Bitter and Twister

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!


Yes; the Rustler 31 (or, if you like wood, the North Sea 24) is an excellent boat. The Northney 34 is the same thing plus a counter.
 
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....

There is also one in Poole with Harbour Yachts. Well within your budget.
 
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A Twister was the very first boat I looked at, at Berthon's, way back in 1972 when I first decided to take up sailing. I thought her a beautiful design then and haven't changed my mind since. A hull with perfect sheer and perfectly proportioned cabin top/deck/cockpit.

The only hull I prefer, aesthetically, is that of Van de Stadt's Invicta, on account of her much prettier wine glass transom, though the cabin top is typical of the period whereas the Twister's is timeless. Both were moulded to a high standard by Tyler. I passed on the Twister but I have owned an Invicta and I think this is a very under rated alternative to a Contessa. It's probably a bit smaller than you'd like if you're considering a Twister - 26' 5" as opposed to 28' 3" - but they sail very well. A lot cheaper too - like half the price.

But if you do go for a Twister, I'd agree with Ken - opt for the all glass version.
 
Hi "Sidewinder" on that list is not far from me in Northern Ireland if you want me to have a once over and send some photos to save you a trip on spec I can do that for you.

ps no connections etc.

Thanks Salty, that's a lovely offer. I can however confirm that Sidewinder's a lovely boat that sails really well too...

As they say "I rest my case"
I wish her new owners many happy cruises/ocean crossings in her. I'd rather hoped it was going to be me :rolleyes:
 
Um, shoot me down in flames for owning a boat with more than one engine. But I was just wondering why no-one had mentioned a Folkboat which would appear to satisfy most of the OP's requirements?
 
Um, shoot me down in flames for owning a boat with more than one engine. But I was just wondering why no-one had mentioned a Folkboat which would appear to satisfy most of the OP's requirements?

I wouldn't shoot you for that, everyone to their own. :D
A folkboat does fit most of the criteria, other than being a touch smaller than I would like, hence the Twister or Rustler 31 possibilities....
 
SHE 31b

My tuppenceworth......

The S & S designed SHE 31b is beautiful to look at, and simply sensational to sail.

This is not owner bias, as I've never owned one, but I have sailed on one as crew on many occasions, in all sorts of horrible weather.

To my mind, the She is an even better sailing boat than the Contessa 32.
 
What i am really surprised by is that no one has suggested a Albin Ballad....

Much better sailor than any of the boats mentioned....
 
Better than a Sadler or Contessa?:rolleyes:

Yes I know they were over the OPs budget, but they were still mentioned in this thread:p

Ballad weez all over the contessa 32 from a great height... We blow smoke up the contessas... They are nice boats.. But not that good sailors... The sadler is quite a bit bigger...


I would be hard pushed between a twister and a ballad... But they are quite different boats..
 
Forget the rest - a Twister is the best!

Is there a suitable alternative?

As Mrs Thatcher said "There is no alternative" :D

There is (or was recently) a good one for sale at Wicomarine, Fareham. If I didn't have a Twister already I would be very keen on buying her.
 
The Van de Stadt "Trintella 29" would fulfill your expectations.
Long keel," row away factor", fast in light winds ( short waterline ) but very capable when it blows up ( and I sail in Bristol Channel ).
There are 3 for sale on internet - all under your price - or if you want a 5 year old one - email me ! ( over your price. )
 
Yes; the Rustler 31 (or, if you like wood, the North Sea 24) is an excellent boat. The Northney 34 is the same thing plus a counter.

....... So you are telling me the Northney carries more weight, and windage has no extra accommodation, drags more hull through the water and is no better built. No "decent aft cabin" ? Must be hell. Who on earth would buy one of those?

Me. What a wonderful attractive, perfect, boat the Northney 34 is, I always admire a cracker that moors near Polruan.



I see the "better than" "faster than" "bigger than" crew are in full cry.
 
Actually although Ballad's weren't mentioned, I have to confess that I sailed one out of Fowey and thought she sailed really well.
 
Is there a suitable alternative?

As Mrs Thatcher said "There is no alternative" :D

There is (or was recently) a good one for sale at Wicomarine, Fareham. If I didn't have a Twister already I would be very keen on buying her.

Is it advertised anywhere do you know?
 
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