Builders of the Stiffkey Cockle Dayboat
The Stiffkey Cockle Dayboat
Saltmarsh Marine is the builder of the Stiffkey Cockle Dayboat. These much loved and proven GRP (glass reinforced plastic) simulated clinker sailing dayboats were designed and originally built by local boatbuilder George Hewitt.
George took the hull moulding from a traditional wooden cockling boat in the mid nineties and with his knowledge of traditional wooden boatbuilding, he created a classic fit-out blended with a modern, pretty and low maintenance hull.
A modern classic with a loyal following
With nearly 130 boats built to date and with a huge following locally and across the country, the Cockle has proven itself to be a true modern classic. Having spent time working with George on the maintenance and building of the Cockles, we were well-placed to continue the production of these ever popular boats.
Design and Performance Features
The Cockle is designed with simplicity and function in mind as well as excellent sailing and handling capabilities. Her ample beam with a firm turn in the bilge makes her a sturdy, stable and spacious boat for her size.
Stiffkey Cockle Boat Specifications
The simulated clinker, fibreglass hull of the Cockle (made from 6oz GRP) has a straight stem and slightly raked transom.
Buoyancy tanks are fitted fore and aft, made from 6oz GRP overlaid with a further 4oz GRP layer. Additionally, two inflatable buoancy bags are fitted under each side bench. The Cockle is gunter rigged, which provides a higher aspect ratio sail whilst retaining the mast at an easily manageable length.
The mainsail is lashed to the boom, gaff and mast and has one deep reef, whilst the jib has roller furling gear. The wooden mast sits in stainless steel stays.
The tabernacle also houses the centreboard winch which makes for very easy raising or lowering of the galvanised centre board plate. The centreboard adjusting rope makes off on a cleat at the aft end of the centreboard casing so is within easy reach of the helmsman. The mainsheet is lead by blocks to a midships located horse mounted on the transom above the tiller.
The lifting rudder blade is of stainless steel with a haul-up arrangement and cleat on the tiller.
It has a maximum recommended load of 375 kg (827 lbs) and can carry 5 persons. The Cockle underwent EEC tests and has approved to carry five adults. It is also RCD approved and is a very safe, sturdily built, reliable boat that offers great fun for all who sail her and is also enjoyable to potter about in when under power by a small outboard.
Price on application
If you would like to enquire further, please get in touch!
We can supply road trailers designed to suit the Stiffkey Cockle.
The Stiffkey Cockle Sailing Club
The Stiffkey Cockle Sailing Club is a friendly, single-class club centred around the Stiffkey Cockle. Based mainly in Morston, with a smaller fleet at Brancaster, the club welcomes both racing and non-racing members.
Around 26 races are held each season, alongside a busy social calendar throughout the year. Whether you sail or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the club offers a relaxed, community feel, with the Morston Anchor pub as its unofficial hub.