The life of N2958 Purfect. Design: Cheshire Cat, designed by: Michael Jackson in 1973
I bought N2958 as a new build from a builder in Exmouth called Joe Radgick, a beautiful Cheshire Cat back in approx 1977.
(John Whitehead N2963 and Dave Peacock N2959 ordered new boats (Phil Morrison Designed Wind-Falls) at the same time so I believe we got a good deal;) Joe was an excellent builder and all 3 boats looked fantastic.)
It was a shame as I was never able to get the boat to be as competitive as the Warlock I had sold and eventually sold the Cat in 1978 to Geoff Crouch of Rudyard Lake who later sold it on to Rob Simcock also of Rudyard Lake S C.
For sale on eBay July 2024. Located in Rugeley. Looks in good condition. eBay description and pictures below.
"National 12 sailing dinghy, sail number 2958
Been stood in a garage a long time.
Great boat, needs some varnish and fittings putting back on, overall excellent condition for age, sails in good condition.
Trailer and launching trolley included.
Needs a good home."
second set of eBay pictures
I am the new owner of 2958 having purchased it via Ebay in August 2024 for just £10. The boat is in remarkably good condition as it has been garage stored for 15 plus years.
I have completely stripped all of the fittings and as of November 2024 I am about to invert the hull ready for stripping and repainting. I have, courtesy of Clive Warren the original owner, images of the bare hull as it came from the builder, which clearly shows the screw head locations from the first construction. Some of the filling of the screws has fallen out and I intend replacing all of the filler of the builders screws. I'm enjoying every minute of the refurbishment and can't wait to complete the project and get Purfect back on the water in the spring of 2025.
March 2025, 2958 is now repainted and the interior has been stripped and varnished. The areas identified for non slip have been prepared and I am turning my attention to the decks. An area of damage on the starboard gunwhale will need attention, I'm deciding how best to proceed with that. The plan is to be ready to launch at Easter at Manor Park Sailing Club near Kings Bromley in Staffordshire.
Interior March 2025.
Exterior March 2025