Leisure 23SL a good choice ? & Installing diesel

[chrisswift18]

Hi all,

I have been overwhelmed by the many helpful replies to my last question about old diesel engines so to my followup questions......

I am currently looking for a family bilge keel boat (I have drying mooring) with 4 decent 6 foot beths for about £10 to £12K.

My choices seem to be coming down to a Centaur or a Leisure 23SL. In particular the Leisure 23SL impresses with its decent headroom, berths, safe cockpit and looks despite its smaller 23 foot length.

Any comments or feedback on the Leisure 23SL for sailing on the Blackwater Estuary and pottering up and down the East Coast for 2 adults and 2 rapidly growing kids especially with regards sea keeping qualities and windward performance?

My second question is back to the subject of engines. I think I am best off with an inboard diesel (I am concerned with running an outboard in rough seas - any comments?) , however many of the Leisure 23SLs are outboard powered but as a result cheaper.

So would you guys think it a wise move to buy a cheaper outboard powered Leisure and have a new diesel installed? Or is this just financial stupidity?

Once again I am grateful for all feedback.

Many thanks

Chris

 

[FullCircle]

The main reason you see so many Leisure 23Sls on the East Coast, is because they are justifiably popular, a complete Tardis, solid and reliable big enough for 4 real berths and a proper loo. Remarkable.
Always go for the diesel if you can, but you can get a Farymann fitted for about 2500 quid I think on a replacement budget. Probably 3.5k if new shaft etc required.
If it is outboard powered, then leave it that way, but just a wee bit more careful in getting out in short choppy stuff, just like on the Blackwater for instance.
You should get a top spec 23Sl for 8k. Leave the rubbish where it is, as you will spend at least 3 times more than your estimate putting it right. They are generally well looked after.
Windward performance is OKish, not as bad as some.

Recommend:Buy

 

[upthesolent]

I bought a Leisure 23 (not the SL) last season and am very pleased with it so far. It carries a bit of weather helm but I was deliberately pushing her in a very brisk wind on a good reach.

She is solidly built. The "headlinings" do not fall off like they are known to do in some Westerleys of the same year as they are large wooden panels screwed into the ceiling. Very neat.

Have you checked out their Owners Association? They are very active up on the East Coast. Here's the link http://www.leisureowners.org.uk/

 

[Greenwichman]

Hello = we owned a L23SL for 14 years - brought up three kids onboard during holidays and at weekends. Sailed between Cornwall and Suffolk in that time and throught the world of the boat and its capabilities.

Thing to watch is the rudder. I had no trouble with mine, but was aware that as a class the rudder can be a weak area, especially if the boat you are looking at has been on a drying mooring, with the rudder taking the ground frequently.

Tip when sailing - reef the genoa early, keep the full main as long as comfortable.

Enjoy!