SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

I don't think the sand is factory fitted, but it might help with steerage. I'm surprised that it may be needed, I didn't expect added ballast in a displacement hull, but if the last owner felt it necessary, I'd go with it until I was experienced enough to make a judgement about it's future.
It will help keep the bow down at higher speeds when heading upstream, if your boat tries to climb it's own bow wave
It may be to keep your head higher than your feet while you sleep too. I have found I sleep better in our Yacht forepeak cabin with a full 100l freshwater tank under the berth than when it is empty.

Good points. There’s plenty of space for socials in the cockpit, I’ve had 5 at a time and tgat gets the stern a bit low so it could be that. Mine had a 120L water bag in the prow which might be instead of sandbags. It was knackered so I’ve just replaced it with a 50L one, hadn’t thought of boat balance, more concerned with weight on tow ball.

If you have mains hook up I’d invest in a dehumidifier, it’s worth its weight in gold.

Your leaky windows are easier to take off and rebed onto new sealant if and when the boat comes out at the end of the season, than while afloat. I did mine in the boatyard on small stepladders and under a tarp. Hanging over the side while afloat could have gotten unexpectedly wet.

Been out on the river Trent this weekend, had lots of fun and found some new friends.
Here are a few pics of the inside.
On the left is the water container, and on the right the ballast to offset it. A full tank causes the boat to list over though.

Does anyone have a pic of their 4+2 with a mast head fitted ?

Regards
Ian.

That's great! lots of wood which is nice - looks like the interior has had a few mods over the years. I'm looking to get proper curtain rails as the wire ones are impossible to use, interested to see how yours work. And I'm envious of the opening windows, that's something I thought I could do when I replace the side windows. Well done getting out. We didn't quite manage it and now it's raining!

Hi, interesting situation with the water & sand, my 4+2 had a canvas/vinyl bag fitted in the same locker but across the keel line so balance was not that much of an issue, the previous owner (who I knew) took it out coz it was a pain to fill via the filling point in the bottom of the chain locker, it's now a hard plastic tank under the cockpit floor. I notice you have the same fish finder thingy as me, does it work ok ? if so where is your transducer fitted, mine won't respond at speeds over about 3 knts ?!?! gets frustrating having to cancel the shallow alarm every few minutes.

Clive,
Sorry to hear you did not get to boat, the two vertical pieces of wood at the front must be additions, because all the other boats I have seen don't have them, I have removed them, and the interior looks a lot bigger and lets more light in now. The result is I have to replace the curtain wire as it was cut in to two pieces for that bit of wood to sit in the middle, I am trying to make it a little more standard looking. I will post some pics of it for you.

daveflack,
I intend to remove the sandbags and fit about 4 AGM lead acid batteries with a charge controller and inverter in place of them. All I can think is what a waste of space, if I must have a counter weight it may as well be useful.

As for the fish finder, whilst it works, I don't have a use for it yet, it shows fish in the water of various sizes and I keep getting shallow warnings all the time too. Sorry I don't know where the sensor is, another boater told me they are fitted towards the back of the boat. The max speed the boat will go is 5.8 knots, and I was concentrating on my driving and I did not look at it (it was getting dark and I was starting to get worried) - but we are out again this weekend so will test.

Does anyone know if there is a standard masthead and light that fits these 4+2 boats ? I have found where to plug it in, but all the ones I see on line don't look to fit where my pre-conceived idea of where it would go.

All,
The Masthead light switch energizes that small connector in the middle, and I think the pole should fit in that chrome tube. Back side of that is another chrome widget that is angled back and has a wingnut so whatever is connected can be swung forward.

Those boards you removed are for privacy and are usually found on larger boats to create a forward ‘cabin’.
Seems you have 3 plugs on the roof, I wonder what for?! Mine has one for the mast light. Maybe you had an anchor light? I’ve got a completely useless spotlight which stops the hatch fully opening and you can’t reach it to to point at anything so I’ll move it eventually. Not planning night trips so lights not an issue for now but will upgrade to led to cut down over 100w consumption. Pics are of my mast light, it has to come out to get under low bridges.

Thanks for that - they are the bits I need - do you know where I can get that mast light and search light ?

No idea I'm afraid. Personally I wouldn't advise anything other than a remote controlled LED spotlight there because if you want to move it's direction you have to climb on to the roof (or first mate will!). Depends how original you want to go - upgrades are always a good idea if they improve the function of the boat.
Finding parts will be an ongoing search of eBay, Facebook marketplace, Shpock - welcome to boating!