Apropos AWBs

Robin

Robin

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Which makes get in the Forum classification and which escape and why?

Are Elans AWBs? (just seen one with a big hole in the bow, very thin layup IMO)
Are Dehlers AWBs? (saw one of those with a well broken nose too recently)
Are Hanses AWBs?
Are Feelings AWB?
Are Hunters (British version) AWBs?
Are Hunters (USA Legends) AWBs?
Are Dufours AWBs?
Are Catalinas AWBs?
Are Maxis AWBs

Any others? Will you nominate your own boat for inclusion?

All in addition to the Ben/Jen/Bav category of course.

It seems to me it is easier to create a non-AWB category for those boats considered to be 'slightly superior', since there are smaller numbers of them involved, but only selecting from builders of boats in significant numbers here, not the 2 or 3 boats per year stuff.

What should the non-AWB category be called?

All in the best possible taste of course! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif I'm going for a 100 post topper here......

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
Presumably a Jeanneau Sun Legende 41 (1988 vintage) is an AWB.

You are clearly making an assumption that non-AWB's which 'escape' are 'superior'.

Hope you won't take it personally if you get some pointed replies!

<hr width=100% size=1>It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
 
I have assumed that I am a proud owner of an AWB under the current classification!

No I am not assuming 'superior' standing for any AWB escapees. That would be like saying my Honda C-RV, which doesn't fall in the Ford/Vauxhall category, would by default fall in the BMW/Merc 'superior' category which clearly it does not (despite, like my lovely Sun Legende 41, deserving to of course).



<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
Well shares in AWBs might be affected I suppose! Forum Power Rules OK?

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
"It seems to me it is easier to create a non-AWB category for those boats considered to be 'slightly superior', ....." implies that non-AWB's are superior, albeit if only slightly.

Many apologies if I am being thick and misinterpreting this - which is quite possible based on years of practice!

<hr width=100% size=1>It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
 
AWB/MAB/OWL/Classic definitions

they are all awb's i'm afraid, imho. Long keely things and/or with decent skeggy rudder escapes AWB label, but as soon as they are five years old they fall into MAB (manky auld boat) category, and until that they are known as their brand eg "rassy" or najad or "oyster" whatever.

All boats over five years old are either AWBs, MABs, or OWLs (old wooden liabilities).

When they are for sale, all OWLs and MAB's are called "Classics", and this same word is used by the owner if he's recently done anything from a refit/rebuild to a bit of varnishing. Other people use the word "classic" to increase the chance of the OWL/MAB owner buying them a pint and it often works.

After twenty years, all AWB's become MAB's. An AWB can never become a classic. .



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I bought my boat 20 years ago. Back then an AWB was a Westerly (all of them) or a Moody. There were others, of course, mostly forgotten (by me). The defining criteria were:
Large accomodation (caravan - like and for the Westerly, distinctive.)
Modern hull shape (big arse)
No wood in the cockpit or on deck (white all over)
Big engine (more than 2hp per metre overall)
Roller reefing (for Nancies)
Electronic instruments (For people who can't navigate properly)

The question is, if you find yourself thinking that the criteria have not changed much, why are older Westerlies and Moodies now considered traditional, safe, solid go-anywhere cruisers? Could it be that any new boat is an AWB, by definition? And weren't all our boats new once?



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Gosh I need lessons in communication here!!

OK I will try, what I mean is that instead of referring to what might be a very large and growing percentage of boats afloat in a slightly derogatory way as 'AWBs' we should ignore THEM and refer merely to the fewer in number boats considered by some as 'slightly superior', and to name a category for them.

And I am not personally saying the oft quoted 'slightly superiors' ARE superior, only that they are deemed such by some.

Now, what could be clearer than that? Please observe my tongue FIRMLY in cheek!/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
An acid test needed here.

For example, the acid test of whether a sailing yacht is Classic was once given as "Does it need at least an F4 to get it moving, but falls apart with rot in anything over a 3?".

Or whether a motor yacht is a Gin Palace "Do you need to employ a Window Cleaner?"

With AWBs it might be "Can you pick out your yacht from the other side of the marina?" or maybe "How often does your rudder drop off?"

My definitive list is:

Beneteau
Jeanneau
Bavaria
Moody
Hunter/Legend
Feeling
Catalina.

The post 1990 models, that is. As TCM and Dave_White so ably point out, all pre 1990 models now fall in category of "Classic Plastic".

I hestitate to know where to place certain modern "sporty" designs such as MacGregor and Sportina. Even AWB owners will be offended to have them categorised as such.
 
Got it in one Dave, well done. My last boat (Westerly 33 Ketch) was very definitely in those days an AWB. I had a friend who always and only bought Westerly, for years I would therefore buy anything as long as it was NOT Westerly! Stupid or what? When I finally bought my AWB Westerly 33 I found what I had indeed been missing!

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
Re: An acid test needed here.

I forgot Gibsea in my list too

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
Re: AWB/MAB/OWL/Classic definitions

Like it!/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
I'd say post-80 Moodys must be AWB, but the deck of mine (MAB) is coated blue. Is it then an ABB?
But luckily, the sides are white so it might be referred to as AB/WB.
Hope I'm not making this too complicated?
Victor

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Don't think Dehlers are considered AWBs nowadays. Nothing to do with constuction wise, just the basic price is right above your avarage Ben/Jen/Bav. Wouldn't include Dufour to the AWB catogory as well, are available in lovely deep blue hull and hand laid (thick) teak deck. That's upperclass!!!
Perhaps another group to be included to the AWB/MAB/Classic is 'Scandinavian made', which gives the feel of upper-class as well. Amongst ourselves, why not call Classics 'CRAP' (Classic Rated Auld Product).

On a more serious level, each boat it's own purpose. You don't by a Ferrari for your daily shoppings. Same is valid for boats I guess.......

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity
 
DuFours- No for everybody

Here in Holland there is a special selection procedure to see if you're worthy in buying one. It's not a boat for everyone, it's serious business and you have to speak only positively about them whereever you go....

Gib' Sea on the other hand (same builder) is just your AWB. Nice playboat for a daily sail. Nothing more, nothing less......

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity
 
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