Colvic 26 Northener

[AndieMac]

Keep out of the "Merry Men of Mey", Pentland race & other overfalls if you go over the top of Scotland in that! If not, you may need seatbelts to keep you at the helm.

Would the Colvic travel that differently to an equivalent sized yacht through the whirpools of the tidal races Steve, or is your comment a warning of what to generally expect?

 

[Divemaster1]

Would the Colvic travel that differently to an equivalent sized yacht through the whirpools of the tidal races Steve, or is your comment a warning of what to generally expect?

From Published sources, so navigational warning applies to all I'd say... ;

The Firth is well known for the strength of its tides, being among some of the fastest in the world, a speed of 16 knots (30 km/h) being reported close west of Pentland Skerries. The force of the tides gives rise to overfalls and tidal races which can occur at different stages of the tide. Some of the principal tidal races are:

‘The Merry Men of Mey’. Forms off St John’s point in the west-going stream and extends as the tide increases NNW across the firth to Tor Ness. The worst part is over a sand wave field about 3½ miles (5.6 km) west of Stroma. The waves formed by this race form a natural breakwater with relatively calm water to the east of it, particularly noticeable when a westerly swell is running. Tides in this area can exceed 10 kts (18.5 km/h).

‘The Swelkie’. The race at the north end of Stroma, off Swelkie Point is known as ‘The Swelkie’. It extends from the point in an easterly or westerly direction depending on the tide and can be particularly violent. The whirlpool of the same name was, according to a Viking legend, caused by a sea-witch turning the mill wheels which ground the salt to keep the seas salty. The name derives from an Old Norse term, Svalga meaning "the Swallower".

The ‘Duncansby Race’ forms off Ness of Duncansby at the start of the SE-going tidal stream (flood). Initially extending ENE but wheeling gradually anti-clockwise until it extends about 1 ml. (1.6 km) NW some 2½ hrs later at which point it is known as ‘The Boars of Duncansby’. During the time of the SE stream there is additional turbulence off Duncansby Head, particularly to the East. The race temporarily ceases at the turn of the tide before forming in an ENE direction in the NW-going tidal stream (Ebb) before ceasing again at the next turn of the tide. The race is particularly violent and dangerous when the tidal stream is opposed by gales in the opposite direction. During the east-going stream a race forms off Ness of Huna. This race can be particularly violent in an easterly or southeasterly gale.

The ‘Liddel Eddy’ forms between South Ronaldsay and Muckle Skerry in the East-going stream (flood). A race also forms for part of the time off Old Head at the SE part of South Ronaldsay

 

[AndieMac]

Thanks for that info Alf, I can see why the Cal Canal is so popular

 

[Searush]

Would the Colvic travel that differently to an equivalent sized yacht through the whirpools of the tidal races Steve, or is your comment a warning of what to generally expect?

The motion will be much faster than for a yacht, especially if the yacht has sails up. Sails above the water & keel below significantly damp the rolling motion experienced in short steep seas lie overfalls or wind over tide in shallow water. Motoring my previous boat with the mast down (just before & after craning out) thro rough water is an experience I wouldn't like to repeat.

MoBos are not as bad as a yacht with the mast down, but at displacement speed they are bloody uncomfortable in those conditions. The Colvic is a round bilge design & thus more susceptible to rolling than semi-displacement or planing craft with sharp chines.

For the top of Scotland I'd be inclined to hop between the islands where there are a few anchorages to wait for slack water. However the races up there cover several miles & require careful planning for a safe passage as mainland refuges are some distance apart. It is awe inspiring to stand on Duncansby Head or John o'Groats & watch & listen to the races roar from a mile or two away.

 

[Captain Daz]

Would the Colvic travel that differently to an equivalent sized yacht through the whirpools of the tidal races Steve, or is your comment a warning of what to generally expect?

It's warning enough for me, I am going nowhere near the place.

Maybe this old tub would be better suited to the journey

http://www.sussexboats.co.uk/sealion-mk-11-classic-gentlemans-cruiser-meakes-built/

I just watched Tim Spall going round some headland near Peterhead. A twenty six foot, pretty, 6 knot Colvic does not seem the place to be on such seas. And they were nearly calm

Maybe the West coast is milder.

 

[carlton]

The S/D Sealion would be a better sea-going boat than Timmy-boy's - but you said you didn't want to take on a project? Have you seen all that wood?

 

[Captain Daz]

The S/D Sealion would be a better sea-going boat than Timmy-boy's - but you said you didn't want to take on a project? Have you seen all that wood?

That's not a project, that's a haggling point

Timmy-boy's?

 

[carlton]

...I just watched Tim Spall...

...Timmy-boy's?

 

[AndieMac]

The motion will be much faster than for a yacht, especially if the yacht has sails up. Sails above the water & keel below significantly damp the rolling motion experienced in short steep seas lie overfalls or wind over tide in shallow water. Motoring my previous boat with the mast down (just before & after craning out) thro rough water is an experience I wouldn't like to repeat.

