Recent content by jwood

Does anyone have experience of this in-boom mainsail furling system? The one I'm referring to is for smaller yachts - seems a good idea in principle, but anyone have any horror stories in reality? Thanks.

Would anyone be able to pass opinion on this 24 foot bilge keeler, from experience? I've seen one I quite like but not sure about how they perform compared to other bilge keelers of a similar era/size. Thanks in advance.

Hi, i wonder if there's anyone out there with experience of a Colvic Countess 28? I'm looking for a sturdy cruiser as a first boat and have already gathered thoughts on Centaurs and Cobra 850s. Saw one of these Colvics recently and wondered if I should be considering it in the same breath as...

Thanks for the replies thus far and in particular for things to look out for on the Centaur. My feeling is that having a newish engine on boats of this age and value (£10 - £13k) is a huge advantage. On these, one is a Nanni 21hp, the other a Yanmar 18hp. I guess they're both good engines, but...

After much research and trailing around boatyards, my hunt for the ideal boat for my circumstances has led me to a Westerly Centaur and a Cobra 850. Both have been re-engined in the last 5 years and are within a couple of thousand pounds of each other at asking price. Both are in fair to good...

Re: 25/26\' Bilge Keelers I'd like to keep the budget to below £10k if possible. Would also prefer inboard diesel.

25/26\' Bilge Keelers I'm looking to buy a 25 or 26 foot bilge keeler to sail on the south coast and as this will represent a step up in size for me, I would appreciate any comments from more experienced hands as to makes with a good track record. The two I would be keen to know a little more...

Hi, Could anyone kindly email me the RYA Bill of Sale forms - I am currently a non-member, but suspect they will be more relevant for a 22-footer than the MCA forms I recently downloaded. Many thanks.

Hi, does anyone have any knowledge of these fin-keeled 23 footers? I have seen a tidy one for sale recently but it's out of the water and I would like to know how they perform at sea.

Can anyone with knowledge of these boats let me know their opinions on how they handle, build quality, known problems/strengths etc and, basically, how fun are they to sail?

Thanks Gin - the report has been ordered and is on its way. Do you have any personal knowledge of these boats?

Does anyone have any experience of these yachts? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I am struggling to make my mind up as to which of these two boats to opt for - I have come across tidy examples of both recently but would appreciate any thoughts from people with experience of either, particularly regarding sailing performance. The Leisure is a twin keel, the Vivacity a fin...

Now why didn't I think of that!

I was wondering if anyone had any experience of a Caravela 22? I would be interested to know how they sail and what the build quality was like. Thanks.