Cory Kent 33 or Nelson 34?

[billbonham]

I'm thinking about making the change from sail to mobo as my wife just doesn't get on with sailimg. I think we've narrowed the choice down to either a Kent 33 or a Nelson 34. Any thoughts or opinions would be welcome - as would any other suggestions for us to look at.

 

[gravygraham]

I'm thinking about making the change from sail to mobo as my wife just doesn't get on with sailimg. I think we've narrowed the choice down to either a Kent 33 or a Nelson 34. Any thoughts or opinions would be welcome - as would any other suggestions for us to look at.

I had a Kent 33, the last one they built. Sold it last Summer to a couple in Germany. Mine was a twin Nanni 200hp engined model. Got any questions in particular?

 

[billbonham]

Any questions? As a complete newbie to Motor Cruisers I've got loads and I'd really appreciate whatever you can tell me - especially as the Kent 33 I'm interested in has the twin Nanni 200hp engines too.

Off the top of my head ...

How do they handle rougher seas?
What was the fuel consumption like?*
What speed did you generally cruise yours at?
Do they take to the ground?
Is there anything I should look out for when I view the one for sale?
Is there anything you really didn't like about yours?
Would you recommend them?

I'm sure I'll think of more but that's probably enough for now!

 

[gravygraham]

How do they handle rougher seas?
Being a dyed in the wool mobo'er and full of southern nesh, I don't venture out in anything more than moderate seas. What with you being an (ex) sailor I very much suspect your interpretation of 'rougher' will differ wildly from mine! Kents have a fairly flat-bottommed hull and they will make a slap landing if you're not careful. Having said that, going at a sensible speed for the conditions will correct the issue.

What was the fuel consumption like?
I've got some info sheets upstairs somewhere Bill. If you pm me with an email address I'll scan them and forward on to you. I can't give you any real-world figures as my record keeping then was a bit scant. In hindsight I wonder if 2 x 200hp was a sensible option. WOT at about 3,200 rpm gave on average 16-17kts.

What speed did you generally cruise yours at?
16 - 17kts! The gps once said we hit 20kts but that was downhill with the wind behind us. A comfortable cruising speed I'd say is 10 - 12kts. Going much faster that that in anything other that calm seas results in spray on the windscreens which is a bit annoying.

Do they take to the ground?
Yes. I don't know whether single engined versions would though. This is because the skegs stabilised them and I suspect the single engine versions only have one skeg. Try to keep it to mud and sand though, common sense really.

Is there anything I should look out for when I view the one for sale?
I think the hulls were pretty well made. Ours suffered from fading, particularly at the stern which faced south in her berth. Being the last one made, ours was a bit of a Friday afternoon model - finished with odd bits they found lurking on the workshop floor. I'd say there's nothing inherently wrong with the design - their demise I think was more to do with their bad business acumen than their boatbuilding skills.

Is there anything you really didn't like about yours?
Yes - it was too slow, and on a hot day everyone used to bugger off outside leaving me to sweat it off behind the wheel. That's why I then bought a flybridge! Climbing over the transom became a bore, and the rounded stern made lying out in the cockpit a tad difficult. As said, ours was a bit of a Friday model and in the 5-6 years we owned her I never felt I trusted her 100% - silly niggly little issues - I don't think common to other Kents though.

Would you recommend them?
Get on the phone to Mark Chapman of Global Yachts in Hamble. I chose him as broker to sell ours because they were an agent for Corys and know Kents inside out. He'll give you the lowdown. I think the mouldings are robust and the Nanni's are very good.

 

[billbonham]

That's all really useful stuff, thanks - and nothing there worries me too much. Every boat is a compromise I guess - what suits just depends on your priorities.

As long as they cope with moderate seas well enough I'd be happy ... even as a (soon to be) ex-sailor being out when it's any rougher doesn't hold much appeal! And as far as being slow is concerned ... as a (soon to be) ex-sailor 10 to 12 knots sounds pretty fast to me!!

