More on Caprices

I recieved this email, adding yet a little more info about the Caprice.
" I read with interest the post "what boat is this". The general opinion is correct it is a Caprice
probably mk 1 made from marine ply and the B&W photo is nice. Showing us how simple a boat can be.
The caprice design is of course Robert Tucker. 1962 the supplier and builder of later GRP versions was Glenn Ridge and company England and Island Plastics, Isle of Wight who also I believe constructed a number of varying sized fishing vessels in GRP, from about 16ft to 23 ft.
I once owned an IP 16ft simulated clinker angling/fishing boat. If I am correct the Island plastics Co. stopped manufacturing boats in the late 1980's or early 90'S and concentrated on making GRP moldings for caravans and caravanettes.
I believe they were based in Ryde, Isle of Wight. The Caprice was a very popular boat and of course slightly differing designs would have been constructed for export no doubt some finding their way into the home market, as the basic spec sheet for the latter MK's states. MK11 MK111, UK MK111. Available in Fin or Bilge keel. I myself own a caprice in GRP probably a mk11 (see pictures)."

Mystery boat (Caprice) update

Got some more comments about the latest mystery boat which is, positively identified as a caprice Mk II. More info here. More pictures here.

It may also be noted that the famous story of Shrimpy, the Caprice that sailed around the world can be found online here.

Another mystery boat

I recieved this email from John Millichap who is wondering what boat he just bought. Any ideas?

"I recently acquired an 18ft sloop on ebay! Neither I or the seller knows anything about it although he supposedly owned and sailed it for 4-5 years. I believe it to be fibreglass or GRP but it may be ply sheathed in same. It has bilge keels half metal and a central finkeel astern of these. It has a well for outboard rear of the cockpit and a locker astern of that, 2 berths and wqhat appears to be a forward hatch that was not in the original design!"

I attach some photos and would be very appreciative of any information you or your readers may be able to give me. The boat is in a pretty bad way and I am particularly worried about the three keels as the bilge ones appear to have problems at the hull end and the fin keel appears to have water draining out of the hull where it joins."



Update: The boat is most probably a Caprice, designed by Robert Tucker. Not sure really which version though. Thanks to the guys at Scuttlebutt!

Small Craft blog

I just discovered that the Small Craft Advisor Magazine also has a blog. It's relatively new (since October) but it seems like it gets updated frequently. Well worth a look.