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November 5, 2019 - Jamie Hicks has checked in as the new owner of Conch Pearl
Hello Ron,
I am the proud, very excited new steward/captain of Conch Pearl. I have been (not so patiently) waiting to move her from FL to Lake Norman, NC for several months now. I am replacing my 1986 Spindrift 22 with the much more capable Conch Pearl.
Each year I trailer down the the Keys to live aboard for several weeks exploring the lower Keys. I'm ready to go further; the Tortugas and perhaps, the Bahamas. Conch Pearl is perfect for me.
Pleased to meet you,
Jamie
Welcome Aboard Jamie!
Webmaster Note
ln keeping with past practice of letting our readers know something about where our Dolphins sail, and with the help of Google Maps, the following is a heads up on where this Dolphin's new home waters are - Lake Norman, North Carolina.
Lake Norman is the largest lake in North Carolina and is located near the middle of the state just above Charlotte. Click here for the Wikipedia link
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February 11, 2020
We got the following update from Jamie (minor edits)
Hi Ron,
Conch Pearl successfully negotiated the trek north to Lake Norman, North Carolina in early December last year. Since then she's been (not so) patiently waiting on her trailer (below)
I have her predecessor, Goldenrod for sale and won't splash Conch Pearl until she sells. So she's buttoned up and riding out this time of transition.
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On that subject (Goldenrod), if anyone knows of someone who, like me, could use a small trailer sailor to learn on, Goldenrod is a wonderful boat. A 1986 Spindrift 22 - https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/spindrift-22 She's fitted with some unique equipment for a vessel her size: roller furling jib and main, auto tiller, Garmin, wind speed, and a premium custom trailer from 2016 are but a few of her assets. I've sailed her from Marco Island to Key West and collectively spent a total of 6 weeks living aboard her in the Keys over the course of three awesome trips down there. She needs nothing and is ready to go to a new home. Conch Pearl is calling me to even further horizons!
If anyone is interested in Goldenrod, search for her on sailboatlistings.com or the Charlotte, NC Craigslist (see below) I'm asking $7,800
https://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/84450
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/boa/d/mooresville-1986-spindrift-trailer/7067246376.html |
Looking forward to the day I can report Conch Pearl is wet again!
Best,
Jamie
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February 17, 2020. Good News from Jamie
Ron,
You must have had pixie dust in your email. Goldenrod sold today and went to a wonderful new, freshwater home, in Tennessee. This paves the way for Conch Pearl to get back in the game!
I'm currently renovating a 400sf tiny house that will become my home. As soon as I'm finished, I can turn my attention to my pearl. Good incentive for me to hustle! Stay tuned...
Thanks,
Jamie
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July 2, 2020
More good news from Jamie
Hi Ron,
Greetings from Carolina. Conch Pearl finally made Lake Norman her home afloat on April 25th. She is slipped just down the lawn from my tiny abode and I couldn't be happier. When the wind cooperates, I'm learning her ins and outs and enjoying her immensely.
I'm hoping to get some pictures of her under full sail soon and will share more.
Enjoy!
Jamie
Click on these photos for a larger image
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August 15, 2022 We got the following update from Jamie (minor edit)
Ron,
Hello, my apologies for the delayed response to your request for a Conch Pearl update
The short and disappointing answer is - not much/not enough. I got a curveball last year when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I went home to care for her for the second half of the year until she passed. Life has not gotten back to normal yet.
Currently, Conch Pearl is bobbing around in Lake Norman but I am hoping that she will see a return to the tropics next year, I still have the Dry Tortugas in my sights.
Thanks for checking in on her and me. Hoping all is well with you. I thoroughly enjoyed your book chronicling your adventures, thanks for sharing it with me!
Best,
Jamie
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Below is the history we have on #16
November 4, 2019 - Bob has advised that Conch Pearl has been sold. Below is his email and we stand by for Jamie to check in
Ron,
Conch Pearl has been sold to Jamie Hicks . She will be going to the Carolinas later this month.He should be checking in soon.
Strength and Courage,
Bob Pitt
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July 29, 2019. Bob has advised that Conch Pearl is still For Sale and that interested parties should contact him directly. Here is his email.
Ron ,
I have taken over the listing for Conch Pearl . I have lowered the price to $19,000. This includes the trailer and Fatty Knees dingy.