I'll pm you my email address - I'd be really interested in seeing the info sheets.

Thanks again for your input - if I think of anything else I hope you don't mind me getting in touch.

 

[elioti]

i`ve got a nelson 34, great boats!Roll a bit at anchor though!If you want any advice/help, get in touch!

 

[billbonham]

i`ve got a nelson 34, great boats!Roll a bit at anchor though!If you want any advice/help, get in touch!

Thanks - I appreciate that.
Answers to the same questions I had about the Kent 33 would be good.

 

[Bandit]

Also consider the Halmatic 34 also sold as the Weymouth 34 and Humber 34.

An aft cockpit boat bow cabin with V berth Toilet/ shower and Galley and a saloon/wheelhouse. A twin engine boat and a great seaboat, I had one for 8 Years.

Also consider Aquastar 33 and 38 ft models .

 

[elioti]

Any questions? As a complete newbie to Motor Cruisers I've got loads and I'd really appreciate whatever you can tell me - especially as the Kent 33 I'm interested in has the twin Nanni 200hp engines too.

Off the top of my head ...

How do they handle rougher seas?
What was the fuel consumption like?*
What speed did you generally cruise yours at?
Do they take to the ground?
Is there anything I should look out for when I view the one for sale?
Is there anything you really didn't like about yours?
Would you recommend them?

I'm sure I'll think of more but that's probably enough for now!

R.e. Nelson 34

I`ve got a small engine in ours, put it in myself with a new aquadrive. Engine is an 85hp perkins 4236, did have a bigger engine but plan to use the boat on the french canals so my engine does make use of the nelsons semi displacement hull. Rolls in heavy seas side on but what boat doesnt, slices through head on! Nelson 34`s are renowned for excellent sea keepers, thats why they are used as police/pilot boats. With my small engine only about 4 litres an hour at 7 knots, guess mine is not your typical nelson, as most have larger engines. She is a single screw, so can dry out with sea legs, which is handy! Would always recommned a Nelson, mine was a huge project, had been sunk for over 15 years, but totally restored with an extended front wheel house with no aft cabin. The only thing i dont like about it is its current slow spped, took 19 hours to get to France from Plymouth! If you want to dry out, dont go for a twin screw. As said mines not your typical nelson, but would recommend one over anything else, very well built! there are some great videos on youtube of a nelson 34 cheers

see this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywifFugNDus

 

[boatmike]

I made the same transition from sail to power. I also know Nelsons very well so started there. The 34 is very narrow beam (10ft 6ins?) this restricts interior space considerably and they roll a lot. To make them go you need at least 350 preferably 400HP which will result in a cruising speed of about 16 knots and a maximum of about 22 with a fuel consumption of between 0.7 to 1 gallon per mile. I bought an Aquastar Oceanranger 33 which has twin Volvo TAMD41a 200 HP engines and does about the same speed with similar fuel consumption but has 11ft 6in beam and is voluminous inside compared to a Nelson. Cut the speed and the fuel consumption reduces too. Don't buy one with a single engine. Remember that if one engine packs up at sea you still have the other and you have no sails to get you home Also don't think smaller engines are better. Fuel consumption is relative to the power you use not the engine size and big engines at 3/4 throttle give better fuel consumption than little ones flat out at the same hull speed. As others have said, there are others (weymouth etc) that are similar but seriously look at Aquastars. They are built like BSHs and superb at sea. Look for one that has aircon fitted if you can, or budget for it as the greenhouse will cook you in warm climates. This means you need a generator to run it as well so think ahead to what your cruising range and area will be. If staying in UK waters you will need a heater rather than aircon! Hope this helps. Google Aquastar 33 and you will see several for sale. Don't buy at advertised price though... There are quite a few around at about £60k but they have not moved for months. You should get a good 1990 vintage one for £10k less.... Hope this helps! Good luck and welcome to the old farts convert club!
Edit: Yes they have a long straight keel and will take the ground with legs. The leg mounts are usually provided and most have wooden legs but they are only any good if you store them ashore. If you want to keep them aboard you need (expensive) telescopic aluminium ones.

