Colvic atlanta 31

D

Davydine

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Good Morning All!

Does anyone have any experience of sailing a Colvic Atlanta 31 Long keel ketch? Alternatively does anyone know if PBO / YM have reviewed one in the past? Unfortunately JJ did not include this one in the A - Z (well not under Colvic anyway and I can't find the A section!)

Thanks for your help!

David

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YM reviewed the Atlanta 32 in 1973 (June) but not the 31. To be honest I don't know the difference.I reviewed the Atlanta 28 only in A-Z MArch 2001

The Atlantas were built by Atlanta Marine in the seventies. They fitted out hulls mainly from Colvic but also others and many were based on old Macwester models.

This may be the old Colvic 31 by John Bennett. I have no personal experience of this boat, if it is her, but judging by the shape and the reputaion of the designer I would hazard a guess at motor sailer type performance with steady handling, straight running and a preference for strong beam winds.

<hr width=100% size=1>JJ
 
Hi David

I think you will find that the Colvic Atlanta is in fact a COLVIC WATSON 31. If you check with Colin Jones at PBO he often write sof his exploits on his Colvic Waton called Albemara. We owned the 35 feet version Colvic Watson 35 (Jura) and it sailed like a bungalow! Had a big engine and very roomy for long distance, safe but a bit wallowey.

Kind Regards Steve Birch

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Atlanta made two motorsailers. Atlanta29 and the Atlanta32. The 29 was based on the Colvic Watson 28 foot six hull, and the 32 based on the Colvic Watson 31foot hull. A genuine factory completed Atlanta hull is of good quality, but they were also sold as a kit for diy completion, some of these were of dubious quality. The Colvic hulls they were based on were of good quality layup.

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JJ

Thanks for this, having read the posts below I suspect that this is in fact a Colvic Atlanta 32. It is certainly not a Watson. I guess steady motorsailor type performance would be what to expect.

Thanks again,
David

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Thanks Steve,

I think that the atlanta has a different superstructure to the Watson but it looks as though they share the same hull. Thanks for the info.

David

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I will probably be corrected, but i'm pretty sure the Atlanta 31 is a conventional looking motor sailer with aft sloping wheelhouse/deck saloon. It shouldn't be confused with the Watsons as it doesn't share the fishing boat style forward sloping wheelhouse, and more importantly the Watson has a double ended hull. I've sailed the Watson's - they do indeed like a minor hurricane aft of the beam, but on the other hand have superb sea keeping qualities, and are generally equipped with a bleedin great Perkins.
From the look of the Atlanta 31, I suspect it sails marginally more briskly, although still a MOTORsailer I guess. Either boat will look after you.

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The Allanta 31 is definitely does not have a Watson hull. Although a motor sailer the Atlanta has finer lines and will "sail" far better than the Watson, albiet more off the wind than a pure sailing boat. It will certainly sail better than the Watson which, although a very strong boat, is very much a bath tub when it comes to sailing and relies predominantly on it's engine.

Regards.

Peter.

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The difference between a watson HULL and a watson motorsailer is the superstructure! I have all the details of the motorsailers in a book in front of me and an atlanta uses the watson HULL. Both Atlanta and Colvic state this clearly. Colvic supplied Atlanta with the Hull Atlanta made the superstructure.

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David,
I have a Colvic Atlanta 32, she is in Ardrossan.
My boat was fitted out by Francis Maunders of Southampton.
My boat has a full wheelhouse (which is just as well in Scotland)
Performance under sail is quite good for a Motor Sailor and the boat is very robust.
There is plenty of head room throughout and a spacious after cabin, there is also masses of storage space.
Engines were commonly Perkins 4108s as is mine.
Concerning the hull shape, she looks somewhat leaner than the Watson and has a square transom (I thought Watsons were rounded)
If you are considering buying one go for it....I'm fed up with not having another owner to talk to!!
I will supply more info or pictures if you wish.
Regards


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Colvic Watson designed by G.L. Watson & Co. (Canoe stern)
Colvic 31MS designed by Alan Bennett (Transom stern)
The Atlanta looks like the Colvic 31MS

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Peter,

Thanks, this is all getting very confusing! The boat in question certainly has a transom stern, so pretty sure that it is not the same hull as the Watson. I am encouraged by what I have read so will try to persuade SWMBO to go take a look. Interestingly there are two for sale at the yard. One with the full wheel house and single long keel and one centre cockpit version with pilot house, long keel and bilge plates.
I will let you know if anything happens...
David

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David,
Good luck with your visit and SWIMBO.
My boat was built around 73, I have had to replace the under deck at the bow and stern and there have been many small electrical probs but nothing significant. Ther are some small blisters but the price was right. I guess as with any boat of this age you have to expect an element of cost or DIY. One problem I have is in trying to preserve the classic looks i.e teak decks rather than GRP etc.
Regard s

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