help with buying yacht.

[bry]

thinking of buying either a westerly centaur 26 1976 or newbridge 23 virgo voyager 1985. both very tidy clean boats with lots of inventory. can anyone with experience of sailing these boats help. both of these boats are bilge keel and i have never sailed a bilge keeler.

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[GSCrawford]

Both these boats are not ocean greyhounds but are sound, solid, and able cruising boats, there are plenty of reviews of these, and if you are using a drying mooring both will be fine for that. HAVE It SURVEYED is sound advice. Some Centaurs have keel problems, the osmosis question arises where and how the boats have been used (fresh water is bad news unless they have been hauled out over winter).
There are other boats that go to windward better, Cobra 850, Sadler 25, and Foxhound 24 will leave both these behind, but the Centaur accomodation is first Class (A or B layouts)
Regards
Graham

<hr width=100% size=1>Growing old is enevitable, growing up is optional

 

[gandy]

How would you rate the Jaguar 25 in comparision to the original models, or to the ones you've mentioned, in terms of seakeeping and sailing? All bilge keels. performance.

Tony S

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[GSCrawford]

Hi Tony
Not sailed in Jag 25 , but they are faster than both the Centaur or Navigator, original American design ( big hatch, and good headroom) always on the market and sell well.
Regards
Graham

<hr width=100% size=1>Growing old is enevitable, growing up is optional

 

[lezgar]

I can't help you with the Centaur, but Virgos are good sea boats. A virgo called Centurion went singlehanded from Uk to the Azores Islands and return via Santander in Spain. I bought a 1988 bilge keel Virgo in 2000 and I am very happy with her, is not a fast boat, but is seaworthy. She has very good accommodation for size and is well built (Mine was built by NB Yacths LTD).

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[LittleShip]

I had a Centaur for several years and as posted they are not the fastest of sailboats but I have been out in weather that I shouldn't have and found them to be very capable little yachts. You will find that the Centaur sails just like a large dingy. I sold it to a friend some 6 years ago and he wont change it!!!! speaks for itself?
Good luck with the search.

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I wish I'd been born rich instead of good looking ?

 

[PIGLETSDREAM]

What you need is a Trapper 500/501, fast stable, good accomodation, pretty viceless, look great and yes I have one

<hr width=100% size=1>Must go, Matron is coming

 

[bry]

thanks for the reply,
interested to find out that such a small boat could fullfill such a big voyage. She must be a very seaworthy boat. That really answers a big question for me. I had wondered if she would be big enough to take on even small voyages.
The particular virgo I'm interested in is 1985 and in good condition, she has a10hp.inboard Bukh engine (is yours the same?) and new sails in1998.and has had 2 owners since new.
Brokers are asking £9995, whats you opinion on that price,(without puting you on the spot).
Any futher information you could give me would be much appreciated.
regards Bry.

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[homa]

I have a Hunter Delta 25 with lifting keel.
Very well made. floats in 12 inches of water keel, up or 5 feet keel down.
All ballast in the keel, goes very well to windward, will give most 28-30 footers a good run for their money.
Excellent for single handing with all sail controls led to the cockpit.
Mine has 6 berths, though 2 adults and 2 children is about right.
Down side is limited head room, but for me she more than makes up for it in sailing ability and creek crawling prowess. Large cockpit for daysailing.
Have downsized from 28 & 31 footers, and have not sacrificed sailing ability.
Drop me a line if you want more detail
happy hunting,
Homa





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[sailorman]

bilge keels r great for lay-up, b88888d to a/f & dont sail.
go for i single keel unless berth/ mooring dictates

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