Hillyard 2.5 ton

[wombat88]

OK so I am a somewhat familiar with Hillyards, over the last 60 (ahem) years I been out in a couple and obviously seen many though they are not as common a sight now as the were. I like them for what they are.

The ones I am more or less familiar with are much larger than the 2.5 tonner, often centre cockpit etc etc

But I wonder...there is a 2.5 ton Hillyard for sale not too far away. One with a full width cabin a bit like a MG design. Inboard. Looks like it is gaff. Looks a bit ropey.

Now...has anyone got first hand experience of one? Do they actually sail into a sea? Are they just too small?

Opinions sought. If I were to take it on it would be my last project....maybe

 

[RobinBirch]

Another avenue to ask your question is the Hillyard Owners Facebook group if there is not much response here.

 

[Kukri]

I have sailed against them in a different two and a half tonner. They are OK for a two and a half tonner. Reasonably stiff; handle OK.

Keep everything light and simple and watch weight aloft very carefully.

Don’t expect to make passages to windward in anything more than a 3. But you can get along fine with that limitation. My little boat took me to Holland and back and took her next owners from Harwich to Falmouth and back.

 

[wombat88]

Weight aloft? I see she has been converted to gaff...

The draft scares me, 4ft on an 18ft boat and I spend most of my time at the top of the harbour. At least she has legs.

Also the search function here has brought up some bits of interest

Thanks all, I have joined the Hillyard FB page...we shall see.

 

[Wansworth]

There was an article in the RCC annual years ago of a trip from Weymouth throughthe french canal at Brittany and back to Weymouth in a similar Hillyard,obviously in fine weather,but do able

 

[wombat88]

The one thing that I worry about is 4ft draft, OK so it has legs but it will be spending a lot of time on the mud. I need to research things like the Blackwater sloop, Rossiter Heron, Dauntless, Kestrel etc. (Think the last two are often very tired)

If anyone can propose other shallow draft or centreboard traditional wooden boats around 20ft or just under that it is worth me looking at I'd be happy to hear about them.

 

[Kukri]

Pick of that bunch is the Purbrook Rossiter Heron. Lovely little ship. I would avoid the Dauntless and the Kestrel as they are lapstrake and they tire easily. Other things being equal which they never are I’d go for the Blackwater sloop over the
Hillyard.

I honestly doubt if the Hillyard draws as much as four feet but the Blackwaters definitely draw less.

Other contenders - Johnson and Jago three tonner, Yachting Monthly three tonner.

Take a look at a Harrison Butler Z four tonner - really nice boats and that extra bit of size is handy.

I’ll try and think of some more.

 

[wombat88]

Yes I have seen a Heron, they are indeed very attractive with a lovely canoe stern. Your comments regarding Dauntless and Kestrel confirm what I have heard.

Deben Cherub? Or is that getting a bit big...don't want it to get too big

 

[wombat88]

...and then there is this...but it draws a lot and much as I like the engine...

https://www.oga.org.uk/boat/calypso

 

[Kukri]

I would not have a petrol engine.

The Deben Four Tonner (designed by Blake and built by Whisstock) and the Deben Cherub (designed and built by Eversons) are different boats. Having owned the big sister for 29 years the Deben Four Tonner is pretty nice.

I’ll try to think of some more. One big advantage of the Heron is the centreplate.

 

[wombat88]

One big advantage of the Heron is the centreplate.

Yes I see that, I imagine that it could almost live on the mud OK without legs though at rather a jaunty angle

 

[Redwing228]

The one thing that I worry about is 4ft draft, OK so it has legs but it will be spending a lot of time on the mud. I need to research things like the Blackwater sloop, Rossiter Heron, Dauntless, Kestrel etc. (Think the last two are often very tired)

If anyone can propose other shallow draft or centreboard traditional wooden boats around 20ft or just under that it is worth me looking at I'd be happy to hear about them.

Finesse 21; has a shallow draft and centreplate so drying out not a problem and most of the later ones had diesel auxiliary engines from new. Gaff rig was an option.

 

[Seajet]

I've sailed on Hillyard 2.5 ton gaff rigger a few times; a pretty and well built boat but achingly slow - prime mover was a hefty Yanmar - quite good interior for 18' for 2 people.

Only for dedicated fans, with the draft and maintaining a wooden boat.

 

[wombat88]

Neither fear of wood nor the lack of speed deter. The draft is too much though.