I can be reached at rwpitt001@gmail.com
Strength and Courage ,
Bob Pitt
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April 25, 2019 Cruising thru the just arrived Good Old Boat magazine , May/June 2019 issue, saw the ad, page 57, for #16.
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October 7/9, 2018. Bob advised that CONCH PEARL is FOR SALE! We were standing by for ad details from the listing broker - selected details and photos from the ad
24' Dolphin 24
Ready to cruise!!
Year: 1960
Price: US$ 30,000
Located in Palmetto, FL
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Engine/Fuel Type: Single diesel
YW# 77008-3465322
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Do not let the date of construction deceive you, the boat is ready to leave and is in better shape then most new boats.
This boat is hull 16 of the Dolphin 24 class. These boats are known for their beautiful lines, comfortable layout below and ability over the years to bring silverware to trophy shelves with their good turn of speed.
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Do not let the date of construction deceive you, the boat is ready to leave and is in better shape then most new boats. This boat is hull 16 of the Dolphin 24 class. These boats are known for their beautiful lines, comfortable layout below and ability over the years to bring silverware to trophy shelves with their good turn of speed.
The boat is owned by a very talented shipwright who has restored her to a very high standard in every aspect. When on board "CONCH PEARL" feels like a much larger boat with all of the comforts and updated equipment for extended cruising off shore or the shallow water she has the ability to sail in with her centerboard.
Please view the complete listing to appreciate what a great little yacht this is.
From 2013 to 2018 "CONCH PEARL" was refitted by an owner that was a boat builder with in depth knowledge of woodworking, fiberglass and rigging experience for his own use. In the process the following are some of the things improved from the original build.The deck was removed from the hull and all remains of the wood hull/deck joint were ground out.
Construction: All thru hull holes were closed by re glassing. Propeller and rudder shaft tubes were removed. New tubes were glassed in with epoxy and biaxial cloth. The deck was re installed by bonding with biaxial cloth and polyester resin. After grinding and regelcoating the entire hull inside and bottom. Bulkheads of 1/2" plywood were tabbed in with epoxy and biaxial. Two small bulkheads are in place to take the upper shroud chain plates under the deck
Bronze Centerboard - approx 130 lbs, new SS pivot pin, pennant routed to bronze winch, all new sheaves and hose. Four keelbolts , lags were removed and examined and found to be as new. Being made of a superior alloy, they were reinstalled.The remaining 5 were undisturbed. No movement at the keel was noted and the joint outside was reinforced with epoxy and biaxail.
The core in the bottom of the foot well was removed and replaced with Coosa Board. Coosa board and epoxy cockpit coamings with African mahogany caps Custom breakwater and sea hood over companionway. New Ipe toerails with african mahogany caps. Bottom stripped and barrier coated with Interlux 2000 and painted with Seahawk Biocop TF. Ipe rub rail with brass stricker Hull and deck primed and painted with Awlgrip products. 4 seacocks, bronze flanged and bolted, cockpit scuppers (2) glassed to hull and drain fittings glassed into transom. All new hoses; Custom Bow and Stern rails
Equipment - Taylor 2 burner stove, 2- 12# lp bottles in a locker; Electric head, Self emptying 15 gal epoxy glass holding tank with deck pump out; 2 new 12 volt AGM 105 amp hour batteries New battery charger, True charge 20+Multi-Stage; 8 DC light fixtures; Bulkhead mounted compass; AC/DC electric panel with meters for monitoring.
3 anchors and 3 rodes, 2-200' x 1/2" braid with 10' chain' and 1-150' x 1/2" 3 strand with 10' chain. Anchors ,- 1- 25# plow, 1-15# plow and 1-15# Manta; Twin SS bow rollers
Buttonwood tiller with Bronze fittings
Engine - Beta Marine, Inboard, Diesel, 14hp; Engine Hours: 15; 2 blade propeller
Tanks: Fresh Water Tanks: 1 Stainless steel (30 Gallons); Fuel Tanks: 1 Stainless steel (10 Gallons); Holding Tanks: 1 Fiberglass (15 Gallons)
Sails and Rigging: Mast and boom by Kenyon, both Zinc chromate primed, epoxy primed and Awlgriped; New Full battened mainsail
New Blade jib; 316 SS chain plates, stem head fitting and tangs; SS standing rigging; Bronze turnbuckles; New tabernackle base with sheaves leading halyards and reefing lines to cockpit winches/with sheet stoppers; 3 halyard winches; Cutter rig stay with running back stays; Spinnaker halyard and pole; Bronze and SS tracks and cars; 4 sheet winches
Elctronics: Two hand held VHF; One VHF not installed; Garmin Plotter with cockpit mounting on the gallows frame; Hawk eye depth finder
Dinghy: Fatty Knees 8' fiberglass dinghy with oars and sail rig
Trailer: Tandem axle trailer rebuilt to fit boat, 4 screw jacks, new hydraulic brake system, never been in water since installed
Click here to go directly to the Yachtworld Website Ad
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Here is the CONCH PEARL'S amazing restoration story
October 16, 2013. Robert Pitt checking in as the new owner of MELE, Marscot/O'Day hull #16. MELE's been waiting for her rescuer a while - but we know these ladies are patient!
