Hi Folks,
I thought I would start a thread so that information about the new boat program can be posted and updates on progress can be provided to everyone here. Below is where things stand now and hopefully we will be able to have Thoroughbred boats, the new boat builders, post updates and pictures from time to time as well as respond to questions. Please do forward on this information to others in your fleet(s) or area who may not be already on the forum to help get the word out about new Ensigns coming soon.
Current State:
The buyer of the first new boat by Thoroughbred Boats inc is in the process of picking a hull color! Over the summer the hull mold was extensively resurfaced and now both the hull and the deck molds will support an infusion process in addition to the old hand layup process to fabricate new hull and deck parts. The advantage of infusion is less labor and more consistent quality from part to part. The new boats will avoid the use of plywood and balsa end grain and use composite material to reduce future maintenance needs. The cockpit floor will be Ipe, teak has become prohibitively expensive. The seats and bulkheads will likely be mahogany. The new rudders are a stainless steel and composite configuration to avoid the problems with wood or foam below the waterline. The cabin interior will be fiberglass and composite instead of marine plywood. The class has provided a minimum weight for the boat to ensure the one design features of the Ensign are rigidly maintained and the Class Technical Committee is in nearly constant contact with the building program to ensure that the Ensign One Design Specifications are met.
Contacts and Websites:
The following are who to contact for new boats and to inquire about buying a new deck, rudder, IGU and other parts as they become available. New decks are available now. The first 5 new rudders are being fabricated and are expected to be used on new boats but will be available for sale by perhaps the end of this year. The new IGU is not yet available for sale but is in the process of being re-designed. New mast and boom tubes are available though I am not sure the full rigging package is available just yet.
Builder - Thoroughbred Boats Inc, Manistee MI
General Website - thoroughbredboats.com
Coming Soon New Ensign website: ensignbythoroughbred.com
Emails:
General inquires: ensign@thoroughbredboats.com
David Kamaloski: davidk@thoroughbredboats.com
All for now!
Robin