Motor sailers that are more motor than sail.

[jwilson]

20hp is plenty of spare power on a Leisure 27, 10 or 14hp might be more common. If you are coming from planing or semi-displacement powerboats you will find engine powers on sailing yachts very low compared to what you are used to. Adding more power won't make the hull and keel or keels go through the water much faster. If A Leisure 27 had 10hp it might make 5.5 knots flat out. Putting double the power in would only take it to maybe 6.5. If you crammed in a 40 hp engine it might make an extra knot, but by then any extra would only create even more of a massive wash with little increase in speed. Sailing boat hulls with a very few exceptions will just not plane, and the few that are designed to do so usually compromise sailing ability.

 

[doug748]

Can I just check I if I got this right please?
So, one of the boats I looked at recently was a Leisure 27 SL.

The technical data here https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/leisure-27sl
This says the displacement is 6000 lbs, which is 2.7 ton? Or is it a different calc on boats?

The boat has a Beta 20 HP engine, which would make it have acceptable engine power?

It's big for the boat but ok.

People put these engines in because they cost little more than smaller ones when buying a new motor and 20hp is one of the smallest 3 cylinder jobs so, in theory, you will have a smoother motoring experience.

Most sailors long for the moment when the "bloody engine" is switched off so you may well be in a transitional phase, moving from a power boat. I agree with the others, get a good sailing boat in your range, with a modern 16 / 20 hp diesel and it's happy days. A Westerly would do the job fine.

 

[E39mad]

Here's a new (better) take on the MacGregor from Swallow Yachts:

COAST 250 - NEW! | Swallow Yachts

 

[alancollins]

You might consider a Newbridge Pioneer Pilot. 26 feet overall, surprisingly roomy accommodation ,inside steering position as well as a cockpit tiller and an 18hp engine.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Can I just check I if I got this right please?
So, one of the boats I looked at recently was a Leisure 27 SL.

The technical data here https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/leisure-27sl
This says the displacement is 6000 lbs, which is 2.7 ton? Or is it a different calc on boats?

The boat has a Beta 20 HP engine, which would make it have acceptable engine power?

More than enough.

 

[Concerto]

Here's a new (better) take on the MacGregor from Swallow Yachts:

COAST 250 - NEW! | Swallow Yachts

At a much greater price than the OP's budget. I have recommended a Swallow Coast in another thread.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Can I just check I if I got this right please?
So, one of the boats I looked at recently was a Leisure 27 SL.

The technical data here https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/leisure-27sl
This says the displacement is 6000 lbs, which is 2.7 ton? Or is it a different calc on boats?

The boat has a Beta 20 HP engine, which would make it have acceptable engine power?

Make sure you look at a Fulmar too, it's much better boat.

 

[andyb28]

Thank you again for all of the suggestions. I have looked at all of the recommendations on here online as well as viewing a number of boats in localish boat yards.
I just wanted to see as many as possible and imagine myself sailing them.

This made me realise that a little bit smaller would actually help me out. As I also liked the self tacking jib and shallow draft of the Pilot 27 I started looking at similar boats.

First I looked at a Horizon locally, but that was a little bit too small and I didnt like the offset outboard engine solution.
Today I looked at a Ranger 245 in a marina. I originally thought it was going to be the same as the Horizon, but with an inboard engine. But its a lot more roomy inside.

The engine is a Yanmar 1GM10, which using the displacement logic I have recently learned, should be more than enough for me.

In terms of boxes I need to tick, I really think the Ranger does it all.

Can go on a mud mooring
Self tacking jib
Easy to sail
I think it will be forgiving
Shallow draft

I have read some reviews, some of which were on here. Overall, it doesnt seem to be a hated boat.

I see this as a starter boat, something I can do my miles in towards my RYA courses. I'm hopeful it will help me to build confidence.
Does this sound like a sensible choice to the experts?