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Classic Refit "Rules"?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by CaptEvan, Jan 16, 2007.

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  1. CaptEvan, Jan 16, 2007
    #1
    CaptEvan

    CaptEvan Senior Member

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    When refitting a classic, what is acceptable and what is taboo?

    Open for discussion is the 120 foot Abeking & Rasmussen #6338, penned by Geerd Hendel and launched in 1971 as Claybeth. Offered as a refit project a couple years back, she awaits her champion in Mexico. The redesigner's rendering proposes a new reverse transom profiled swim platform and an added upper deck master stateroom or lounge.

    As the transom styles of that period did not lend themselves to utility, does this make sense for greater overall appeal? It is not cutting off a canoe stern. To me, she seems to keep her classic lines. The upper deck addition does not put her out of balance and adds function to an enormous empty deck. If Hendel himself was charged with this refit for expanded use, would he go here?

    Does a 1971 fall into the same classic protection pool as the 50's, or even 30's? How about one from the 80's? What defines a classic?

    I assume the purists would want all left completely alone in profile. Beyond that, is everything else fair game? For example, would granite and stainless fit in the galley? Must entertainment systems be hidden? May pilothouses be reworked to new systems without wood coverings?

    Knowing I may be accused of naked heresy here, the question remains: What can be done with a classic to increase her value and marketability while honoring her heritage? There are ever fewer souls willing to spend a few million to keep an aging yacht exactly as launched.

    Evan

    ps; does anyone know who this A&B was built for? Didn't Forbes have a 1978 Feadship Claybeth?

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    Last edited: Jan 16, 2007
  2. AMG, Jan 16, 2007
    #2
    AMG

    AMG YF Moderator

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    Hi, many questions...!

    We have discussed this boat once before somewhere on the YachtForums but in another context. The overall impression of the redesign is pretty OK, but never the stern! I hate almost every stern extension that has been made and on a classic like this it is even worse...

    The wooden top deck may be OK but I can´t see why you should build it. Better to buy another boat if this is too small and let somebody else restore this to it´s former glory.

    On interiors, yes granite and stainless is fine if you don´t like marble. Stereos should be hidden also on modern boats. Navigation aids can be both hidden and visible, depending on space available. Remember that a lot is included in just one screen these days, which can be nicely incorporated in a classic wheelhouse.

    Finally, what makes a yacht classic to me, is when it is well designed from the beginning, regardless of age...:)

    From the A&R registry I can read; Yard Nr 6338, owner E. Clayton Gengras.
  3. Ken Bracewell, Jan 16, 2007
    #3
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    In general I agree with you Lars, but there are unique exceptions. In my opinion the Curt C http://www.curtc.comis good example of a stern extension that improved the lines of the boat. Unfortunately I don't have any digital photos of her before the extension, but trust me when I say the lines are better now. You may recall when she was built as Eastwind in 1989.