Cleopatra 23

[Guest]

Thought I'd 'upgrade' my 20' Norman for a 23' Cleopatra. The extra yard in length, 2ft in width and general 'feel' of the Cleopatra are perfect for the coming spring/summer river cruises my kids have got planned!

She seems in good enough nick - just a bit of fuel work for the BSS and lot of TLC required (she's been 'under-utilised' for about 4 years).

I'm happy enough with her but I wondered if anyone had any opinions/experiences of Cleopatras? Anything to look out for?

 

[billskip]

I use to own a cleo 23 ont the thames nice roomy boat for 23ft..only thing i found was they are not very stable when you walk down the side deck due to "v" hull
other than that good boat imho...mine was a 70ties somthing and was the 23 and a little later they called them 700 i think happy sailing..

Bill
www.aegeansailing.co.uk

www.macsyachting.com

 

[byron]

I had the Cleopatra 33 brand new in 1972. The only problem I ever had was after about 10 hours running the Volvos gave problems. The boat itself was soundly put together and I was quite happy with it. I know it isn't the 23 but the principle of workmanship remains the same.

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[toobaz]

Used to own an 850, nice boat plenty of space for the river. Plenty of TLC and it'll give you good service.
Baz

 

[coliholic]

According to my litle book:

Built by Essex Yacht Builders in Wallingsea on the Crouch, launched 67. Two versions, the Blue Nile and Express Fisherman, latter having larger cockpit and smaller cabin and a hard top. Blue Nile has 4 berths, Fisherman 2.

In '71 boat was modified (replacement of vulnerable perspex window round front cabin with 2 glass panels) and renamed Cleopatra 700. Three versions of this were built; the Family and Fisherman (equiv to old Blue Nile and Fisherman) and the Weekender which had a large open cockpit and small 2 berth cabin. Altogether 400 23's and 700's were built up to '75. The Fox 700, built by Fox of Ipswich was based on the same mouldings and sold in the same 3 versions.

Hull shape is medium vee. Single or twin outdrive petrol engines were installed, commonly a 50HP Perkins diesel, single 115 or 130 petrol volvo's or twin 115 volvo's, latter giving 30knots.

LOA 22ft 9inches, beam 8ft 6, draught 2ft 9.

Hope this helps.

 

[lanason]

Yes Dad had Cleo 30 in the 70's / early 80's.
Yellow hull called Court Jester - Have you seen her.

Anyway - lovely boat - bit bigger than the 23 ft but well deigned and massive in side. Best days of my life .....
Twin 106 diesels - Dad stripped and rebuilt the whole damn thing.


Adrian )

 

[syd]

What engine(s) and drive has she got?
Sid

 

[numenius]

Mine has a Perkins 4108 and a Volvo drive which I can't identify (the model plate is missing) - (currently hoping volspec can help me out with identification as I've sent them a digital pic when ordering service parts). If anyone else can help, I'll e mail the pictures I've taken as I've dismantled it. Equaly, anyone know what the max design speed was (not that this is an issue with the current engine LOL!)?

http://members.lycos.co.uk/boaty1965/index.htm

 

[Guest]

A single BMC petrol engine.
Looks like something out of a Morris Minor but starts fine and runs well. It looks clean and tidy and has been reasonably well serviced (no leaks, hoses are in great condition etc.).

It has a Z-Drive (don't know the make yet) - I'll find out when she's lifted out in he Autumn.

 

[Guest]

1975 eh?

The previous owner claims it was built in the early 80s (82?).

The cockpit and cabin design 'feels' early 80's ... I'm not that bothered but it would be nice to know the truth. Were Cleopatra still in business then (are they in business now??)

 

[byron]

I think they stopped building them about 1975 when Fox's took over the moulds. Who asked for the hull speed? Anway the max was about 28 knots from memory, thats with the twin Volvo 270 option.

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