colvic countess

[silverdawn]

Hi, Iam thinking of buying a 28ft bilge keel colvic countess, never sailed one but have viewed one and liked the layout and accommodation, I want a safe stable cruising boat for my wife and I. I would like a westerly merlin but this is beyonded my budget therefore Iam compromising on sailing ability but retaining the same amount of space.
I have a PBO report 1980 giving some general information but would welcome the forum
members comments, Iam in my mid sixties and comfort is more important than speed.
many thanks.

 

[WindermereColvic]

Hi, Only had ours for a year, and not sailed it much due to engine probs, but so far, so very good. Build quality in terms of layup is that of a brick outhouse, although as no doubt you will have found out, the interiors were often home completed, so there may be some bad examples around, although ive yet to see one. From a theory POV, sailing performance will be damaged by the 'sticking straight down' style keels, rather than the splayed out style of other similar era bilge keelers, that become more vertical as the boat heels, therefore more efficient as a keel, although more expensive to produce, as the boat won’t come out of the mould properly. When we researched before buying ours, we found sailing performance comments to be favorable, if not exactly racy.
Details here: http://www.yachtsnet.co.uk/archives/countess-28/colvic-countess-28.htm
And owners asoc here: http://www.countessowners.com/
I might be able to help with general specifics, if that isn’t an oxymoron, PM me if you have any questions.
Matt

 

[silverdawn]

Hi Matt, thanks for your reply and information re other links, nice to know I can contact you. I have recently sold my boat so will be looking for a good colvic throughout the winter
havent been without a boat for the last 15 years must find one soon!