First owner

Thanks to first owner’s stepson Dr John Powell, a couple of great photos from the early period of Astolat have become available. First owner Bernard Buxton bought the new hull from Tyler and fitted it out in his garden in Manchester.

Astolat - new

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The brand new hull of Astolat parked next to the house, 43 Stafford Road. Bernard Buxton is in the photo. (1966?)

After completion she was moored in Anglesey where she has been used for many holidays. Astolat was registered in 1970.

Astolat - 1971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Astolat being lifted out of the water at Holyhead Boatyard in about 1971. The picture shows the original hull colour of the pale blue gelcoat.

Astolat was sold in 1972.

Passing rain shower

Sailing downwind back to Lemmer. The rain shower in the background makes a nice contrast with the water being illuminated by the sun, giving it an unusual colour.

Rain shower 1, IJsselmeer 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rain shower 2, IJsselmeer 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

The genua taken down for possible strong wind gusts.

 

Volvo Penta MD2 rebuilt

Last winter, the Volvo Penta MD2 engine of Astolat has partially been rebuilt.

The cylinders have been replaced by others with less wear and have been honed, new ones are no longer obtainable. One piston has been replaced by another one in better shape and new piston rings were installed. Furthermore the valves have been done and the big end bearings replaced with new ones. Finally, a new water pump with bearings gives a little higher output. The cooling channels turned out to be very clean as a result of descaling it with Star Brite engine flush some years ago.

MD2 reassembled

The disassembled engine.

The reassembled engine ready for painting. The original colour of this engine was not green, but a grey/blue colour still visible on the back of the flywheel and the fuel filter. The green and red cylinder came from another engine.

MD2 primer

Looking much better now after a coat of primer has been applied.

MD2 new paint

Ready! Painted with engine paint VHT SP122.

MD2 Installed

The engine installed with new engine mounts and new engine room insulation (Vetus), covered with perforated aluminium sheet.

The top speed has increased with about 1 knot to the former top speed of 6.1 knots Astolat used to have. Not bad for just 15.5 hp.

Engine plate showing No 169

The engine plate showing no 169 indicating this is a very early produced one. Wondering if that would be 1965 or 1966. The instruction book that comes with Astolat is printed in 1964, while the workshop manual is printed in Dec. 1966.