boat choice suggestions please

[Concerto]

Swallow Bay Cruiser 26
BayCruiser 26 | Swallow Yachts

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Southerly and Moody have some nice models to suit your requirements, both are great yachts and there are plenty around at competitive prices.

 

[Stemar]

I fancy the self tacking because winching my current boat takes a lot of effort for a man of my age

There's a world of difference between grinding in a big genny on a 35 footer and a 26 footer. OK, Jissel's only 24 ft, but I rarely need the winches unless close hauled, and then only for the last couple of turns, and I'm no gorilla.

 

[matt1]

There's a world of difference between grinding in a big genny on a 35 footer and a 26 footer. OK, Jissel's only 24 ft, but I rarely need the winches unless close hauled, and then only for the last couple of turns, and I'm no gorilla.

With a self tacker, there's minimal winching (almost on any moderate size). Luff up head to wind, haul in on the sheet, bear away. I find mine an absolute joy around the crowded Solent where I'm constantly having to tack to give way

 

[nicappotamus 2]

Moody 28? I have a friend considering selling his M28 bilge keeler. Had all the irriating work done so in good nick

 

[Bobc]

Sirius if you can afford one. Southerly if you can't.

 

[Birdseye]

The other factor making a self tacker attractive is the ability to single hand more easily. From my early days I remember trial sailing a Hunter with a self tacker through the moorings round the base that Hunter had ( Was it Hamble Point?) . Anyway great fun - just sit by the tiller and tack back and fore doing no more than putting the tiller over.

 

[jwilson]

Though technically nothing to do with Sadler apart from the name a Sadler 290 ticks every box except self-tacker, and is so remarkably good in every other way it would be worth spending even £1K-£2K+ to fit a self-tacker properly.

Second choice (surprisingly) for me for the same treatment would be one of the smaller Dorset-built twin keel Hunter Legends. I regularly see an about 30 footer Legend tack upriver past out office singlehanded, and that is without a selftacker. As others have said, the "real" Sadlers and British Hunters are your other choices, but all rather older.

As you can tell, I do rather like the Sadler 290, and I don't even own one. Much as I'd like to sell you a Golden Hind 31 as suggested earlier ( see Golden Hind 31 GRP hulled ketch for sale - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales ) it might feel slow in light airs compared to a Sadler 290 or a Hunter Legend. In any wind though it will be a lot more comfortable. What are you looking for?

 

[Kelpie]

Hmmm our Deb 33 lift keel has beaching legs and a self tacking jib... and is in need of a new home. Probably a bit on the big side for the OP though, and the wrong end of the country.