Moosk features in Yachting Monthly July 1906
The 16 Ton Motor Cruiser Moosk
An auxiliary 16 Ton cruising yawl, of a type
that is likely to become popular amongst yachtsmen, was launched at
Falmouth early in June, and, as many good qualities are combined in
her design, we give a good description of her.
The Moosk was built by Messrs. W.E. Thomas & Co. of Falmouth for Mr Sidney H Beard who desired an easily handled and roomy sailing craft that would go anywhere under canvas, while having the additional advantage of motor power, added in such a way not to interfere materially with accommodation or comfort.
Built under Lloyds special survey to Class16 A1 the Moosk looks like an ideal boat of the cruising sort. Her clean green canvas sails contrast well with her clean yellow pine spars and varnished teak sides and fittings, and give a brightness to her appearance which is very pleasing.
The dimensions are 40ft. O.A., 39ft. B.P., 35ft. W.L. 10ft, 9in. beam 7ft depth and the accommodation consists of a large comfortably fitted cockpit; a motor-house, with a sliding roof (the engine being above floor and easily handled); a 9ft. saloon with 6ft. 9in. headroom, fitted with teak throughout and folding spring beds and mattresses arranged so as to form comfortable sofa lounges in the daytime; an owner’s or Ladies cabin, with skylight’s and air ports; a lavatory, with mahogany fittings and w.c., a small pantry, and forecastle with two cots.
In order to ensure absence of vibration the
boat is framed up and fastened so as to give her extra strength. The
frames are of grown oak, 3 1/2 in. by 3in., set 27 in. apart and
doubled in many places; two elm timbers are placed between each
frame, with scantling 17/8in. by 17/8in.; the f6in. elm keel is
fastened to every frame and timber with wrought steel floors placed
9” apart, and a steel beam and steel knees supplement the 2 3/4 in.
oak deck beams. The fastenings and bolts (all of yellow metal and
riveted) are in excess of Lloyds requirements.
The running gear is arranged to enable the yacht to be worked by the owner and one good hand. A rolling boom is fitted, all blocks have patent sheaves, the sheets two or more parts, and the halyards plenty of purchase gear. By using the motor when entering or leaving harbour the work is much reduced, thus one hand is able to be dispensed with. And in addition to these easements the sail area has been kept within cruising limits, comfort being considered of greater importance than speed. Notwithstanding this fact, however, the boat is fast in a breeze on account of her fine lines and well modelled hull.
A two cylinder 11 h.p. (M.M.A. 18 h.p.) Mitcham Motor is installed, and by ingenious contrivances the spark, throttle, worm wheel reversing gear, and switches are al easily controlled from the cockpit by the helmsman. This small engine gives the boat a speed of about 6 knots.
By using the large sliding hatch over the motor house, the engine can either be run in the open air or under cover according to the weather, and as companion stairways are carried down on either side of it, leading from the cockpit to the saloon, the helmsman can get to any part of the engine or its accessories in a few moments.
A battery of accumulators of large capacity are installed for sparking and for lighting the boat with electric light. A magneto sparking coil is fitted in addition and a dynamo for recharging the battery.
