Stringalong 1992 Tiki 26 restoration

[Steve W]

Stringalong, built 1992 in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, UK, spent most of her time around the Thames estuary based in Essex, recently abandoned in a boatyard, lots of her parts missing, finally just two surprisingly good hulls and two not very good beams now in my hands.

I'm on the trail to find out her whole story, to restore her to full sailing fitness and to enjoy all she has to offer. The man who built her, a Mr A Fielding, did a very good job, it's plain to see that his work was careful and skillful. I am certain this wasn't the first boat he had built. He did a thorough and thoughtful job  and stuck to the plans except for a little extra strengthening of the aft deck - as far as I can see. A lucky find was a letter he wrote to The Sea People magazine on her completion. If anyone has any information about her, please get in touch.

Lots to do, but a sound basis on which to work. A long time ago, I wanted a Tane, many years later I have a Tiki 26. Excellent.

[Steve W]

The re-build is coming along - the deck unit built and most of it glassed, but now on hold because of a wet spell of weather and I'm working outside as it's too big to get into my shed workshop. Rudders being shaped ready for glassing. Designing crab claw rig and gathering bits such as anchor, chain, motor ( long shaft Seagull) and timber for beams. Organised a place to keep it. Oh, and cleaned the lichen off the hulls!

[Steve W]

The end of February 2019 - looking forward to launching soon. Mast and sails turned up, other parts built,  boat is now very close to complete, though will still need paint and polish. I'm not going to get too carried away on all that, there has to be time for sailing. The beautiful sunny weather we've just had was really inspiring.

[Steve W]

Yaay!!! Afloat ! Craned in today and now Stringalong is afloat again, tied up to a pontoon in a harbour creek. 

The 1974 Seagull Silver Century pushed her along very nicely on the short hop from the launch to the creek and all my worries (my first time with a Wharram) about how she would handle disappeared. She steered very nicely, responded quickly and positively. In fact I had to keep the engine revs down, even though it's only supposed to be at most a 5 HP, but Seagulls have big, slow turning props and were intended for work boats.

The lift was not totally straightforward due to the crane pulley block and chains scraping on the forestay and shrouds, but no damage done in the end.

So lovely to have the boat out of the yard and into the water, a great feeling. Now more work to get her ready for our first sail together, three miles to her new mooring. 

[Steve W]

Hi Kevin123, - email me. Regards, Steve

[Paul Kennedy]

Hi Steve , obviously things are a
Bit crazy at the moment but how’s it going with your 26 ? I bought one last year too.
I’m in Devon but lived in Chelmsford for 25 years so know your area well. Regards Paul K

[Steve W]

Hi Paul, Stringalong is alive and well, sitting on her mooring about 40 miles from my home, near Sittingbourne, so I haven't been to see her since February. She's in fairly good shape, but needs a complete paint job and at least one repair where ply has rotted underneath one of the ports.

Is your Tiki sailable or needing work? Good luck, Steve

[Paul Kennedy]

[Paul Kennedy]

Hi Steve,  sorry i didnt see your reply. Mine is a grp one. i am finding some new found enthusiasm for the boat after a difficult period. i would be please to hear how you are doing.  07581 492359 text me if you can .  Paul
Steve W said:

Hi Paul, Stringalong is alive and well, sitting on her mooring about 40 miles from my home, near Sittingbourne, so I haven't been to see her since February. She's in fairly good shape, but needs a complete paint job and at least one repair where ply has rotted underneath one of the ports.

Is your Tiki sailable or needing work? Good luck, Steve

[Steve W]

Hi Paul, Stringalong is surviving fairly well, despite not getting much attention during the pandemic. I'm making new side decks - between the cockpit box and the hulls and have to solve a problem with the roller furling jib - the top fitting isn't rotating properly so I can't use the jib. Will have to get the mast down to sort that out. Also will have to do some work on the forebeam as it's getting some rot in the ends. 

What's your situation? 

[Paul Kennedy]

Hi Steve,    Im looking after my mother who has demetia .  Its been a long time but I am just starting to find some freedom again and am wondering whether to put time into my Tiki or something else.  I am please that you are still very positive about yours.  Do you think you might get her sailing next season?    Im not clear have you used her at all this year or just been working on her?

Thank you for replying i appreciate it. 

Best wishes Paul

[Steve W]

I almost sold her recently, because she had deteriorated somewhat due to neglect during the pandemic. Luckily it fell through and I decided what I really wanted to do was to improve her, get her into sound sailing condition and get some sailing in. I guess that means the sailing will be next year.

What does your Tiki need?

[Paul Kennedy]

Mine is GRP but wood work requires tidying . I want to  modify the trailer so that I can launch and retrieve single or two handed without getting the trailer wet.   I am glad you are improving yours.  I have mine sort of shared with a friend and we were thinking about moving on to other boats so Im pleased to speak to you and find out what other people are doing with their Tiki's. I have never actually sailed one yet , pandemic and other things have got in the way.

Steve W said:

I almost sold her recently, because she had deteriorated somewhat due to neglect during the pandemic. Luckily it fell through and I decided what I really wanted to do was to improve her, get her into sound sailing condition and get some sailing in. I guess that means the sailing will be next year.

What does your Tiki need?