Colvic Seaworker 22.

[Stavros]

Has anyone any knowledge of the Colvic seaworker 22.
I am aware that various engines were fitted, i am not interested in the outdrive version or the smaller engines, but mainly in the 80hp Ford engine, i presume this engine is the 4 litre tractor engine.
The boat will be used for fishing and at a pinch longer trips with an overnighter included. I know that this is a small boat but I would be interested in the opinions of anyone that had been out in one as to the sea keeping qualities. thanks.

 

[Murv]

Brilliant boats.
Later versions were semi displacement and capable of some reasonable speeds (after 1986 possibly?) if given enough power.
The earlier 4 cylinder 2.5l ford units will just give hull speed, but a very reassuring ride.
Heavy boats for their size, with a thick layup, very capable sea boats IMHO.
The engines are noisy, but not as bad as the BMC units and are perfectly acceptable with a bit of insulation in the engine box and keeping the revs down (which you'd do in a displacement hull anyway)

 

[Chris_d]

Mostly sold as bare hulls for home fit out so quality of build will vary enormously.

 

[Kawasaki]

Has anyone any knowledge of the Colvic seaworker 22.
I am aware that various engines were fitted, i am not interested in the outdrive version or the smaller engines, but mainly in the 80hp Ford engine, i presume this engine is the 4 litre tractor engine.
The boat will be used for fishing and at a pinch longer trips with an overnighter included. I know that this is a small boat but I would be interested in the opinions of anyone that had been out in one as to the sea keeping qualities. thanks.

If you want the best 22ft fishing/ angling/ overnight plus longer trip boat. That might be a few quid dearer than a Colvic Seaworker 22
Look at the Channel Island 22
I have had both
The Channel Island is a much better sea boat
I had the 140 turbo, 19 kts max cruised at 12 through seas some 35 footers would gib at. The Colvic would not
Loads more Colvics about and as Chris_d said, loads were home fit (as lots of Colvics were) so more about and probably cheaper than a Channel Island. but all the Channel Islands were 'factory fit' and built to a standard of fit out. well, except for the first 6 but that is another Story!

 

[Stavros]

Brilliant boats.
Later versions were semi displacement and capable of some reasonable speeds (after 1986 possibly?) if given enough power.
The earlier 4 cylinder 2.5l ford units will just give hull speed, but a very reassuring ride.
Heavy boats for their size, with a thick layup, very capable sea boats IMHO.
The engines are noisy, but not as bad as the BMC units and are perfectly acceptable with a bit of insulation in the engine box and keeping the revs down (which you'd do in a displacement hull anyway)

I believe some of the earlier ones had the 2.5 ford tranny engine as you say, but the later SD hulls had the Sabre 80hp 4 litre lump, I have seen reports of the Tranny engine with a turbo getting 130hp. for me, the engine is more important than the state of the boat, i don't mind a winter project.

 

[Stavros]

If you want the best 22ft fishing/ angling/ overnight plus longer trip boat. That might be a few quid dearer than a Colvic Seaworker 22
Look at the Channel Island 22
I have had both
The Channel Island is a much better sea boat
I had the 140 turbo, 19 kts max cruised at 12 through seas some 35 footers would gib at. The Colvic would not
Loads more Colvics about and as Chris_d said, loads were home fit (as lots of Colvics were) so more about and probably cheaper than a Channel Island. but all the Channel Islands were 'factory fit' and built to a standard of fit out. well, except for the first 6 but that is another Story!

I would agree the Channel island 22 would do the job, i would prefer the single engine rather than the twins that some have, they seem to fetch a higher price than the seaworkers though, but worth a thought. my idea is to have a nosey around at the end of the season when my boat comes out, then see if i can come across a project that i can buy cheap and use my free labour to make it good again.