Ideal boat for the east coast?

which is quite a lot more boat than your current one, but well within your budget. She's faster than a Fulmar, much more comfortable accommodation than a Fulmar with a cockpit layout to die for. Her sailing performance and sea keeping abilities are better than other Westerlies (except the Typhoon 37 and the Giant Killers) but she still has their solid build. Beware of the "Storm Cruiser" which had a smaller rig (from the smaller Tempest Class) and a bigger engine to make up for it.

Are you allowed to say such things on this forum Peter ?

:):):)
 
For speed, just look at their handicaps under any rating system you choose, including the Westerly Owners Association own rating system, and for comfort, just go below on one of each. Don't know whether such statements are allowed, but the facts speak for themselves.

Never was too much worried by what's allowed and what's not!
 
Thanks everyone for your comments, very helpful. I've been able to refine my search criteria - essentially a good sailing fin keel around 28-30ft with reasonable accommodation. I've added the Achilles 9m and Ohlson 8.8 to my shortlist, as well as the Konsort, and taken off the Twister and Cutlass 27 (with regret). It looks like I should be able to get something for around £10k which leaves funds in my budget for new sails, instruments, upholstery, and running rigging if needed. I've not ruled out a lift keel - the Parker 27 looks good but quite expensive. Might take a look at a Kelt.
 
Last edited:
If a Sadler 29 is still on your radar, there is a late model in very good condition in Halls yard, Walton-on-the-Naze, worth a telephone call. It's the middle one of these three. The other two are both fin keelers as well and they don't have any problems with depths.FB_IMG_1596793273638.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vid
If a Sadler 29 is still on your radar, there is a late model in very good condition in Halls yard, Walton-on-the-Naze, worth a telephone call. It's the middle one of these three. The other two are both fin keelers as well and they don't have any problems with depths.

Thank you, yes definitely on the list.
 
If a Sadler 29 is still on your radar, there is a late model in very good condition in Halls yard, Walton-on-the-Naze, worth a telephone call.
Our first cruiser was a bilge keel Sadler 29. Excellent and safe boat. We sold it to a fellow club member and it's still going strong. A friend had a shoal draft version which was slightly quicker upwind. There are five or six of varying ages at our club in Poole now. You might also look at the Sadler 32, which is very similar but without the transom hung rudder. Martin Sadler, the original builder, still sails one of those!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vid
Our first cruiser was a bilge keel Sadler 29. Excellent and safe boat. We sold it to a fellow club member and it's still going strong. A friend had a shoal draft version which was slightly quicker upwind. There are five or six of varying ages at our club in Poole now. You might also look at the Sadler 32, which is very similar but without the transom hung rudder. Martin Sadler, the original builder, still sails one of those!
We had a fin-keeled Sadler 29 in the ‘90s while two friends had the 32. While the 32 has a bit more space inside and a better galley, there is actually less headroom forward, and the boat is a fair bit more effort to handle. We took ours to the Channel isles more than once, and to the Baltic, and I always felt comfortable and secure in her. We kept her on a swinging mooring in Maylandsea, accepting the +/- 4hrs from HW.
 
My current list of contenders (not in any order):
Sadler 29
Westerly Konsort
Maxi 84
Kelt 9m
Parker 27
Ohlson 8:8
Ohlson 29
Etap 26 LK
Verl 900

I think the draft is going to be important to me - I don't particularly want to take the ground, or need it for a mooring, but I do like to anchor tucked away up a creek and not worry about falling over. I'm thinking a lift keel may be the way to go for the better sailing ability than a twin keel.

The other criteria is interior space, a rear cabin, rear heads, a good saloon and a separate forward cabin would all be nice but seem to be a scarce combination - I think only the Kelt offers all on this list.

I want to go and see them in person to work out how I feel on board. None of them would be a poor choice, so it may come down to the one in the best condition for the price.
 
Having recently been watching the used boat market I’ve looked at the ads for most of the boats listed above. The Kelt would indeed be a really good East coast boat. Some aspects of the interior look a bit tired, but some new floorboards would brighten it up a lot. I currently have a swing keel which is great, but for some reason I am ignoring this as we trade up and likely going for a fin. :unsure:
 
Top