Bitter and Twister

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Spud 7

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Well ok, not bitter as such, but gutted to have missed out on a Twister I wanted over the last few days. Went for my first Twister "sail" on her and found her to be as reported a lovely sail in some quite challenging conditions.
Having trouble now finding another one I like.
So the question is,
Is there a suitable alternative? and if so would you like to point me in the right direction..
Or, do I hang out for the "right" Twister to come along, no matter how long it takes?
Been looking for my first boat for a couple of years now, and thought at last I'd found her :(

My requirements are:
Easy to single hand
Renowned sea keeping abilities
Possibly eligible for Jester events
Cosy and comfortable below when not ocean tramping
I know it sounds daft, but "Pretty"
Relatively "easy" on the maintenance. Months or years of varnishing wood don't appeal (though love the look)

If you know of suitable boats, or other Twisters for sale that I may have overlooked, please feel free to point me in the right direction...
 
Elizabethan 29

I've had mine since 1985, and when I went below on a Twister at a boat show, I was hard pushed to tell the difference. The Twister has a smidge more space, having a longer waterline and a foot extra beam (mine is 20' and 7'6" respectively). The Liz has a longer overhang at the stern, so what I think is called an Edwardian transom with a little aft deck and lazarette. She also seems to have a little less freeboard so may be wetter. Both are Kim Holman designs i.e. intrinsically pretty, and in the right conditions pretty fast boats. Good sea boats as well. I'd have thought you should get a decent one for between 10k and 15k these days, although you see them advertised for anything between 5k and 20k, the most recent is early 80's but most are 60's to mid 70's.

The Liz 29 was based on the Stella so you might want to consider those as well. You may be able to find a Liz 30 in your budget, fin and skeg so a different boat, rather larger all round, a David Thomas design, still very nice.
 
I missed out on an almost new Twister, back in 1994, for want of a few thousand quid. Strangely (given the post above) I seem to remember she was called "Annie D".

I was upset, but fate intervened, and I could not have been happier with the boat that eventually found me. So chin up: "There is a divinity that shapes our ends. Rough hew them how we will."

I agree with the other post, a Halmatic 30 would suit most of your requirements, not so pretty perhaps but there are always a number about. If you see a Marieholm 32 for sale, in the right price bracket, I would seriously look at it.

PS
Check this out:

http://www.boatshop24.co.uk/SEJZUzAxLVNFS1ArMTE0OH5IQllTMDE=-Halmatic_30.html#top

The Jester mob will always let you in as a guest.
 
Last edited:
Twisters

I went shopping for a Twister four years ago. Came back with a Rustler 31. They are slightly prettier, faster, much bigger inside and such good value. They are allowed in Jester exploits, and so dry and delightful to sail. This one was for sale when we were looking, and in hindsight, we should have bought her.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rustler-3...ng_Boats_ET&hash=item1c26ae8ad1#ht_500wt_1219

all that for 15k!
 
Thought about a Halmatic a while back and think your right that they may well suit my requirements.
One in Keyhaven looks nice.

Thanks for all the ideas and info, keep 'em coming....
 
Spud 7 said:
I know it sounds daft, but "Pretty"
.
Click to expand...

Not daft at all - very important that the boat has "look back" factor ie that when rowing away in your dinghy you feel compelled to stop and gaze back for a few seconds at your boat.

You will never find a boat as pretty as mine but a Twister isnt bad for an oldie.:)
 
Twister_Ken said:
Hang on for another all-glass Twister. Nothing compares!

http://www.twister.org.uk/sales/index.php

I know Annie C - lovely, tho' top dollar.
Click to expand...

£29,500?!

I know Twisters are lovely to look at and sail (I nearly bought one) but for that money you could get a very decent and younger Vancouver 27 or 28 - also lovely to look at and sail, but more modern (so to speak) interior etc, and a higher build quality.

Some people have inflated ideas of what their boat is worth - just because some navy blazers fussed all over her when Thatcher was still on the throne.
 
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