Motor Sailor

[HENCAR]

I’m seriously considering a “Fisher 25” I have seen a couple of 1970’s models which appear to be well maintained. I appreciate that the sailing performance will not be startling and that “Gentleman don’t sail to windward” I would be grateful for any thoughts on this type of boat.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Very good reputation as seaworthy and well built boats.... if you like it, then you'd not go far wrong with one IMHO...

 

[PeteCooper]

I chartered one many years ago. It was a fine boat, very solid, probably better considered as a motor boat with the option of sailing in the right conditions.

 

[Billjratt]

You may get more for your money with one of Colvic m/s range or, of course, the fabulous marcon claymore, which sails as well!

 

[moodymadness]

You'll have to motorsail to really maintain any usefull speed and will find there is a lot of roll due to hull shape. Accomodation is not startling either. If you can put up with those inconveniences you will find they are solid boats which tend to command good values if maintained well.
Pete

 

[FAITIRA]

The Fishers sailing performance is surprisingly good. You could do a lt worse, but as said, look at the similal range of Colvics.

 

[robinwest]

Hi there, sorry to place this here but as a new comer I didn't know where, anyway How does a complete novice get into driving a 50ft Fishing vessel or any boat for that matter?
Please help me

 

[moodymadness]

"The Fishers sailing performance is surprisingly good."

Depends on what you benchmark against!
Certainly not so good against a purpose built yacht but maybe more so against the colvics and other 'motorsailors' but will still be far short of speed for good passage making without engine assistance in the vast majority of conditions. Colvics tend to be mostly homebuild fitouts with a variety of rigs to boot. Stick with the Fisher brand if that's the type of boat you want.

Pete

 

[narooma]

Hi there, sorry to place this here but as a new comer I didn't know where, anyway How does a complete novice get into driving a 50ft Fishing vessel or any boat for that matter?
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[Csail]

Good solid boats, have you looked at Colvics aswell?

 

[Talbot]

Like others, I like the good points of the fisher, but believe that you can do a lot better for the money. How wedded are you to the concept of the fisher, or would you like to discuss your lists of priorities, with essentials listed plus preferences, and some idea of the budget. We will then try to give you the best advice possible, but of course we all have our preferences so you would have to look at our advice as starting points for your own further research.

Personally I prefer the stability and accomodation of 2 hulls.

 

[HENCAR]

Thank you for all of the replies. I am looking for a stable safe boat. I like sailing, my wife likes motoring (she feels safer). I often sail single handed and want a boat capable of coastal hoping, the occasional channel crossing and perhaps exploring the canals in France. I also enjoy sea fishing so the Fishers cockpit is a plus. Accommodation doesn’t need to be too spacious (We have a 19ft gaff rigged boat at the moment). Finally I want a boat with character – love at first site perhaps. I have also looked at a Vancouver 27, very different but fit some of the criteria. Living in the West Country we also spend a lot of time exploring the rivers.

 

[Talbot]

A shame you did not include a budgetary feel. However, from the list you provide you might want to take a look at Catalac 9m. very stable. Coastal hopping up to crossing the atlantic.
enormous cockpit which is ideal for fishing,
sails well off the wind and can be persuaded to go to windward.

I have singlehanded mine most of the time
narrow enough for canal cruising
shallow enough for exploring (less than 1metre)

most have fridges and hot water

Mine has heating, a shower, and is set up for singlehanded - I am selling due to divorce, but have owned mine for 20 years, best place to see a selection is at Multihull world at Emsworth just outside portsmouth.

Happy to provide more details if interested in the type (or even in mine!)

 

[FrancisRutter]

I bought a Fisher 25 last year. As has been said she is a very solid boat. They do roll, as do all similar long keeled boats [like my previous Coaster 33] and I added a couple of grab handles inside the wheelhouse in both of them.
It is very nice, certainly at my age, to be able to get into a wheelhouse out of the wind and the rain. Sailing may not be as sparkling as it is in a pure sailing boat, but it is adequate, particularly off the wind.
Accomodation is limited, but so it is in any 25 footer.
Suggest that you also make enquiries on the Fisher website <www.fisherowners.co.uk>

 

[Shuggy]

If you're into wooden boats, Miller Fifers were the Fisher's fore-runners. Ours is a 33 and a similar one would, I suspect, cost you less than a Fisher 25:

 

[Caer Urfa]

You do not say if you intend to 'sale alone' or with crew.
I had the same problem as you three years ago, and spent 9 months finding my present Colvic, but also looked at 25' Fishers at the same time.
Go for a Colvic Watson 23'-6" or 26', even people with Fisher 25''s say the Colvic is bigger inside.
As to sailing I have a 23'-6" and best speed under sail only has been 6.4 knots to date (mainsail and Genoa) and I am still learning!.
Fishers are good but expensive, but you get almost 'bullet proof build' and more for less money with a Colvic.

 

[Spars]

Without a doubt Colvic mouldings are amongst the strongest but with all Motor Sailors you lose speed beating, I sail a Meridian 31 and it generally sails well and how many times do you meet up with other sailors in harbours in their Bavaria's/Legends etc. who motorsail to keep up anyway!

 

[FAITIRA]

A good opinion, but I am a bit biased towards Fishers, I used to sail the first Fisher 30 (boat show boat), I was amazed how well it did sail. But I,ve owned a Colvic too, and they are good boats, good value.

 

[blofeld]

Sorry for interrupt!
I am also a motorsailor fan and fisher 25 is my aim; so far I heard different opinions like the ones stated above.
I know the colvics are cheaper but i was told they don't sail so well as the fishers.

By the way...I own a tamar 24 m/s...yes... ugly, fat lady...but she can sail...also to windward...can you beleive this?

 

[HENCAR]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Lots of food for thought. Have seen one Fisher that has not had an engine service or an oil change for 3 years, but has been used regularly over this period. Should this give me cause for concern ?