Ron,
I am checking in as the new owner of Todd Croteau's Dolphin #16. It is in need of a lot of work .We did a 3 day marathon trip from Tampa Bay area, Florida to Mayo, Maryland to get the boat loaded off the ground. Lots of jacking, rolling and wallering in the mud . The trailer info on your web site was more than helpful to prepare balance and poppet location prior to loading. This is one heavy boat. Will check in as work progresses, but for now it will just have to sit, as I finish my Abaco dingy to sell and a few other projects. Know anyone interested in a just restored Winer Malone 14' sloop?
Robert Pitt, Bradenton ,Florida
Welcome aboard Robert!!
We'll reserve a spot here for a restored #16 - Click here to see her in her 'before' condition
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December 12, 2013. Bob has sent in his first report - photos to follow (minor edits)
Ron,
A brief update on #16 ,soon to be renamed. All wood is being taken out . The only bit left at this time is the hull/deck clamp. The plan is to remove it in approx 6' sections and replace it with 2-3 layers of 1708 cloth and epoxy. Hopefully this will maintain the shape.
This boat seems to have had electrolysis issues, as the aluminium rudder post was rotted off at the waterline, heel fitting gone [alum also ?] and prop stern tube, brass heavily split on outboard end. Am planning on going with an O'Day / Yankee hybrid design. One quarter berth aft to starboard, galley to port with cockpit locker taking place of that quarter berth. Also to use the Yankee forwardd layout with the partially enclosed head bulkheads for lower shroud anchorages.
All the deck hardware has been removed except the cockpit coaming and they should be coming off this weekend. I have a great metal fabricator here who works from my mock ups and patterns, as I haven't aquired the skill of drawing. He is now building the rudder post out of stainless to the 1966 design, to which I will fasten a blade of Coosa board, a hi density foam/ glass composite board left over from a previous job.
I have scrounged so much for this boat, that I wanted to name her DETRITUS, but I think that one was voted down . Progress has slowed down some what, as I rejoined the labor pool at the last true boatyard on the south edge of Tampa Bay, Snead Island Boatworks, who have been in operation since 1924 or there abouts, as a carpenter, rigger and glue boy.
Hope to get all or most of the glass work do this winter, as grinding in the summer down here is the only thing I can think of that is worse than grinding glass in the winter. Photos should be sent soon.
Hope and Courage,
Bob Pitt
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December 14 and 15, 2013. Bob has sent in several pictures of #16's rescue in Maryland, and followed up with a lot of detail. He had to get her from a backyard in Mayo, near Edgewater, Maryland to Bradenton, Florida, and with the help of a couple of friends he did it - it wasn't easy. We set up a separate page for these pictures in our Stories Section but this will give us an idea. Here is his email (edited)
Ron, here are some photos of the loading of #16 in Maryland, Bob
Click on the photos for a larger view; click on that photo to move around
Click here to go to the Stories Section and see some of the photo gaps filled in from "hmmm..." to "we did it!"
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December 16, 2013. Bob is making me tired just reading his email. Here is his project update and photos
Ron, here are current pictures of #16. I am in the process of removing the shaft stern tube . Boy , what a horrid job . Sawzalls , sledges, drifts and bad language. It will have to rest till the next session. The rudder tube came out a little easier. It is no wonder that this boat was sans rudder when I got it. Aluminum, bronze and saltwater don't make a good combo.
As you can see , there is little left inside. Structural work first , then the finish work.
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The hull/deck clamp (left/above) will have to come out in sections and be reglassed to maintain the shape. I will look into hiring a couple of hungry glassers to do this.
