HISTORY & DESCRIPTION:
The Zyklon design first drawn by Dr T Harrison Butler in the mid 1920’s has become an icon of pocket cruising yachts.
In 1937 THB was approached by Captain O M Watts to produce a weatherly 4 tonner which could be built on a production-line basis, the first of it’s kind in the UK. THB revised his earlier Cyclone design to produce the Zyklon Class. Captain Watts approached the old established Brentford joiners and timber merchants Alfred Lockhart and a factory was set-up in late 1937 where the first example was built. The design was marketed as the ‘Z Four – Tonner’ and can be distinguished by the letter Z on the stemhead.
In 1938, the first full year of production fourteen examples were completed. In order to complete the yachts quickly and economically an efficient assembly and costing system was used. The work was divided in to twelve operations using pre-made parts and sub-assemblies taken into stock. The construction is novel, the hulls were built upside down on a steel mould taking four men a week to plank. A six week delivery for all Z4 orders was quoted, the price in 1938 being £297, rising to £339 in 1939.
By the end of 1939 forty-eight ‘Z Four – Tonners’ had been built and sold and the class was gaining a superb reputation with Yachting Monthly features reporting extended voyages. Had the Second World War not intervened many more examples would have been built, although several other boatyards also built examples of the Zyklon design.
Captain Watts had plans to build and market other THB designs, however after the war Lockharts were engaged with joinery work to repair bomb damaged houses in London hence materials were scarce for yacht building with very few buyers interested in new boats.
Carvel larch planked hull, copper fastened to steam-bent timbers. Cast iron1.25 ton iron cast keel. Teak brightwork and cockpit. Major refit in Woodbridge 1988/89 including new hull fastenings and keel bolts. New standing rigging and internal refurbishment. Keel bolts changed in 2000 and checked again in 2006.
New spars in 2008 and stainless steel rig. Bowsprit added in 2008. New tan sails by Leitch in 2002 to include jib, main sail, yankee and fore sail. Older set of sails included. Mast now de-laminated and will require repair or replacement.
New Yanmar 1GM10 installed in 2012 and never used. Three blade propeller, 12 volt electrics.
Tennamast Cradle
Two sheet winches
25lb CQR Anchor
GPS
Navigation lights,
Clock and barometer
Sounder,
Compass,
ST 100 Tiller Autohelm
VHF,
Log
BROKERS NOTE:
Classic Yacht Brokerage have known June for over twenty-five years. After her late 80’s refit she was considered to be the best Z4 in the country and subsequently achieved a record sale price. Sadly, since the death of the owner a few years ago June has been laid-up ashore and is now in need of cosmetic refurbishment. The family are serious about finding a buyer this Spring and as such offers are considered on the already realistic guide price. With a new engine, good rig, recent sails and good maintenance history this is probably one of the best Z4’s available for the money.
Contact us for further information or an appointment to view.
LYING: WEST COAST
VIEWING: Through Classic Yacht Brokerage
Guide: Sold
