captainsharp

Unfortunatly circumstances (inc covid) have meant that I have to sell Rafiki. It breaks my heart as Ive had 13 great years with her. I have no idea what she could be worth. Do any members have an idea? Id let her go to a good home for a fair price.

I saw that clip. I think it's a great bit of footage. I especially liked seeing how the hull was made. I also liked the little detail of seeing the bedroom cupboard being stalled. That could be Rafiki and the cupboard that I put my things in. I don't know exactly how many tradewind 35's were built. I believe there were 9. Does anyone have any more information on that? This little clip of a Tradewind being launched is also interesting. I assume its the first one.

I think that idea that the boats were too heavy is correct. Rafiki weighs 18 tons. Its like a super tanker on the canal systems. 1. the wash is substantial especially in narrow water ways and 2 the screw / engine isn't powerful enough to stop the boat at all. As an owner its quite rewarding as you really have to think ahead, plan everything your doing. Entering a lock, it may appear the boat is going way too slow and cautiously but its the only way to not over cook it. And when it goes wrong it can cause quite a bit of damage, not to the boat, but to other boats and property (and people, my wife badly broke her arm trying to push off against another boat). On the plus side, it's extremely stable. Staying board during rough weather or when other boats go past, she's rock steady. You may see light weight GRP boats bobbing about when Rafiki barely seems to be moving at all. And its surprising insulating. Staying aboard in the winter isn't a problem at all. Even though it doesn't have a fancy diesel heater. As for repairs, I haven't had to repair anything.... yet. The comment about screwing into it or modifying the hull in any way is valid though. So the weight issue is probably the reason it didn't take off, especially for the rental market.

Heres a few more pictures of Rafiki in recent years... The first two are on the Thames. The last one is on the Avon and Kennet when I moved her to Bristol. 114 locks in six days. Quite a trip.

Im the owner of Rafiki that is a windboat tradewind. I saw a picture of her on a thread on this sight about broads boats away from home so Ive joined the network. I bought her in 2007 when she was in windsor. At the time I was looking for the a floating digs and pretty much bought the first boat I saw and liked. She had been on the thames for a few years before I bought her. When I bought her she was in a very reasonable condition. I had no idea about concrete hulls. I didn't really know about boats in general but she had an authentic period feel that I found very attractive. She had all the period features including the original cooker. Since I bought her Ive fallen in love with her. Ive spent a fortune keeping her in a reasonable condition. The woodwork obviously needs constant attention and Ive done full revarnishing every 5 years, Interestingly the hull is amazing. If anyone wants to know how the seacrete has lasted after over 50 I can vouch its incredible. I stripped the hull a few years ago. I started with extreme caution not wanting to damage the hull. But in the end I could chip away at the paint but the hull would never show any marks. After 50 the hull is a solid as the day she was set. Ive now have Rafiki in bristol harbour. Last summer we hired on a boat on the broads and went to Woxham and I wandered into the windboat sheds and spoke to a few of the guys, trying to find out more about Rafiki. I've learned lots but I'd like to know a lot more. If any one has more information about Rafiki, archives or any anicidotes Id love to hear them . Her original number was T395.