Edward S. (Ted)
Brewer
&
THE NEW CLASSIC YACHTS
WHITBY 42, BREWER 12.8, BREWER 44
Thanks to innovators like Edward S. (Ted) Brewer, http://www.tedbrewer.com and the many more in the same pursuit, we are blessed with comfortable safe offshore family or sail-alone vessels that bring joy to many.
Although Ted put pen to paper in the early 70’s to design the Whitby 42 and its offspring's, they were well ahead of their time. And Ted, who is now enjoying retirement, is one of the early innovator’s of this concept. To this day the design still holds up to close scrutiny. Often mimicked and or duplicated in fiberglass & other mediums, this ‘Classic Designed Yacht’ was originally developed & built by Whitby Boat Works Ltd in Canada by Kurt and Doris Hansen. Later in Fort Myers, under agreement and partnership, more Whitbys were built and with Ted Brewer’s help, developed into the production that are called Brewer 12.8s and Brewer 44s, all of which are selling to new owners with yet another agenda of adventure and lifestyle afloat!
Because of my past involvement, I have taken an interest in helping those who own one of these as befits my experience at the factory in Canada as President of an associated company and the sales & technical coordinator for many of the vessels purchased and rendering assistance as they were leaving the plant. And yes, to this day I am still involved in the sale and transition of many of these super cruising delights every year. And like the past, after the owners have exchanged necessary paper, I stay and assist the new owner for a couple of days while he settles into the technology and systems.
As I look at these vessels, I consider there to be two segments to the vessel. One is the basic construction combining Hull, Deck, & other assemblies of Fiberglass done in Whitby’s FRP shop. Bulkheads & and the various solid teak & ply assemblies were done in the factory Cabinetry shop. Stainless Steel, Aluminum & Bronze parts were fashioned in Whitby’s own metal shop & the Rigging and Wiring harnesses were also done as an OEM production.
The first part has needed little upgrading with only a few
exemptions and those without continuity in fault, notwithstanding, some allowing
for some builder improvements over the years of production. Long term
maintenance and upgrading is the most common missing ingredient. Some would find
fault with design and execution in singular issues but most of these are not
majority agreed. Greg Temple, owner of ‘My Destiny’ Whitby 42 #313 wrote a very
accurate article about the Hull & Deck Joint expressing findings in direct
contrast to the myth created by one unkindly representation by a surveyor in
Maryland who must never witnessed the assembly process at Whitby Boat Works!
Greg’s article is posted on the
Association Chat Line. It is really worth a read!
The Main Motor, part of the original equipment (and some Generators), along with other power consuming or power providing fit into this category as well. These systems need improvement and service but in no way detract from the overall infrastructure of the vessel and with owner care and attention, can be made to provide service to a high standard.
It is in this first part that all vessels of a certain
maturity need closer consideration. Even today I see many chain plates still
bedded with the original sealant of the seventies or eighties. Most of the chain
plates seem to last quite a while but chemical compounds have come a long way
and a new tube here or there go a long way to protect your investment.
Secondly, I look at all the other equipment screwed, bolted or otherwise combined with the basics to make her the all-time favourite we have come to know!
This second part is where the plan falters. Electrical, Plumbing, Water, Fuel &Waste Storage and Waste Processing are inherent in the builder’s portion but are active participants in the need for constant maintenance, repair and or replacement. There is about 2 tons of fluid capacity. It needs management and a high level of secure systems.
Navigation & Communication & Material Management Systems are the pure utility portion. As well, Bolt-On & Add-On systems like Davits, Dinghies, Outboards and Liferafts are all systems that age in fact as well as in technology.
Notwithstanding all the nice new gadgets in the marketplace, some of the foundation may need current considerations first. Especially if you are going to sell your prized Whitby or Brewer! Before buying some visually stimulating items, consider new bottom protection, new chain plates & or sealant, new rigging or a mast audit, all of which might be important at sale time or for your ‘adventure departure day’ comfort level too! A Removal-Repair-Return (RR&R) of the main motor may prove invaluable for a fast sale or increased enjoyment. And while the engine room is vacant, what a time to spiff up the engine room, first by removing outdated equipment, renewing overdue basics and a little touch up. Remember the cockpit sole comes out easily as it is only held down by less than a hundred machine screws. The wiring harness and hydraulic harness is equally removable. And remember Pictures & Documentation are everything. And here is probably a good time to emphasize the importance of an ongoing OIL ANALYSIS program!
At http://www.whitby42brewer.org you can scout around and join the Whitby Brewer CHAT GROUP & join the many owners who pursue and share their experiences with the ‘Get A Round Tuit’ events so you don’t have to feel you are alone. Sourcing is everything and the same group provides a lot of info in this regard as well. This is another area at that I can often be a good resource too!
My point is that the Whitby and Brewers have been time and utility tested, and I for one find that both the boats that the many experienced owners who own, operate and enjoy these vessels like they were built yesterday. Many show years of top notch care and maintenance programs through several owners with great budgets & technical competentcy to get the improvements accomplished. There was a 1974 at the 2007 Rendezvous that had just arrived back in the Annapolis area recently from going around the world in several years and she looked stately amongst the newer vessels there. I understand there is a new owner/adventurer(s) since then who I hope joins our group!
Today, Feb 6th, 2008 I saw a list on the Whitby Chat Group indicating there were about 5 or 6 in one place in the Bahamas alone, I know of several others heading to the Island Group or in other locations, another wintering in England are Jane Witherspoon & Brian Stewart at, http://Pilgrimspassages.com Another team, Ken & Ann Marsh returned to their Whitby ‘Criterion’ way down in Venezuela. Some are first timers heading to the Bahamas like Joe Machado & Sarah Eichler on their Whitby, Windreka III (just beginning their blogspot at http://haulingforbetterweather.blogspot.com/2007/10/departure-plans.html , finally retired and onboard Windreka III #309 and in company of some seasoned cruisers, Greg Temple & Judy onboard ‘My Destiny’ #313 (need blogspot!) Like all the others that I have heard from they are enjoying their Whitby or Brewer and that is a compliment to both crew and vessels! Also Jim & Karen Anderson’s adventure aboard their W42 #308 can be seen at http://jimkarenalastair.blogspot.com Larry Donaldson & Janet Keachie (need blogspot!) with their family Clare & Graham & Beau, The Dog are heading down through the Bahamas too, and were last at Chub Cay last week. (need blogspot!)
May fair Winds and Clean Diesel be yours, Douglas Stephenson
705 527 0442 & http://www.yachtsls.com
Also, this email will be posted on my website yachts@yachtsls.com for permanent reference purposes