Aigle d'Or
New Member
Anyone out there have any experience with these yachts? I'm thinking of buying one
Najad 331 - anyone?
- Thread starter Aigle d'Or
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lpdsn
Well-Known Member
I chartered one a fair few times. Sailed well. Handled well when the wind got up. Faster than she looks (bearing in mind sail area, displacement etc is that of a quite sedate boat). Woodwork below was to a very high standard as you'd expect.
Only gripe I could remember was that the prop wash could catch the leading edge of the rudder when motoring so you had to hang on to it tight. Not a comfortable boat to steer with your legs when motoring.
And obviously if nothing has been done to the teak decks (assuming the one you're looking at has teak decks) they may be overdue a lot of work by now.
The ones with birdnames + Roman numeral are ex-Army I believe.
Only gripe I could remember was that the prop wash could catch the leading edge of the rudder when motoring so you had to hang on to it tight. Not a comfortable boat to steer with your legs when motoring.
And obviously if nothing has been done to the teak decks (assuming the one you're looking at has teak decks) they may be overdue a lot of work by now.
The ones with birdnames + Roman numeral are ex-Army I believe.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
I've not sailed one, but my HR 34 is of a similar spec but slightly older design. The Naiad is different in some details; I think it is slightly longer on the waterline, and with higher freeboard, so more modern-looking. I thought the Naiad seemed smaller inside, with the saloon quite a bit narrower forward. There is also a bit less shelter under the sprayhood, but the Naiad has a nice touch in the handle for the crew to hold.
A group from our club bought an ex-army 331. The boat suffered from corrosion of the rudder stock, which was alloy, unlike my s/s, and needed replacement, but otherwise I think they are sound boats. My guess is that they would be a bit livelier at the helm than mine. The problem with prop wash mentioned above is something common to boats with a balanced rudder.
A group from our club bought an ex-army 331. The boat suffered from corrosion of the rudder stock, which was alloy, unlike my s/s, and needed replacement, but otherwise I think they are sound boats. My guess is that they would be a bit livelier at the helm than mine. The problem with prop wash mentioned above is something common to boats with a balanced rudder.
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
Not had the problem with any other boat I've helmed. Must be somewhere not far short of a hundred, the vast majority with balanced spade rudders. In fact, I commonly used to helm tiller steered boats under engine using my legs and the Najad is the only boat where I found it a problem.
That said, I really did like that boat, just being honest in pointing out the faults I remember. No boats are perfect.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
As I said, I've not sailed the Naiad, but my balanced rudder doesn't carry much vibration when under motor but needs a firm hand or thigh as it will veer off if left to itself. I was talking to someone who had put a balanced rudder onto his Sadler 34 and he had the same experience, so I assumed it was usual. My boat is perfect. I'm sure yours is too.
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
richardbrennan
Well-Known Member
I looked at one many years ago. Nice boat in many ways, but I seem to recall they had running backstays, which could be a real pain depending on what sort of sailing you are doing.
prv
Well-Known Member
I sailed on the Army ones several times in 2001, and I’m fairly sure those at least didn’t have runners. Possibly there were different rig options. I don’t remember any prop/rudder interaction as described above, though I probably didn’t do all that much helming under power.
Not much I can add about the boats really. The Army ones had lift-up seat backs in the saloon to make extra bunks that I don’t think were standard. They had hank-on sails in Army use (builds character
) but were supplied with furling gear that was stored in a shed until they were sold on. Pete
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
IIRC running checkstays. They weren't needed in light to moderate conditions but were more to stop the mast pumping if bashing through waves. They weren't difficult to use at all and wouldn't put me, at least, off the boat.
jonic
Well-Known Member
I sold one of the ex-army ones a good few years ago (Pochard - they were all named after seabirds or water foul I believe).
She was a fine boat and her owner had been very pleased with her.
She was a fine boat and her owner had been very pleased with her.
Quandary
Well-Known Member
Aaaaah, I remember her, you were kind enough to show her to us one sunny afternoon, tempted but we went for the Finngulf 33.
Would you believe that that was over ten years ago?
jonic
Well-Known Member
I knew it was a while ago, but boy does time fly!
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Budgieboy
Well-Known Member
Great boats and superbly well built , met the ex owner of Najad's in Funchal 2 weeks ago , I love mine 
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️��️Aigle d'Or
New Member
thanks everyone - I think I'll buy one..
Concerto
Well-Known Member
Aigle d'Or
New Member
Hi Concerto,
no I don't think so. The cost/benefit doesn't really work for me when compared to some lovely boats for sale out there. The last couple of weeks has been a real eye-opener. I love my Contessa, she's a fantastic little yacht but I think it's time after extensive cruising over 16 years to sell her and move on. She'll be going on the market in the next few weeks!
no I don't think so. The cost/benefit doesn't really work for me when compared to some lovely boats for sale out there. The last couple of weeks has been a real eye-opener. I love my Contessa, she's a fantastic little yacht but I think it's time after extensive cruising over 16 years to sell her and move on. She'll be going on the market in the next few weeks!
