Atlanta Viking 800?

[5 knot hero]

Hi.

Does anyone have any thoughts about these boats? I've looked at one which is within my budget of £15k but would really appreciate any advice about how they sail, how easy to manage singlehanded, common issues, etc. This one has a bit of water in the bilges (is that normal?) and the saloon smells of diesel (is that normal too?)(can I stop it?). I could ask a million questions...

Thanks

 

[Otter]

The Atlanta Viking 800 is the same as the Macwester 27 Series I, although apparently offered with a larger sail area. It was still in production as late as 1980. It will always have water in the bilge unless you fit a drip free stern glad (very difficult on that model). It wil have oil drips mixed in because there is no drip tray under the engine. It has one of the world's shallowest bilges so a small amount of water will slop around everywhere.

It will heal over alarmingly in a force three and then stay there, never showing signs of going any further, right up to a force 6. Reef early though as weather helm builds up quickly (It's a big mainsail).

It is built of 12 inch thick GRP - or that's what it looks like so no worries there and you could hide a dozen ilegal immigrants in the various cockpit lockers.

It will get up to 5 knots nice and quickly and then go no faster. No matter what you do (A friendly tide will give the illusion of greater performance but 5 is your tops through the water).

The forecabin is lovely and cosy and the heads reasonable. The dinette may be old fashioned but it makes for a sociable area.

All in all a great boat for £7K. That's right, £7K. Mac27 sold near us with a brand new Beta 15hp engine for £5.5k. We sold our Mac28 for £6.6K.

If you are desperate to spend £12k then buy a Centaur, otherwise the Atlanta or Mac27/28 (not the Mac26 in my opinion) are great value for money.

 

[5 knot hero]

Great advice; thank you very much. My gut feeling was that it was too pricey for what it was. I think I'll post a plea for wider advice on the move into stand-up headroom...

Cheers

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Go for the Macwester 27 or for a Macwester 30 or Mac Wight (I have one). Good boats, plenty of room, dries out anywhere you want, very low maintenance, easy access to bilges and everywhere else, will take you anywhere, and sails much better than many other yachts. The hull is almost one inch thick in places.

 

[cimo]

Hi.

Does anyone have any thoughts about these boats? I've looked at one which is within my budget of £15k but would really appreciate any advice about how they sail, how easy to manage singlehanded, common issues, etc. This one has a bit of water in the bilges (is that normal?) and the saloon smells of diesel (is that normal too?)(can I stop it?). I could ask a million questions...

Thanks

The 800 has same beam as my viking 8.5 if I recall correctly (the AV8.5 is 2 feet longer). The AV8.5 sails very well but I would not expect same windward performance from the AV800 on this basis. (The macwester27 has shorter draught again I think). You would really need to take her out to answer this for yourself though. In general they make a very strong and safe cruiser with loads of room for her LOA. The mast is deck stepped so you may want to pay particular attention to the coach roof condtion in that area, (previous overtensioning of the shrouds can give rise to some deflection there, but again this isn't beyond remedy). Single handed is a breeze with a reliable autotiller and good running rigging arrangements.

Water in the bilges and diesel smells can be resolved so I certainley wouldn't let that put me off. in general & from what you describe condition wise, 15K sounds a tad high. I would though she would be well bought between 4k to 8k (bearing in mind I haven't see the boat).

I've got Atlanta marine's brouchers etc for the AV800. If you would like, I can PM them to you.
rgds
c

 

[mainmarine]

Hi.

Does anyone have any thoughts about these boats? I've looked at one which is within my budget of £15k but would really appreciate any advice about how they sail, how easy to manage singlehanded, common issues, etc. This one has a bit of water in the bilges (is that normal?) and the saloon smells of diesel (is that normal too?)(can I stop it?). I could ask a million questions...

Thanks

Have look here for others for sale :http://www.macwester.org/ £6-10k is price range for Mac27s and AV8.5, I paid £7k for mine 5 years ago 1 owner from new.

 

[5 knot hero]

Thanks everyone, really useful advice.

 

[TamarMike]

There is a summary of Atlanta and Macwester types here: http://www.macwester.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=117

 

[jsobrien]

The 800 has same beam as my viking 8.5 if I recall correctly (the AV8.5 is 2 feet longer). The AV8.5 sails very well but I would not expect same windward performance from the AV800 on this basis. (The macwester27 has shorter draught again I think). You would really need to take her out to answer this for yourself though. In general they make a very strong and safe cruiser with loads of room for her LOA. The mast is deck stepped so you may want to pay particular attention to the coach roof condtion in that area, (previous overtensioning of the shrouds can give rise to some deflection there, but again this isn't beyond remedy). Single handed is a breeze with a reliable autotiller and good running rigging arrangements.

Water in the bilges and diesel smells can be resolved so I certainley wouldn't let that put me off. in general & from what you describe condition wise, 15K sounds a tad high. I would though she would be well bought between 4k to 8k (bearing in mind I haven't see the boat).

I've got Atlanta marine's brouchers etc for the AV800. If you would like, I can PM them to you.
rgds
c

Hi I know your post was a long time ago.

I have just purchases an atlanta viking 800.

If you do still have a manual and or any other information regarding the onboard engine it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks


John O'brien