Bradwell 18

[fintail]

Folks

I'm on the cusp of joining the trailer sailing community. A friend is offloading a Bradwell 18 and at first glance it is the ideal craft for me. Before I buy, however, I need some background information.

I'm searched the web without any success. Ive ordered a reprint of an article from PBO. Was this a successful design? When was it built? where? What flaws should I look out for?

All information, comments etc gratefully recieved

Regards

 

[jleaworthy]

These were designed by the Ferguson brothers in Bradwell, Essex about 1970 and available both as an open day sailer and as a small cruiser. They had a drop plate operating, I seem to remember, through a concrete external ballast stub keel. They weighed about half a ton and had about 150 square foot sail area. The open boat I knew sailed OK and was quite a roomy and safe little inshore craft.

 

[barebones]

I've got a "Seafarer 465" (15ft 3") and it's magic, I can be towed behind a 1500cc vehicle easily, sleeps 2+2, drop keel, draws 11 inches keel up, 3 foot keel down, it's a propper little yacht and sails like a witch, admired wherever we go. built in the 70s, still lots of them around for about a grand or so.

 

[eddieperkins]

Nice boat, first of many for me. Comfy little cruiser for two bigish and two tinys at a pinch.
There may be a problem if the centre board pivot bolt goes, to replace it you have to chip out the concrete to get at the thing. Also watch the tiller, downward pressure reveals a weakness where it goes onto the rudder stock when it snaps!!
I had a lot of fun with mine. Good luck
Regards,
Eddie

 

[fintail]

Thanks For the advice. I'll probably go ahead