Loch Fyne Skiff

[fifer]

I know someone who's interested in this boat and they've asked me for advice.

http://www.ardfernyacht.co.uk/detail_ym.asp?boatid=898318

Does anyone have any familiarity with this sort of style? Seaworthiness? Cost to maintain etc? Any particular issues or faults. I was interested the rudder had to be redesigned to reduce weather helm. Is that common for this style of boat?

At 18'000kg it seems extraordinarily heavy for a 30 footer!

 

[Tranona]

Suspect the displacement should be in pounds rather than kgs as that would be about right. The style is after fishing boats and is heavy displacement. The 62hp engine gives a clue as to the sailing performance! The mods to the rudder to introduce some balance makes sense as the traditional style rudder, particularly with that amount of rake is well known for a heavy helm. However, looking at the photo out of the water, not sure how much balance area could have been added but if it has reduced helm loads then it can only be good - no downsides.

 

[d4dunmor]

There used to be one of these in my local port called the fairy queen built in 1927 she was a fishing boat but around 40ft excellent sea boat
Think they built for the herring fishery
This boat has since been converted to sail and was / is ? For sale in kinvara co. Galway

 

[NorthUp]

The original rudder was renewed because of a crack in the timber. The opportunity was taken to redesign, not because of weather helm but because handling under power was abysmal- turning the original rudder moved it out of the propeller wash, making for interesting handling in a marina!
The modification was a complete success, transforming close quarters manoeuvering under power and the improvement in weather helm a bonus.

edit: I should admit to designing and building said rudder ☺