Kiwifish 30 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Hi all, I'm going to look at a GBE tomorrow, I don't know a great deal about them except they look super cool and I think I need one. What are common things to look out for when checking it over? Also any other hints and tips in general would be much appreciated. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deep Purple 512 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Beams, Most GBE's are 30+ years old and beams tend to last about 16years. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ex TL systems 63 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 The one at katikati is cheap enough to have a few faults,they're simple boats and awesome to sail, great value and easy to own, would expect it to sell soon. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clipper 343 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 As sd said, beams. Especially the dolphin striker strap attachment at main beam ends. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clipper 343 Posted November 2, 2017 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Voom has 4 new beams in last 5 years. And is for sale... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 Cool thanks for info, had a good look, condition as to be expected. Is the front beam easy to replace? I.e diy job? Looks like undo some bits and it should just slide out? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 Also who supplies the beams? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clipper 343 Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Front beam on my GBE is under SS straps. I built a new beam my self, and then got it anodised. Sleeving the ends is a bitch. When I say built, its not much more then a few holes and slots in an ali tube. Cant remember what it is, but there is better to use than stock std ali from ulrich. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Vorpal Blade 89 Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 And tramps, dodgy tramps are a quick way to having an unexpected swim. The front tramp on that particular GBE doesn't look like one to be trusted when you rush forward. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 We could strip our GBE from sailing to being packed on a road trailer in about 45mins, lifting hulls on with the help of a bystander or 2. Pulling her apart on the beach always attracted a few spectators. That did involve beams and tramps off etc as you'd expect. So yes it's not hard swapping beams etc. That's an awesome story KM, so very Kiwi I love it. That's good news, sounds like a fairly easy thing to change out the front beam, so with bolts and fittings removed it simply slides out? Nothing else holds it in. Cool I think I'll be able to just dry out at low tide, tie forestry off temporarily to a paddle crab and change it out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share Posted November 3, 2017 Front beam on my GBE is under SS straps. I built a new beam my self, and then got it anodised. Sleeving the ends is a bitch. When I say built, its not much more then a few holes and slots in an ali tube. Cant remember what it is, but there is better to use than stock std ali from ulrich. Sleeving the ends? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Clipper 343 Posted November 3, 2017 Share Posted November 3, 2017 Putting a tube inside the beams for last 500mm or so to strengthen where it is clamped. I see the one on trademe has tubes, might not be required. I sleeved the main beam ends and front beam ends on mine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted November 4, 2017 Author Share Posted November 4, 2017 I bought it! Looking forward to a huge learning curve.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Battgirl 23 Posted November 5, 2017 Share Posted November 5, 2017 Congratulations! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dambo 44 Posted November 5, 2017 Share Posted November 5, 2017 I bought it! Looking forward to a huge learning curve.... Awesome! Welcome to the family Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NZTiger 17 Posted November 6, 2017 Share Posted November 6, 2017 I bought it! Looking forward to a huge learning curve.... Congratulations on the purchase. After a few months of owning a GBE my smile still hasn't faded. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
erice 732 Posted November 6, 2017 Share Posted November 6, 2017 congratulations kiwifish have you had a beachcat of any type before? cats are just so easy to sail they can easily lull you into a false sense of security so when an invisible gust of 15 seconds lifts a hull out, when all you've ever had before were 5 second hull lifting gusts (picking you up then dropping you back) you suddenly discover the vanishing stability curve of catamarans if a 5 sec gust lifts your hull clear every foot it goes higher, the less it needs to keep going people don't normally panic until about 45 degrees and about then the mast is taking over great example at the end of this i think virtually every 8.5 cat racing in auckland has been over, often when they've relaxed, cleated off the mainsheet etc Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Freedom GBE 27 Posted November 6, 2017 Share Posted November 6, 2017 Good choice. GBE best value speed for bucks. Which one did you buy? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifish 30 Posted November 6, 2017 Author Share Posted November 6, 2017 Thanks everyone. KM- Place your bet. Erice- Thanks for the good info, No I haven't owned a beach cat before. I rented the plastic Hobie at 'the mount' for 1 hour early this year, same thing really isn't it hahaha..... Freedom GBE- I bought the "cheap" one, Storm. I say "cheap" because it needs attention, love and $$. The other 2 on TM at moment would be better value, but at the asking price (Storms) it's a nice entry price and gives me time to upgrade as I go along, plus it feels good to be bringing a neglected boat up back to good condition. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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