{"id":8956,"date":"2023-02-11T16:31:26","date_gmt":"2023-02-11T21:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/?page_id=8956"},"modified":"2024-07-17T21:33:46","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T01:33:46","slug":"shearwater-v-a-rosborough-246","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/shearwater-sailing.com\/index.php\/shearwater-v-a-rosborough-246\/","title":{"rendered":"Shearwater V, a Rosborough 246"},"content":{"rendered":"

In October 2022, Joan and I “adopted”\u00a0<\/em>a well maintained 1997 Rosborough 246 LSV from Bill Hamilton. Our plan was to modernize her to Admiral Joan’s taste, but unfortunately she decided not to cruise, thus she (the boat, not Joan) is for sale.<\/p>\n

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Prior to purchase, Joan and I considered various boat options, eventually deciding we would look for an older,\u00a0 very solid boat and modernize her systems to using current high-end boating accessories. The boat we selected was well maintained by the previous owner. We envisioned a solid boat and with good bones as a starting point for a modernization project.<\/div>\n
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Over time and testing we learned the boat we purchased had a factory installed extended keel. The original LSV keel was carried back to the transom with an exact size insert that improved stability in uncomfortable conditions and was supposed to improve handling. We have no way of comparing but handling is excellent as configured.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Joan photographed the process as we made our modernization decisions and installed the new systems. Her photography brought the project to life.<\/p>\n

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La Tortuga before modernization project.\u00a0<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Our first task, prior to pickup, was to purchase a new trailer. The previous owner provided an older storage trailer that was capable of shorter local trips but was not really ideal for longer highway transport.\u00a0 We shopped several trailer builders and decided on Rocket Marine because they were close and could meet our pickup dates.<\/p>\n

The trailer project was a challenge. Even with the previous owner’s generous act of delivering the old trailer from Naples to Ft. Myers where Rocket is located, they had trouble adjusting the new trailer to the dimensions of the Rosborough. Joan’s tact eventually saved the day and we picked up our new salt water ready $10,050 trailer.<\/p>\n

The Rocket Marine trailer is equipped with oversize wheels and tires, 4-wheel electric over hydraulic disk brakes, a two speed winch converted to operate with a 15\/16″ socket so you can use an impact wrench for recovery. I added low friction bunk slides to factory rails that carry the boat.<\/p>\n

I wanted the trailer set up for easy single handed launch and recovery. We had\u00a0 custom steps added to the trailer just forward of the bow to assist in recovery. I drive the boat on to the trailer, step across the bow rail on to the steps, walk bow the steps and clip the safety chain and bow strap to the tongue “U” bolt. Then I step off the trailer and drive the rig out of the launching ramp. It is easier than it sounds.<\/p>\n

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The bunk slides work with the trailer guides to place the Shearwater\u00a0<\/em>in the exact position for hookup of the recovery strap and safety chain. The bunk slides make it easy to power recover, that is to drive the boat fully onto the trailer so no winching is required. Generally, no winching is required to launch or recover the boat.<\/p>\n

Boat Design<\/h3>\n

The Rosborough design came from the Pacific Northwest where boats are built to take heavy weather.<\/p>\n

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616 hours 9\/1\/2023<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>She is fitted with an Armstrong aluminum floatation engine bracket and carries a 2018 Yamaha 150 with about 600 hours on her clock.<\/p>\n

The bracket has ample space to attached a “get home” kicker engine or a dinghy engine bracket if you desire.<\/p>\n

Our first stop was Eagle Marine, an authorized local Yamaha dealer for an annual service including all fluid changes, a new water pump impeller and a top to bottom inspection including an inspection of the spare Stainless prop Bill provided. She ran well before the inspection and runs well with confidence now.<\/p>\n

Once the 2018 Yamaha 150 was serviced, we took Shearwater V,<\/em> to Murrelle Marine, the local boat shop for bottom painting, detailing, and renaming. I think she is happy with her new name.\u00a0 Murrelle Marine did an excellent job of sanding, priming and painting the bottom.<\/p>\n

While she was being painted, MMC boat detailing gave her a shiny new buffed topsides and cabin top. During this visit, the bow eye was extracted, cleaned, and reinforced with a stainless steel strike plate, carefully bedded with 3M5200. She looks nearly new.<\/p>\n