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Hints and Tips on buying a Second-hand Wayfarer
This 'all-purpose' dinghy has a strong 2nd hand market, with older boats maintaining their price for any subsequent re-sale. There are a number of variations to the internal layout of the boat, mainly to suit those who have a particular preference for either racing, cruising or day sailing. Racers generally prefer the stiffer hulls of wooden boats, or the 'Plus S' GRP model, whilst cruisers and day sailors tend to prefer the greater storage facilities in the Mk 1, Mk 2, or the latest 'World' design.
A Wayfarer is a very stable dinghy making it ideal for training, family, and sea sailing. Any difficulty in manhandling it on land can largely be overcome by fitting a winch to the launching trolley. The 'World' model now incorporates a self draining feature.
Most damage to a Wayfarer hull is caused by the boat being supported on a trolley by the two (side) bilge keels, which can cause the floor bearers to come away from the inner hull, and distort the shape of the underside (easily visible). Remove the floor boards, to check the floor bearers. The hull should always be supported along its central chine, and should slightly rock from side to side onto trolley supports for its bilge keels.
It is important the front and rear buoyancy compartments are virtually watertight (some seepage is allowable), which should be tested before sailing (ask UKWA secretary for details). Check the rubber seals on the hatch covers first, and replace if necessary. Adjust all hatch clips to secure the hatch cover tightly. For other leaks, panels may need replacing on older wooden boats, GRP boats can usually be sealed with epoxy.
Check wooden boats for leaks around the around the centreboard housing. Older (wooden) boats may need to have the centreboard housing replaced completely. GRP boats can usually be repaired without difficulty.
The Wayfarer is a very solid boat which can take a great deal of punishment before it is put beyond repair. Most older second-hand hand boats have crazing on the gel coat surface in various areas which have been heavily used. This is generally only superficial damage, and does not affect the integrity or seaworthiness of the boat. Of much greater concern should be a number of obviously major repairs to different parts of the boat.
Ralph Roberts
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