Lune Whammel Coastal Weekender -v- Cornish Crabber 17

[Ignis Fatuus]

I am currently looking to buy a 17'6" Character Boats Lune Whammel Coastal Weekender or a 17' Cornish Shrimper/Crabber; both open dayboats. The specification for each appear to tick all the boxes for my requirements. However, I haven't sailed either and so am asking if anyone on this forum has sailed both and can give me an idea as to which sails better. I appreciate that such a review might be subjective. I'm not looking for fast, agile or an ability to sail as close to the wind as a Bermudian. But, I don't want a boat that slides sideways when beating into wind and makes no real headway. I am concerned that the Whammel has only ballast and a 'skeg', or shallow keel, but doesn't have a centre board and so will drift down wind when beating. I've sailed various dinghy's and several yachts (other people's) and if either sail to windward as 'well' as a Mirror then I'd be happy.

Ideally, I'd like a go in both so if you have one on the east or south coast and would be willing to let me join you for a bit of sailing one day I'd be grateful to hear from you.

I originally posted this in another forum (Newbie mistake) and have since had a go in a 14' Kittiwake at the boat show. I was pleased and impressed with its performance and would be happy if either the Whammel or Crabber were similar.

 

[ProDave]

Why just that choice of 2?

How about a Leisure 17, nice little boats.

 

[Ignis Fatuus]

The Leisure 17 is nice. Would it be as easy to rig and launch from a trailer as a dayboat?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Why just that choice of 2?

How about a Leisure 17, nice little boats.

True, but not exactly open dayboats. OP, how about adding a Drascombe Lugger to the list?

 

[Ignis Fatuus]

I've read that the Drascombe Lugger doesn't sail so well, especially to windward.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I've read that the Drascombe Lugger doesn't sail so well, especially to windward.

I don't think any character boats sail stunningly well, so if sailing performance is your thing maybe a Flying Fifteen would suit? I have a Drascombe Longboat which goes very nicely.

 

[wombat88]

I have a Drascombe Longboat which goes very nicely.

+1 for the Longboat which is the boat the Lugger should have been. As a dinghy sailer it can be a lot of fun on main only in a good breeze, bit like a giant Laser!

So called 'character' boats come expensive. There are some seriously good, small, cheap boats from the '80s and '90s out there that offer a lot more.

 

[UMCorps]

I replied in the original thread and said this...

I have a Post Boat, so a bit shorter than the Whammel but broadly similar especially in terms of the shallow draft ballasted hull.

I don't find leeway to be an issue at all. I don't notice any difference from a similar boat with a centreplate. She definitely prefers to be sailed upright though. Weather helm increases significantly with the angle of heel. If the wind is going to be consistently over 10 knts its best to stick a reef in if you don't want to be fighting the tiller. It makes a world of difference.

I've never sat out on her. I don't think I could to be honest. She's far too beamy for that. I don't think I could reach the tiller.

I was out in her yesterday in an average of 7 knts and she was at her absolute best. Cracking along happily on a broad reach at 5knts over the ground according to the GPS. Not sliding sideways.

As has been said, tacking needs technique to avoid stalling. I always leave the jib alone until I'm well through the wind so that it helps to kick the bow around. I also wait for the boom to cross the centreline before shifting myself across to the other side, especially in light airs. Gybing (as in any gaffer) needs to be done in a controlled way and, in stronger breezes, I find it less stressful to take the long way round.

If you're in Cornwall between now and the end of October before she comes out of the water I'd be happy to take you out for a play.

 

[Romeo]

Great plan to have an open boat. Why bother with a Cabin if you don't need it. Much better to used the space for sailing and for friends.

I have sailed a 17 foot whammel, and have owned a Lune Pilot. The whammel does manage to windward a bit better than the pilot, but you need to make the very best you can of your work to windward if you are not going to be out all day. I have not sailed in the Crabber 17 but have sailed a shrimper, which does much better to windward than the character boats do..... I presume the 17 would be the same. On the other hand, the space that you have from not having a centre board on the whammel is very pleasant. Speaking personally I would prefer either to a Drascombe, because either just feels more like a real boat! Just IMHO of course.