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The rudder post, heel fitting (above left) were made from my patterns by E&M Fabricators out by the airport. The piece on the post across the prop opening is to hold the shape till installed.
The mast tabernacle (above right) came about when I found the bend under one of the spreader bases. The tabernacle was built as a basic component to complete as the rigging end of things come together. I have run quite a few rebuild projects and the best way I know how to always be moving forward is to progress on several fronts. As one aspects stonewalls, shift focus to another area and sooner or later , you get to put all the pieces together. The tabernacle base will be tapered fore and aft, but will also include attachments and eyes for leading halyards aft and for the vang. What I usually do is cut the aluminum on my bandsaw, clamp it together and take it to the welding shop. There will be a pad under it for the cabin top crown and rake, which is not much.
Regarding the mast, I found another mast in one of our local boatyards that was exact, but for 3 inches in length. It came with one winch, standing rigging and a boom with internal reefs and outhaul - for $200. Also, it is about 50% deeper in section to use with a loose footed mainsail.
Bob Pitt
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December 27, 2013. Here an update from Bob. We got a lot of photos and when we get a chance we'll set up new, subject specific pages in the Technical Section.
Ron, here is some current photos from #16 . She now has a name - CONCH PEARL. I can give you some background on it if you wish (We are standing by...)
I have braved the underworld below the cabin sole. Lurking under mounds of mish mash are 9 keel bolts.
Well, not really bolts, but lags, 1/2' in diameter and 4" in length, with a square head. They readily came out after finding a square socket . The two that I have removed looked like the day they went in. The rest will come out a few at a time.
You can see the mast support pieces, an X made of fiberglass, with a lag right under it. That one will probably stay, if the others pass.
Moving aft, the centerboard pennant and sheave box came out. Sheave missing the pin. The visegripes are holding the tab on top of the centerboard where the pennant attaches. The first photo is looking down on the trunk right is forward, left is aft. The last pair of keel lags are just to right of center in the gray area, which is mish mash putty. A new box is being designed even as we speak. I didn't include a sheave box photo. I have the original glass one that I cut of and the prototype to be made of stainless. I will send them if you wish. YES
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Further aft, the stern tube had to come out. Split on the outboard end, and red from free electrons, it could not be trusted.
What a terrible job. Laying on a piece of plywood on the engine beds and sawzalling and chistling for 3 hours is about all I can take. I am looking forward to going back to work!
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The rudder and tube are being built in another area of the shop. Glassing has begun on the blade and post, soon to be followed by tapering and fairing. The rudder tube (above right) I built out of a piece of CPVC tube, which is spiraled with glass tape and epoxy. The original was an aluminum tube glassed in to match the rudder built of the same.
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This last photo is of our Carimbola tree with one of its 2 or 3 crops a year.
We sliced some up and put it on our Black Grouper Christmas dinner last night. Life is good down here in the semi tropics.
Hope and Courage and Happy Holidays,
Bob Pitt
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May 4, 2014 - Bob is going to tell us how #16's hull/deck joint/clamp problems were resolved (minor edits). We have included his comments in the Technical Section page dealing with this general subject. Click here to go there. And, as Bob has sent in a number of pictures we have set up a special page covering this particular project. See link below.
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Ron,
As several are weighting in on this topic, I thought I would put in my 2 cents worth. Conch Pearl , # 16 , has a completely new glass hull deck joint . When she was taken out to the local fish house to have some glass work done, the guy wanted to take the deck off to do a better job of it . After removing the old wood clamp, grinding the entire hull inside, the deck bottom and glassing over all unused holes (there were a lot), the deck was reinstalled with2 layers of 18/08 by 8" biaxial tape staggered 6" on deck, 2" on hull , 2" on deck, 6" on hull, to reduce grinding.
Placing the deck back on the boat required screwing pieces of plywood along the deck edge to keep the deck from dropping into the hull . This was followed by one layer on the outside, and gelcoat. This took almost 5 gallons of gel. The only wood that was left in was the ply on the cockpit bottom, now Coosa board, and the cabin sole , with 3/4" ply.
This left a very clean under deck where a.ll the bolt for toerails, stanchions, tracks and cleats to be bolted. This was done about 2 months ago. The project in hand is engine installation along with the attendant parts like beds , shaft, & stern tube, and exhaust. The list goes on and on.