MoBos are not as bad as a yacht with the mast down, but at displacement speed they are bloody uncomfortable in those conditions. The Colvic is a round bilge design & thus more susceptible to rolling than semi-displacement or planing craft with sharp chines.

For the top of Scotland I'd be inclined to hop between the islands where there are a few anchorages to wait for slack water. However the races up there cover several miles & require careful planning for a safe passage as mainland refuges are some distance apart. It is awe inspiring to stand on Duncansby Head or John o'Groats & watch & listen to the races roar from a mile or two away.

Last weekend I watched the whole series (26 odd) of short videos from the YBW home page of a couple of blokes in a 34' Sealine circumnavigating Britain.
They appeared quite concerned with what they may encounter around the top end and the NW coast and quite relieved when they didn't get a belting.

 

[AndieMac]

Maybe the West coast is milder.

I think the Minch can get a bit moody as well Daz , these types of waterways are probably to boaters, like Mt. Everest is to mountaineers.

 

[Captain Daz]

I think the Minch can get a bit moody as well Daz , these types of waterways are probably to boaters, like Mt. Everest is to mountaineers.

Well I am definitely doing the West coast in something that floats, if I have to sit there drinking brandy for six months, waiting for the perfect day, I will still do it.

I am not too adventurous, and I do not climb mountains 'because they are there' , but I have vowed that I will see this beautiful part of the world by boat and that is what I shall do.

(I am being drawn back into catamaran territory because of their seakeeping and their ability to beach)

 

[AndieMac]

(I am being drawn back into catamaran territory because of their seakeeping and their ability to beach)

Just something to consider Daz, do a bit of research into marina mooring and slipping options where you intend to keep her and the various cruising areas, if that is the intention.
Berthage could be expensive or availability limited because of the wide beam, especially in small harbours.
Think about hiring one for a holiday before committing yourself, you may find them over rated stability wise.

 

[futuresolution]

colvic notherner

i just got myself one of these. i did plan on looking at the one in preston, but i ended getting one from conwy, which is where i keep her.
first, mine has a fridge, under the helm seat, unless im motoring i have it off as it is noisy.
its a great boat, mine is fitted out well has a refleks heater which is great uses hardly any fuel. hot cold running water, shower. i am very pleased with her, and think i have fantanstic value for money
has a bmc 1.5. uses no fuel and is resonably quite.
only had it out a couple of times, handlys estuary well, although crossing it with sea abeam makes her roll. 5/6 knts crusing speed 1500 to 2000 revs
i had a survey (ct marine north wales) £300 cos of marina contractors fee.
he picked up on some osmosis. 5p size blisters. his advice was just to pull it out regular and let it dry out. he also said the hulls are alot thicker than they need to be.
all in all i looking forward to this year, and not having money for a pint when i get to places, rather than putting £15 an hour in the johnson 90 that i had last year.

 

[Captain Daz]

i just got myself one of these. i did plan on looking at the one in preston, but i ended getting one from conwy, which is where i keep her.
first, mine has a fridge, under the helm seat, unless im motoring i have it off as it is noisy.
its a great boat, mine is fitted out well has a refleks heater which is great uses hardly any fuel. hot cold running water, shower. i am very pleased with her, and think i have fantanstic value for money
has a bmc 1.5. uses no fuel and is resonably quite.
only had it out a couple of times, handlys estuary well, although crossing it with sea abeam makes her roll. 5/6 knts crusing speed 1500 to 2000 revs
i had a survey (ct marine north wales) £300 cos of marina contractors fee.
he picked up on some osmosis. 5p size blisters. his advice was just to pull it out regular and let it dry out. he also said the hulls are alot thicker than they need to be.
all in all i looking forward to this year, and not having money for a pint when i get to places, rather than putting £15 an hour in the johnson 90 that i had last year.

Thanks for posting, I am glad you are happy with your boat. They really are lovely looking pieces of kit and they seem to be very VERY well regarded.

However.

Is it the boat for me?
At the moment I am selling my house, which will give me the cash to buy a boat, and leave me homeless.
So maybe I can solve my homeless crisis and my traverse Scotland desire by buying this beauty.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150769575002?_trksid=p5197.c0.m619#ht_500wt_1287

But would I be able to sell it?

 

[Searush]

Well I am definitely doing the West coast in something that floats, if I have to sit there drinking brandy for six months, waiting for the perfect day, I will still do it.

I am not too adventurous, and I do not climb mountains 'because they are there' , but I have vowed that I will see this beautiful part of the world by boat and that is what I shall do.

(I am being drawn back into catamaran territory because of their seakeeping and their ability to beach)

Brandy? in Scotland? Uisghe vha (sp?) or whisky would be more appropriate & available!

Be aware that there are relatively few places up there that lend themselves to beaching. Tides are generally quite small & coastline is often rocky. There are some fabulous beaches, but many of them are probably more suited to surfing than beaching. Visitor moorings are relatively common in the main tourist spots but anchoring is the best option as marinas are quite far apart & often right up at the sheltered end of sea lochs.

Get yourself a couple of Clyde Cruising guides to help you get to know the area. We went to the Clyde to spend a few weeks pottering around & ended up there for 3 years before moving on & never got bored.