'Gaia' at Fambridge

[Slow_boat]

'Gaia' is the cream 40ft Alan Buchanan seel cutter on the inside of the river pontoon. Does anyone know anything about her, what she's like below and if she's suitable for live aboard as opposed to ocean crossing?

I've been admiring her for a while now and now she's for sale I want reasons not to go and give her a look.

 

[FullCircle]

'Gaia' is the cream 40ft Alan Buchanan seel cutter on the inside of the river pontoon. Does anyone know anything about her, what she's like below and if she's suitable for live aboard as opposed to ocean crossing?

I've been admiring her for a while now and now she's for sale I want reasons not to go and give her a look.

I think Vreny knows a bit about this one.

I've met the owners too, but its a bit hazy.

 

[bitman]

pictures?

this is what i found http://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/feature.phtml?id=166608

 

[Slow_boat]

That is not what I wanted to see. I was hoping she'd be manky and damp below. Instead she looks great. I'll probably get dragged along to have a look.

Not sure swmbo will be impressed with the small cockpit and hatch on the top of the cabin top, though. And it's a long way to commute.

 

[Malish]

I hope that galley pump handle is removable - it looks like it could do someone some serious mischief in a Thames chop

 

[Wunja]

I think 'cream' is being charitable. Looks more like beige. (Is this the sort of encouragement you are looking for?)

 

[Slow_boat]

I think 'cream' is being charitable. Looks more like beige. (Is this the sort of encouragement you are looking for?)

Better. Better.


And it's a bit dark (dingy?) down below............

 

[FullCircle]

Better. Better.


And it's a bit dark (dingy?) down below............

bloody awful dust trap with all that 70s tongue and groove pine.

Will work well as a sauna in warmer climes.

Is that helping much?

 

[pxmas]

Hi there - I am the owner of Gaia! To answer some of your questions:

Not sure swmbo will be impressed with the small cockpit and hatch on the top of the cabin top, though

The cockpit's big enough for two of us, and is designed for solo/ short handed sailing as much of the time Gaia is steered by the control lines from the Hydrovane (which lead to the hatch below the canopy). The boat's designed so that in the unlikely event of it being rolled in heavy seas, it's completely sealed.

I hope that galley pump handle is removable - it looks like it could do someone some serious mischief in a Thames chop

Yes, it's removable!

I think 'cream' is being charitable. Looks more like beige. (Is this the sort of encouragement you are looking for?)

And sorry to say it is Blake's Pale Cream - definitely cream rather than beige!

As for manky and damp or dark and dingy… she's extremely dry and with her three hatches + 6 sealed portholes, very light and airy. In winter the diesel heater gives out a great dry heat and I've hardly experienced any condensation in the past 6 years…..sorry, I know this isn't helping!

bloody awful dust trap with all that 70s tongue and groove pine.

Boat interior was professionally fitted to a high standard in teak, iroko, and pine and certainly doesn't look like your average 1970s tongue and groove bathroom!

In terms of live aboard, I've been living very comfortably on Gaia for the past 6 years.

Hope that's helpful and do get in touch if you want any further info.

Best,

Paul

 

[Slow_boat]

Get thee behind me, Satan!

On reflection, she seems to be a lot more boat than we need. Great for blue water cruising and crossing oceans, not quite so for day-sailing round the med. Maybe a bit big and heavy for marina and close-quarter work single handed?

Or so I'm still telling myself.

Look, I'm trying to be sensible, okay?

PS we'll be down to haul our boat out next weekend.......

 

[pxmas]

Sorry I know I'm not helping!! I do understand that with a boat like this comes compromise.....what you lack in a confined marina you get back when out in a blow.
Good luck with the search and if your in Fambridge next week come and have a coffee and say hello. (I'm away this weekend)
Happy hunting
pxmas