Choice of small cruising boat...

boggybrn

boggybrn

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www.messingaboutinboats.co.uk
Until recently I owned a junk rigged Newbridge Pioneer. This was really easy to sail, but frustratingly slow up-wind. So when approached by a potential buyer I jumped at the chance and sold it. Now I'm panicking as I don't have a boat!

Over the last year I have been crewing on a Twister for club races, and have been really impressed with the way that it just leans over and keeps going with very little input on the helm. So I'd really like something in that ilk.

But... I can't afford a Twister and don't really want to go bigger than 26'.

I had a look at an Invicta 26 which is a distinct possibility. The main drawback was that my wife found getting in & out of the cabin a bit of a challenge.

So how would the following stack-up in terms of sailing experience:
- Halcyon 27
- Tomahawk 25
- Trident 24
 
You might like to add the Westerly Tiger to your list. It won the YM Rally for boats of this size although that was obviously many years ago. I owned one for several years, it's reasonably comfortable and sails better than the Tomahawk; I know this as a friend had one at the time.
 
I'll add one to your list- Albin Vega. 3500 of them built, great all rounders.

But don't fixate on a particular make or model; look for a cherished boat with recent engine, sails, etc- far more important than what type it is.
 
I'm a bit wary of the Vega having the propeller behind the rudder. I'm worried enough about handling a long keeled boat in tigh quartets even with the ability to push the stern around using prop wash off the rudder.
Other than that the Vega looks perfect!
 
boggybrn said:
Until recently I owned a junk rigged Newbridge Pioneer. This was really easy to sail, but frustratingly slow up-wind. So when approached by a potential buyer I jumped at the chance and sold it. Now I'm panicking as I don't have a boat!

Over the last year I have been crewing on a Twister for club races, and have been really impressed with the way that it just leans over and keeps going with very little input on the helm. So I'd really like something in that ilk.

But... I can't afford a Twister and don't really want to go bigger than 26'.

I had a look at an Invicta 26 which is a distinct possibility. The main drawback was that my wife found getting in & out of the cabin a bit of a challenge.

So how would the following stack-up in terms of sailing experience:
- Halcyon 27
- Tomahawk 25
- Trident 24
Click to expand...

If you can get over the size issue the Pioneer 9 will give you sailing ability in spades and all at a very reasonable price.

Yoda
 
The smaller Sadlers sail very well indeed, are forgiving and sea-kindly. They also go backwards where you point them.
 
Another boat very similar t the Sadler 25 is the Frigate 27, another David Sadler design.

Actually 26', but in those days bragging counted more than extra marina fees !

Fin keel only; sails fine.

lots were kits so variable fit-out.

DO check the grp all over re osmosis, this may be a general problem - the one I saw had problems from wet hull pads even before launch !

If you can get a well built one, great.

Lots of boats available if a single keel is OK; the Cutlass 27 by Marcon should be up your street, long keel, fastish, good looker - I know someone who had one for years if you should need info.

How about a GRP Varne Folkboat ?

As Kelpie says, finding a boat of almost any type relatively close to you and in good nick with decent recent engine & sails will be the best bet.
 
Seajet said:
Another boat very similar t the Sadler 25 is the Frigate 27, another David Sadler design.

Actually 26', but in those days bragging counted more than extra marina fees !

Fin keel only; sails fine.

lots were kits so variable fit-out.

DO check the grp all over re osmosis, this may be a general problem - the one I saw had problems from wet hull pads even before launch !

If you can get a well built one, great.

Lots of boats available if a single keel is OK; the Cutlass 27 by Marcon should be up your street, long keel, fastish, good looker - I know someone who had one for years if you should need info.

How about a GRP Varne Folkboat ?

As Kelpie says, finding a boat of almost any type relatively close to you and in good nick with decent recent engine & sails will be the best bet.
Click to expand...

the access to the Trident cabin is quite gentle - get a good one and have budget to spare
 
I know Moby has been scouring the land for a Trident 24 for a while without much luck ; agreed a good boat, Old Harry has one and I've admired them on their rallies at the old Bembridge marina years ago.

However Moby needs a bilge keel version; he mentions he's just come across Trident 24 no.1 for sale, which I guess is a single long fin ?

Also original wooden deck, so needs a careful inspection...
 
How about a Jaguar 27? Good performance and nice and roomy. Same as the Catalina 27 but UK built. Usually a fin keel but there are some bilge keelers around. You seem to be able to get one for under 7k nowadays. Also consider a Jaguar 25, cheaper and fin, bilge and lifting keel.
 
boggybrn said:
There seem to be a few Sadler 25s to choose from - at the top end of what I can afford. Maybe I should take a look at one.
Click to expand...

Pretty boats, large fan club, and reputed to be good sea boats, for which you can read slightly undersailed and not all that quick. Our Hunter used to leave a club Sadler 25 for dead.
 
I did suggest a grp Varne Folkboat; a friend had one, and while it didn't sail like other ' purer ' FB's I've been on, it's certainly more practical.

Of course things like the Folksong cost a silly fortune - the Marieholm IF Boat is nice but also expensive for what it is due to clique...

I'd still think a Marcon Cutlass a good bet.
 
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Seajet said:
I know Moby has been scouring the land for a Trident 24 for a while without much luck ; agreed a good boat, Old Harry has one and I've admired them on their rallies at the old Bembridge marina years ago.

However Moby needs a bilge keel version; he mentions he's just come across Trident 24 no.1 for sale, which I guess is a single long fin ?

Also original wooden deck, so needs a careful inspection...
Click to expand...

generally a Trident or 2 can be found on the Trident Owners association or via the active Facebook group ..... of course the bilge keel trident does not exist - its a long keel with bilge plates - a triple keel - shallow draft and beach friendly !
 
I think you'll find a central keel with added side ' stabilisers ' is a bilge keeler, also known as triple keel.

A twin keeler is a job built from the outset with 2 keels, hopefully neither on the centreline ( that would be a tandem keeler as in Warwick Collins ).
 
My late chum Charlie Solley completed his kit Varne Folkboat in a nissen hut at Dunsfold Aerodrome where we worked; the Nissen Hut end wall had to be demolished to get her out, but this was all part of the airfield renewal plans anyway.

I sailed on ' Whisky Jenny ' - the number 574 rings a bell but not at all sure - she was a fine boat but a touch hard mouthed, looking back I think the rig needed raking aft a bit; we never had a chance to try rig & maybe weight trim before Charlie became ill.

The Varne must be roomier than and a bargain compared to the other grp Folkboats.
 
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