Hurley 20 vs Snapdragon 21

[James W]

So, i'm downsizing a little just to make the mooring costs cheaper and to have an outboard friendly boat, and i've been offered two lovely little examples, both at good knockdown prices.

One is a Hurley 20 twin keel and the other a Snapdragon 21 twin keel. Before you all rightly let me know, i'm well aware there are plenty of other boats out there that might be better, faster, less leeway, more contemporary etc. However, these are my options because the price is right and the boats are in good nick.

Which one would you go for?

Cheers!

James

 

[ghostlymoron]

If you intend sleeping on your mooring, I'd avoid the Hurley because they tend to nosedive when they dry out. Don't know about the Snappie and there may be some way of avoiding it on the Hurley which is otherwise a nice boat. The Snappie is roomier but doesn't sail so well.

 

[James W]

If you intend sleeping on your mooring, I'd avoid the Hurley because they tend to nosedive when they dry out. Don't know about the Snappie and there may be some way of avoiding it on the Hurley which is otherwise a nice boat. The Snappie is roomier but doesn't sail so well.

Thanks for that, do you think it would still nosedive in thick East Coast mud though? The sailing is probably the most important thing. I don't think i'll be doing much more than day sailing for a while.

 

[LittleSister]

If you value sailing capability and seaworthiness go for the Hurley. If space and comfort is more important to you, the Snapdragon 21. That said, either will be perfectly adequate to have a lot of fun and adventure.

I'd definitely have the Hurley by choice, on the basis of previous ownership of a Hurley 22 (i nearly bought a 20 earlier). Hurley 20s are one of a range of boats by hughly respected designer Ian Anderson (who has just died) and generally very strongly built by Hurley. (After Hurley went under, some Hurleys were built by other firms, not always to the same standards.) At least one Hurley 20 has crossed the Atlantic (You can get from PBO old articles by Alistair Buchan about that and his other expoits in one.)

There are very many of both boats happily living in Essex mud and similar. I've never previously heard that the Hurlley 20 was prone to tip forward when dried out, but you'll find out much more on the Hurley Owners' Association website.

 

[jac]

Anderson 22??

 

[Seajet]

Anderson 22??

Well that's obvious, in the meantime definitely the Hurley.

Most twin keelers can nosedive when dried out, but precautions like sticking to anchor warp not chain and keeping heavy items aft when sleeping on the mooring and she'd be fine.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Anderson 22??

The OP said he wants advice to choose between hurley and snappy not a list of alternatives.

 

[James W]

Thanks guys, your help is much appreciated.

The Hurley it is! Looking forward to a new season with a nice new little boat.