Saw this today thought people might be interested

boldspirit

my grandad had a similar boat, does any body know the make model my folks don't remember

http://www.news.msn.ie/five-rescued-in-consecutive-call-outs-on-lough-derg-over-weekend-879472-Apr2013/

fergal.b

It looks like a shetland 4+2.






.

Tabnabs

Can't argue with that
http://www.nya.co.uk/used-boat_1275_shetland-4-2.html

boldspirit

Cheers lads, I have an idea to try and hunt down the grandads old girl this summer. Not sure where to start but make and model is a good step.

boldspirit

After a quick chat with my dad turns out the boat i plan on searching for is a darragh 27 ft, it looks quite similar to the shetland according to my brother. At the moment i'm gathering information on her. Ask the family to dig out photos and any info they have.

fergal.b

The closest I can think of is a Darragh Falcon or 770, Here is one http://www.donedeal.ie/mobile/for-sale/boats/3798316




.

boldspirit

Thanks Fergal. I would say that is the modern version of her all right. I'm searching out of curiosity and nostalgia. And also have a little hope that she might be going cheap enough for me to buy her.

fergal.b

Do you have any old photos of her, someone might have spotted her on the waterways or was she ever registered with waterways Ireland and given a number, also if you could find out her name that might help as a lot of people are superstitious about changing the name of a boat.

Good luck.



.

boldspirit

I contacted waterways Ireland and left a brief message on their website

hello, I have a plan to search for my grandads old boat. i have some
information on where it was kept etc. I was just wondering if you would
have any advice on how to start. the boat was sold over 20 years ago. but
I believe it is still on the shannon or one of the cannals maybe in
disrepair.

thanks in advance
Ian

And they got back to me very quickly
Hi Ian,

Tell me the name of the boat and I may have heard of it !

Alternatively, you could try registering with our on-line forum and asking
there. If you prefer I can make a post for you.
Give me as much information as you can.

Name: The name you knew it by and if you were aware of any earlier names
give us those as well.
Length: In feet or metres or if you don't know have a guess. Like: less
than 20ft, about 30ft, 60ft etc.
Hull material: Iron, Steel, Fibre-glass, Concrete (yes they do exist !),
Timber - the type of timber and the way it was built up if you know.e.g
Clinker built, Double diagonal, Carvel etc. Teak, Mahogany, Larch, Oak,
Plywood etc.
General form: Motor cruiser with centre cockpit/aft cockpit, fly-bridge etc,
if it was a sailing boat
Distinguishing features: Anything that would make it stand-out in some way.
e.g. if it was a converted ships life-boat or came from the Norfolk Broads.
Obviously if you know the builder that could be a big help.
Where it was kept: If you know roughly where it was kept that might help too
Photo: Even a poor quality one could help a lot.

We have a pretty good record of tracking down boats for people so give us as
much info as you can.


this was great I have replied and answered as many questions as i could still trying to hunt down the photos form my family hopefully some come through on the weekend

fergal.b

I'm a member of http://www.iwai.ie/ and can post your photos and any info you have if you like.

I see Colin has it up already



.

boldspirit

That would be great Fergal, thanks! The pictures have been promised to me for Monday morning. Colin is fantastic, I really didn't know what to expect when i sent the message but it definitely was not this much. There has all ready been a hit on the plea on IWAI.ie. Tony from Portaneena Marina gave the name of the guy he thinks bought it from my grandad. He also said where that guy is based now and what type of boat he has. the weekend can't come quick enough now. I think a road trip is in order to see what i can find out.

moonshadow

I think you contacted Inland waterways association of ireland IWAI.. rather than Waterways Ireland,

But well done great info so far.

boldspirit

Today I emailed the Inspector of Navigation in Athlone. As advised by Colin, hopefully he can check his records for Sarah, Colin said If the name has been changed that'll not work and it's also often the case that new owners don't bother to inform the inspector when they buy a boat so if it has changed hands a few times, the trail can go cold but it's certainly worth a go.

side note moonshadow you are correct it was infact IWAI I contacted. Apologies for the misinformation all though my mistake would portray I didn't know the difference I can assure you I do..

moonshadow

No probs,if you think it might be athlone based,Iwai athlone have a facebook page...

boldspirit

Hi Guys got a few snaps of "Sarah" today

Tabnabs

Is she a darragh 27?

boldspirit

My Dad says Darragh 27 all right. But a guy from Portaneena Marina says Darragh 24. So I'm not too sure.

Tabnabs

She bears a striking resemblance to a Norwegian Nidelv 24.

http://www.boatoon.com/en/boat-marketplace/motor+boat/nidelv/nidelv-24/7611449548/details/

and

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Z9OwlEnDlXY/S819u7yPatI/AAAAAAAAKbc/v9U6MGgI3wQ/s1600/nidelv24.JPG

fergal.b

The Darragh Day fisher did have a rounded transom but the windows were nothing like yours, Tabnabs one looks very close alright.





.

fergal.b

Taken from IWAI post by Boater.

Not the "Sarah" that you are looking for but a Darra 24 called "Sarah Ann".... she had a perkins engine located under the cockpit seat which had a sliding cover.
The seat was hinged and under was a sink and gas ring. This pic was taken in 2007 at Lough Corrib.

boldspirit

Looks very much like "my Sarah" and there is a ten year gap in her history. But there are no handrails on the cabin roof or mast. (easily removed i know) they only thing i can think of that would stand out on the Sarah i'm looking for is in the bow there were home made pull down bunk beds.

Donie75

As far as I remember there were 3 or maybe 4 of them around the Inner Lakes between Portaneena and the Lakeside Marina, then SGS.
I think they were Daragh 24's and there was one that was a different colour. It was more a cream than light brown.
There may still be one or two around so it could be a good starting point.

boldspirit

Cheers for that Donie I plan on taking a drive down this weekend all though the OH has informed me that my presence is required at a confirmation BBQ. Puts a spanner in the works but I'll figure it out. Our own boat is moored up in Carrick an Shannon so I've an idea to search by road and water. Even if i don't find Sarah the trip will be good.

The inspector of navigation replied to my E-mail

"I regret that we have been unable to find the craft with the criteria that you have provided. Continue good luck in the hunt!"

So I supplied more information and await his reply

boldspirit

Unfortunately my search for “Sarah” has come to a standstill. With work commitments, DE winterizing issues with my own boat and no fresh leads, I had taken a step back. I plan to be back on the search in July with help from my brother’s and two full weeks off work.