stainless
steel and is in good condition. Running rigging and blocks are also in good
condition, all the lines seem to be of decent quality with plenty of life in
them.
The roller reefing genoa and main sails are in
reasonable condition and a ghosting genoa is also included which is in new
condition. The patch on the genoa is an old repair and I don’t know when it was
done. The sails are original but have plenty of life left in them, I don’t
think the ghosting genoa has ever been used.
The 3.5HP Tohatsu outboard starts easily and runs
well although it should probably be serviced. The previous owner had serviced
it before he sold it to me and whilst it’s not been serviced since I’ve not
used it much either. I’ve been sailing at Rutland Water a few times and
petrol/diesel engines are not allowed. I’ve used the engine for brief amounts
of time on The River Trent and at Anglesey with no issues. There is plenty of 2
stroke oil and petrol included in the sale.
There are sensors fitted for depth and speed/log
but unfortunately the electronic units don’t work. Actually one of them is
missing and the one I have doesn’t work. The sensors might work and it may be
possible to get some units which work with them. Other than that there are no
electronics.
The galvanised, purpose built road trailer has all
new tyres including the spare. A safety ratchet strap is included to secure the
boat to the trailer. I have removed the bilge rollers from the trailer which
can easily be refitted if preferred. I removed them because one of them caused
an indentation in the hull. It had managed to turn 90 degrees whilst being
towed and jammed, I assume this happened whilst going over a bump. The
indentation was sanded and filled with epoxy then pained over and hasn’t been a
problem since. I find that launching and recovery is fine without the bilge
rollers as long as the trailer is submerged so that water just covers the
wheels. I’ve towed the boat quite some distance with no issues and I think the
trailer looks to be in good condition. The bearings have some fresh grease but
perhaps the trailer should be serviced by a professional as I don’t know
whether this has ever been done.
Other items included are; a Ritchie compass, wheel
clamp, lighting board, rudder, tiller, anchor, fenders, mooring lines, oars,
rowlocks, flag staff with ensign.
Happy
to answer any questions and viewings are welcome. I may be able to deliver for
fuel costs. More photos available on Apollo Duck: http://yachts.apolloduck.com/boat.phtml?id=557726
Current Price: £1.20
This West Wight Potter Ax 1996 16′ Yacht With Outboard Engine, Tent & Road Trailer boat is located in Nottingham, NG8 1JB and is being sold on eBay by mypetjoey.