Hope and Courage, Bob Pitt
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July 14, 2014. Bob is installing a new aft bulkhead, and sends in a photo of #16 nameplate (minor edits)
Ron,
This is what is going on down here in Florida.
I started working on the interior of Conch Pearl finally. The bulkhead at the aft end of the cockpit was installed in two pieces. Geometry rules and would not allow it otherwise.
A form was built out of scrap lumber (photo 1) to support the pattern and locate the bulkhead for bonding.
Click on the picture at left for a larger view. Click the return arrow on your browser to get back here
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The photos below show the bulkhead looking aft - starboard and port side.There will be a quarter berth to starboard, and none to port, as there will be a cockpit locker on that side.
Click on the photos for a larger view
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I have also included a shot of the plaque to add to your collection. More shots of the quarter berth and engine space as work continues.
Hope and Courage,
Bob
Click on the photo for a larger view
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January 16, 2015.
Bob posted the following ad on the forum -
I have 2 Westerbeke diesels for sale . A 7A-1 single with 242 hours complete with s.s. fuel tank and muffler. With manuals. $800.00.
A 12-B of unknown age and hours, needs external parts reinstalled, all believed to be there. Also has hole in oil pan needs to be welded.$600.00 . Offers considered on one or both.
Located in Bradenton, Fl south of Tampa Bay.
Contact Bob Pitt - rwpitt001@gmail.com or 941 704 2074
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December 26, 2015. We got the following greeting and update from Bob.
Merry Christmas, Ron
It has been quite a while since I checked in. Conch Pearl, # 16, is in Snead Island Boatworks, where I work, getting prepped to paint. Hopefully the centerboard pin will come out tomorrow. Over the past year work has included new toe and rub rails with caps, cockpit coamings and new chainplates. The spreaders on the replacement mast were already at the improved design length, so I moved the chainplates inboard to match. Pictures to follow.
Strength and Courage,
Bob Pitt
Standing by
January 2, 2016. The pictures have arrived!
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August 25, 2017. We got the following update from Bob. We are standing by for pictures, one of which gets to go, as promised, at the top of the page!
Website staff thought that this would be a good time for a geography lesson - it follows
Ron ,
Conch Pearl was launched today into the warm waters of the Manatee River . It has been about three and a half years in the works. More info to come shortly.
Strength and Courage,
Bob Pitt
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click these photos for a larger image
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Snead Island Boatworks - see arrow left center
September 12, 2017 Bob and Conch Pearl were in the path of Hurricane Irma and sent in the following report - all are safe
Ron,
Conch Pearl rode out Irma on her trailer in the driveway. Catagory 2 with about 110 mph winds. Lost a couple trees and limbs, but family and structures fine. Irma's approach pulled a lot of water out of the Manatee River, and it might return with high tide today with a surge. Will walk down and look later. I think a Cat 4 or 5 might have been devastating to this area . We were very lucky with the track and wind speed reduction before impact.
Strength and Courage,
Bob
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April 10, 2018. Show Time For Conch Pearl!!! We got the following update, and invitation, from Bob
Ron ,
The big push to finish Conch Pearl is on. She is to be shown at the Florida Gulf Coast Small Craft Festival on the 21st . I will report soon after as I also am doing an article in Southwinds Magazine. They ran an article a few years ago, so this is to wrap that up .
Anyone in the Sarasota, Florida area April 21, come to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron (http://sarasotasailingsquadron.org), near Mote Marine.
Strength and Courage,
Bob
Stay Tuned
April 20, 2018. Bob sent in a copy of the article about Conch Pearl for Southwinds Magazine back in October, 2014.
We set up the article on a special website page, and when we get the 'wrap article', we'll get a copy and post it there too.
Click here to go to the article
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August 14, 2018. A voice from the past. A friend of a former owner of Mele sent in the following email and pictures.
Hi,
I'm trying to get in touch with Bob Pitt. I'm friends with a former owner (John Scott who gave it the name "Mele") and he
shared the link (http://www.dolphin24.org/edgewater_oday.html) with me.
I happen to live in Bradenton now and was hoping to take a photo or two for John who lives on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It looks like Bob did an outstanding job resurrecting that boat. Anyway, if you wouldn't mind sharing this with Bob, I'd greatly appreciate it. (I've attached some old photos of "Mele" circa 1983)
Thanks,
Ken Kurlychek
Webmaster note: Ken's email was forwarded on to Bob Pitt
Click on the photos above for a larger image
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