Fisher 34

We're considering going down to The Hamble to have a look at a Fisher 34. Anyone got any helpful comments please.

They are heavy boats, so carry their way for a long distance. Berthing in a marina, means putting drive into neutral as soon as you can, not relying entirely on astern power to stop (much propwalk). Also a high bow from the helm position, which means you lose your aiming point as you close your berth, so pick another one further ahead that you 'can' see.

Some years ago, I did some own boat tuition for someone berthed in Hamble (Mercury), who seemed to be hitting other boats galore - exactly because of the above points.
 
We're considering going down to The Hamble to have a look at a Fisher 34. Anyone got any helpful comments please.
They do not roll too badly with Mizzen up as air rudder, they sail well in over a F3 but not close to the wind. She will offer a lot of accommodation for relatively little marina charges, warm enough for winter sailing in the UK, which means you get 1.5 times as much sailing season as compared to most boats. Great at anchor and also lovely on a swing mooring if properly set up. If what you want is a cruising boat for the UK this is a very good option.
 
They do not roll too badly with Mizzen up as air rudder, they sail well in over a F3 but not close to the wind. She will offer a lot of accommodation for relatively little marina charges, warm enough for winter sailing in the UK, which means you get 1.5 times as much sailing season as compared to most boats. Great at anchor and also lovely on a swing mooring if properly set up. If what you want is a cruising boat for the UK this is a very good option.
Original post was thirteen years ago 👍
 
The Fisher 34 has a total sail area as a ketch rig 58.14 m2 626 ft2
The Colvic Watson 34'-6"has a total area as a sloop rig 46.45 m2 500 ft2
ketch rig 65.78 m2 708 ft2

The Colvic Watson is also the heavier of the two boats at 12 to 14 ton (depending on engine size/weight)
The Fisher is 11.7 tons
 
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