Many years ago the then owner of a Finesse 27, Bonito, contacted and asked for some advice about selling his vessel … I can’t remember what I said, but the but appeared on the east coast from its old home down near Southampton. I came across her in a yard in Woodbridge and had a look around her on the outside. Some work was in hand and much more needed to be attended to.
Bonito when I came across her in Woodbridge.
The current owners have made contact … been here before … and have asked for advice, etc. The upshot is that the boat is again on the market for a bargain price – the catch is that she needs various bits of work before she can go back into the water.
I have not looked at the boat to see how she currently is so any interested person must make contact with the owners – I take no responsibility for any of the information given. The photographs below are those sent by owner’s partner.
Planking ends in way of the stem – work needed.
There are some scuffed planks, damage and other possible defects at aft end at transom. Varnish work would need to be entirely stripped off…
The following pictures ‘refused’ to be turned or stay turned when transferred…
The forward cockpit bulkhead.
Looking into the main cabin…
The forward cabin….
Between the two cabins is situated, to starboard I believe, the loo compartment and to port is a locker space. The owner’s partner (another Nick) sent me the following details…
‘Hello Nick,
Here are some photos of Bonito, as you can see it’s quite grim, for someone who appreciates these boats to see. some rot at the front, bit at the back, inside needs doing, my partner is quite capable of doing all this but he is self employed and always has a long list of jobs to do,or else it’s the wrong weather and has numerous other boats to do.
It is advertised on Gumtree, it’s starting to cost too much keeping it in the boatyard and is even thinking of just taking the engine out etc and would have to be cut up if doesn’t sell on soon, which obviously is a travesty with it being of the rare length.
It’s on gumtree for £750 or offers,
We would be happy for you to advertise as you please on the places you mentioned,
Kind regards,
Suzie and Nick‘
Contact is Suzanne Morris at: suzannemorris@btinternet.com
Contact telephone number: 07769 535262
The Finesse 27 is a rarity: there are as far as is known only two examples, although Shirley Platt believes they did in fact build three of them. Tugela, sail number 101, was the first. She is currently berthed up on the Ore at Orford (or was…). The Finesse 28, re-drawn by Maurice Griffiths followed, neither were built in any great number. There are around five ’28ss’ so this vessel is a rare bird.
It would be a shame to see her go. She is not old, dating from around 1980.
She is unique amongst the larger Finesse class of having a centre plate that fits within a keel slot. The hauling wire came up through into a steel tube bolted to the keel plate top and the winch arranged above the waterline just inside the cabin doors.
If anyone takes this vessel on, do please make contact through this site.
There is an active list of like minded owners which I currently maintain and we meet once a year for a rally on the east coast. Brightlingsea has been proposed for the 2019 venue.
See:
http://www.finesse-owners-association.co.uk/
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/finesseowners
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1518607771700636/
Note: the facebook group is a closed group and you will need to ‘apply’ to become a member. You will be asked what your interest is…
I understand that the boat is on an auction site too…
Go on…