Double ended sailing boats under 30’

[Baggywrinkle]

It’s interesting that canoe stern designs remain more popular in Scandinavian markets. I wonder why?

The water is fookin freezing so not so much need for a swim platform unless you are a masochist, no need for a bimini either as the sun doesn't roast you like it does in the med, and a canoe stern is well suited to a cockpit enclosure to shelter from bad weather. On top of that, alot of the time, boats moor bow to the rocks, getting on and off the boat via the pulpit.

So a nice wide stern with swim platform, shower, bimini, and large cockpit for outside living in the sunshine is not really a priority in Scandinavia.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

The water is fookin freezing so not so much need for a swim platform unless you are a masochist, no need for a bimini either as the sun doesn't roast you like it does in the med, and a canoe stern is well suited to a cockpit enclosure to shelter from bad weather. On top of that, alot of the time, boats moor bow to the rocks, getting on and off the boat via the pulpit.

So a nice wide stern with swim platform, shower, bimini, and large cockpit for outside living in the sunshine is not really a priority in Scandinavia.

I suppose us Brits are just endlessly optimistic about our weather, and what sailing will be like tomorrow. In spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary, we buy boats made for warmth and sunshine.

 

[Tranona]

It’s interesting that canoe stern designs remain more popular in Scandinavian markets. I wonder why?

Tradition I think, derived from Colin archer lifeboats and the idea that double ended boats are more seaworthy particularly in following seas. Since largely disproved but small yachts in this style are summer playthings mainly and the underwater shape is practical for sailing among rocks. Not sure many (if any) are still built, but that is true of most small cruiser styles these days.

 

[MisterBaxter]

I think double enders are cultural in Scandinavia, going back to the faerings and beyond the right back to the Vikings.

 

[DoubleEnder]

Today I asked a Swede, at Boot in Dusseldorf. She said ‘because that’s what boats should look like’.

 

[DoubleEnder]

Summer playthings

 

[BabaYaga]

It’s interesting that canoe stern designs remain more popular in Scandinavian markets. I wonder why?

I think double enders are cultural in Scandinavia, going back to the faerings and beyond the right back to the Vikings.

No doubt that double ended, clinker-built boats have very long roots i traditional boatbuilding in Scandinavia. But it was not inevitable, I believe, that these essentially utility vehicles on water (transportation, fishing...) should develop into a distinct recreational sailing boat type, as actually happened.
The reason (at least from a Swedish angle) was that when some of the less affluent during the first decades of the last century became interested in sailing, the only boats they could afford were former fishing boats, which they bought and rebuilt for leisure sailing.
One particular type, known for its good sailing ability and seaworthiness , was built and used on the northern part of the Swedish west coat. They became known as the koster boats (after the Koster Islands, by the Norwegian border).
The type became very popular and the growing demand meant that boat builders began offering new builds to those recreational sailors who could afford. By the 1930s things were formalized, with a specific construction rule, different classified sizes of boats, a koster boat association etc. Still very much a working man's type of boat.
The thing carried on into the GRP era. Many of the leading yacht designers of the last century made their versions (Enderlein, Reimers, OE32 and Tumlaren respectively), a few designers took a special interest to the type (Laurin, Norlin). The koster boat type also attracted many of those with plans for blue water voyages.
For someone with the OP's focus, I would like to highlight the (already mentioned) Allegro 27, which is highly regarded. Over 300 were built, mainly during the 70's. Probably not so likely to be found in the UK, though.

 

[Zagato]

I am sure I read a few years ago that Sir Francis Chichester wouldn't choose a canoe stern again after a world passage. Apologies I have a terrible memory but he also mentioned the boat 'donkeyed' a lot. Not sure if that was to do with the stern. In big seas in a bigger boat would it really make that much difference?

 

[14K478]

 

[BurnitBlue]

No doubt that double ended, clinker-built boats have very long roots i traditional boatbuilding in Scandinavia. But it was not inevitable, I believe, that these essentially utility vehicles on water (transportation, fishing...) should develop into a distinct recreational sailing boat type, as actually happened.
The reason (at least from a Swedish angle) was that when some of the less affluent during the first decades of the last century became interested in sailing, the only boats they could afford were former fishing boats, which they bought and rebuilt for leisure sailing.
One particular type, known for its good sailing ability and seaworthiness , was built and used on the northern part of the Swedish west coat. They became known as the koster boats (after the Koster Islands, by the Norwegian border).
The type became very popular and the growing demand meant that boat builders began offering new builds to those recreational sailors who could afford. By the 1930s things were formalized, with a specific construction rule, different classified sizes of boats, a koster boat association etc. Still very much a working man's type of boat.
The thing carried on into the GRP era. Many of the leading yacht designers of the last century made their variants (Enderlein, Reimers, OE32 and Tumlaren respectively), a few designers took a special interest to the type (Laurin, Norlin). The koster boat type also attracted many of those with plans for blue water voyages.
For the someone with the OP's focus, I would like to highlight the (already mentioned) Allegro 27, which is highly regarded. Over 300 were built, mainly during the 70's. Probably not so likely to be found in the UK, though.

My boss in Volvo had an Allegro 27. He loaned it to his son who sailed it round the world. After his son transited Suez he declared his intention to stay in Greece for a year to relax after the horrors of the Red Sea. My boss anxious to get sailing again offered to swap his Allegro for my Folkboat if I chipped in some cash. I could take possesion of "my" Allegro when his son sailed it back to Sweden. No thanks. He persisted that it was a deal too good to miss. I held out. His boat finally arrived back in Sweden. What a relief, I really missed our lunchtime discussions about which was the better yacht. Two obsessive owners of two iconic boats and remaining good freinds was proof that tolerence has its own rewards. Anyone who had sailed both an IFboat and an Allegro 27 would know which was the better yacht.

 

[Cptsideways]

We've a Finnsailer 35, tough built things and lovely wood work throughout. Sails great just not fast. The 29ers are aft cabins, a little lighter and some come with Ketch rigs.

 

[Laminar Flow]

We have a "pimped" Colvic Watson 31.5 and yes, she does sail; we can readily reach speeds of well over 8 kts and regularly average 6 kts or better on passage. She goes to weather in a perfectly acceptable fashion and is brilliant off the wind, where she will track like a train in any conditions, regardless of a pronounced quartering sea.
She's seaworthy, comfortable, with full headroom throughout, an engine space where you can stand next to the beast without contortions. The wheelhouse is spacious and easily seats four around the table where one can enjoy a meal and a 360 degr. view of the anchorage.
Oh, I nearly forgot, she's sorta pointy at both ends.