The Silhouette Mk2

The Robert Tucker-designs with their familiar serpentine shears are popular pocket yachts. Clive has owned both Mk2 and Mk3 versions

- 

The first time I saw my Mk2 Silhouette she was on the hard at the head of Thorney Channel by Paynes Boatyard in Chichester Harbour. She was built by Hurley Marine and at first glance appeared to be made of wood but was, in fact, heavily laid up in glassreinforced plastic (GRP).

In fact, she was one of the earliest GRP boats and her construction method made her look like her earlier marine ply sisters.

The mast and spars were Douglas fir and she was beautifully fitted out within the cabin in various timbers and highquality marine ply. Everyone assumed she was built of wood.

The cockpit was also fitted out in timber. Hurley Marine made many good-looking boats and this 17ft 3in Silhouette was one of the best. With her bilge keel, she was ideal for messing about around Chichester Harbour, drying out for a tide at East Head for a picnic and a swim or taking lunch at Bosham.

Perhaps a trip over to the Isle of Wight free of ferry queues and hassle.

Keel bolt check

I got her onto a trailer and towed her down to my home port of Rye. There was not much work to do for she was in a fine seaworthy condition, but I did ask Phillips Yard to remove the central stub keel and the bilge keels and refit them with new keel bolts. I always check my keel bolts since they can corrode, and you won't know this until your keel and ballast fall off. You'll feel better once you've done it.

In Rye Bay, she sailed well and coped with the short, lumpy seas confidently holding her course. She was a little slow to come around on a tack compared to a fin-keeled boat but she had the feel of a well-behaved and safe little yacht.