Local Boat Tradesfolk

[mrjemm]

Hi all,

My poor old boat is sitting in her corner of the yard feeling quite dejected at the moment (JL Seagull, the light blue Folksong 25' long keeler), and I really want to get her closer to being afloat. In my 1st year of ownership she lived in Scotland and I had a guy up there do some work on her, though I can't really see where the money went! Also had an engine, new rigging and so on, which all seem a bit wasted at the moment while there's other more vital things to do.

Frustratingly, the nature of my job means I am away a lot and can't get to her often, and besides, my skills are ermmm, elsewhere. So, I am hoping that someone may be able to point me in the direction of someone or somewhere that can be paid to do a few jobs to move her that much closer to launch.

Mostly it's GRP (cockpit sole, fill some holes, etc.) and woodwork (engine cover/companionway steps, hatch, etc.) that need doing, both of which I am without a clue with. I was given contact details of one local guy, but never got a reply to my email. Could anyone here point me in the right direction please?

The designer/builder, Eric Bergqvist, created her with an eye to single-handing the Irish Sea- she's chomping at the bit!

Cheers, Jem.

[mrjemm]

Thanks Glyn. When I get home I'll pop down to see if I can find him at Skipool- is he at the yard near the entrance? Would be wary of the need of taking the boat there- trailer needs care- was brought down from Glasgow but bearings were getting hot.

The fellow at Glasson Marina suggested their Alistair and I was wondering about him, but was concerned it would be very pricy, being a marina. And part of my problem would be that my budget necessitates things being done in order of priority when I can afford them, and taking to a yard like that may require all being done at once. But a bite-the-bullet approach may be required at some point, though it may also require more money than I can gather at once!

The other fellow I was given details of (at Bridgehouse) was an Alistair also, but I guess a different one.

Regards, Jem.

[doug gorton]

Hi Jem
The Alastair at Bridgehouse marina is Alastair Bancroft. He was a member at GSC for many years. He is a very genuine and handy guy.
Doug

[mrjemm]

Hi Doug, that's the name, thanks. He's the one I sent an email to but no reply. It was admittedly a long-winded and vague email! And I have been told that because he's good, he's hard to get hold of... When I get home from this job in a couple of weeks, perhaps I should try to call instead.

Cheers, Jem.