Vanguard 15
Posted by TheAllMightyMeep@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 8 comments
Does anyone know anything about these boats? I have an early v15 (hull number 9) that I recently aquired and want some information on them. if anyone knows anything about the manufacturer or the boat itself besides what is easily accessible on google, tell me what you know. spceifically, any problems to look at. I know about the softness near the mast step and daggerboard trunk. I would also love to know some differences between model years. anything is helpful really. Thank you
jaxn@reddit
check the actual hull number, not just the sail. it is possible the sail number is 9 b/c it was a fleet boat.
I had hull number 106. I had to repair the daggerboard trunk which was likely due to a grounding. It was tricky.
The early boats do not have a foot rest for the driver. There is a single inset hand grip instead of a longer hand rail (I like the older style more personally). The spreaders were longer (though most people just cut them down to the new length). The early boats have a slightly different boom (minor difference in how the sail tack slug is inserted). The stern rudder hardware is different (offset blocks instead of part of the stainless hardware).
Check for weak spots in the hull where it sat on the trailer / dolly.
You will probably want to replace the drain pipes. Repair the dings on the blades. And buy some new sails.
TheAllMightyMeep@reddit (OP)
thank you for the comment, I am 99 percent sure it's hull #9 because its also in the serial number on the HIN as "vr009" theres also a vanguard stamp that says hull #9. the sails are about 2 years old and she wasnt raced hard as far as we know. I will take a look at the drain pipes.
Guygan@reddit
What info do you need, and for what reason? They were a popular class in the 90's and I think they are still raced in some places. Surely there's a class website, and almost certainly a class FB page.
TheAllMightyMeep@reddit (OP)
there is not a class website and the FB page has not been active in 3 years, tried that. Im just looking based on interest and to know what i need to look for going forward in terms of issues. mine is an earlier model, most of the information I can find are about later editions of the boat. all I know is that the production quality is questionable for some years but I really dont know which ones.
Im looking for someone who is knowledgable on these boats that can tell me what problems to look for besides the ones listed. also, technical differences between the models would be interesting, but is less important.
Guygan@reddit
Any boat from any year can have any problem.
It's a really small, simple hull. Just poke around and inspect it carefully. Problems with the hull will be easy to spot.
TheAllMightyMeep@reddit (OP)
also the local fleet consists of 2 people and neither seem to own a cell phone
kanonfodr@reddit
Fast little dinghies!
cdemarc3@reddit
I have an early hull number V15, I have had to reinforce the mast step as well as reglass the centerboard trunk, cutting 6 inch deck plates for each. My boat is a good deal lighter than later ones, but the newer ones don't have these issues. It's a decent boat, my fleet made the switch from JY15s, which were a lot better for adults to sail