 

[Bandit]

I agree pretty much with boatmike but assuming your intended cruising area is UK waters and near continent I would doubt need for aircon? If it was Medeteranean you need AC.

I have full AC as the boat was in Portugal when i bought it and I now use it CI Brittany and Normandy for last 5 years and prior to that my boats didnt have ac.

We holiday on the boat each summer as well as extensive weekend use and I have never used the AC at all except to prove it when I bought the boat, I have a genny that I only use when the shorepower has a problem or when we need in excess of 16 amps ( rare) even though we have all elctric cooking.

Depending on budget also consider Aquastar 38 which has bigger accomodation.

 

[billbonham]

What a great forum this is! All that has been really useful and certainly given me food for thought. I'm going to have a look at few mobos this coming week and I'll post how I get on.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[elioti]

I made the same transition from sail to power. I also know Nelsons very well so started there. The 34 is very narrow beam (10ft 6ins?) this restricts interior space considerably and they roll a lot.

Nelson 34: beam 9ft, Draft 2.5-3ft . There seem to be more twin screws about than single, for me prefer single screw, can dry out, bit more risky drying out with twins!. Less maintenance too!

 

[boatmike]

Nelson 34: beam 9ft, Draft 2.5-3ft . There seem to be more twin screws about than single, for me prefer single screw, can dry out, bit more risky drying out with twins!. Less maintenance too!

You are right of course, I remembered they were narrow but have more experience with 42s so forgot just how narrow the 34 is. Drying out without legs is not a good idea with any Nelson on hardground but in mud its OK. Certainly in canals single screw is less vulnerable but at sea there is no contest. Twin engines are better.

 

[elioti]

I only dry out with legs, although do have small bilge keels would not want to risk it! Guess if money were not an issue, twin screw maybe better, but have completely restored our boat including new engine beds, all stern gear, so am happy only had one set to do! Have just been to France, did wonder what would happens if the engine stopped mid channel! For me the Nelsons are beautiful boats, if i won the lottery, would go for a nelson 42, so much character!

 

[billbonham]

So .... we went to see a Kent 33 and it was in such good condition, ticked so many of our boxes that after a lot of deliberation we put in an offer ... which was accepted a couple of days ago! Now we're definitely beginning to get excite. All being well we will be the new owners on Wednesday 5th September and will be bringing her back to Salcombe on the Thursday. I'll let you all know how it goes!

 

[billbonham]

So .... we went to see a Kent 33 and it was in such good condition, ticked so many of our boxes that after a lot of deliberation we put in an offer ... which was accepted a couple of days ago! Now we're definitely beginning to get excite. All being well we will be the new owners on Wednesday 5th September and will be bringing her back to Salcombe on the Thursday. I'll let you all know how it goes!

Back home now - blimey cruising at 8 to 10 knots makes a difference to the passage times I've been used to. We're thrilled with our new boat and I reckon the transition from Yacht to Mobo will be a lot easier than I thought!

 

[Firefly625]

Back home now - blimey cruising at 8 to 10 knots makes a difference to the passage times I've been used to. We're thrilled with our new boat and I reckon the transition from Yacht to Mobo will be a lot easier than I thought!

Missed this thread first time round, not that I would have much info to offer, however having made the same transition from sail to power there are a lot of upsides, I think MBY or MBM had a great article in their latest issue, final page funny story that kinda sums up nicely the transition and benefits you will encounter... the Kent 33 is a nice boat and one that I have admired. Good luck with your purchase and post some pictures of your new boat when you can.

 

[elioti]

Back home now - blimey cruising at 8 to 10 knots makes a difference to the passage times I've been used to. We're thrilled with our new boat and I reckon the transition from Yacht to Mobo will be a lot easier than I thought!

Well done!... would be nice to see some pics!

 

[gravygraham]

No pictures Bill?