newuser- Family gaff rigger ?

[hantsgaffer]

I've been used to sailing Shrimpers, need something a little larger, but wish retain the charm of the gaff rigg. Does anyone have any hard won experience of Crabbers (mk1,2) or similar? There seem to be plenty of Mk1s around, but i've never had a chance to sail one. Whilst wood would be desirable, I just don't believe I have time for the maintenance.
Sailing is likely to be Day/weekend gentle picnic trips around the Solent, with the odd foray to the West Country.
regards

 

[Plum]

Tried a Mk 1 Crabber a few years ago but found it too light weight for a family cruiser and the motion too jerky. I wanted something more stable and seaworthy with more ballast that would better suite the gaff rig and be suitable for the occasional longer coastal or cross-channel trip. However, if you are always going to be in sheltered waters on short trips the Crabber will serve you well and has a good size cockpit.

 

[hantsgaffer]

That fits with something i heard about the Mk2's having some extra ballast fitted. Have you got any recommnedations for (heavier/bigger) gaff cutters ? whilst i fdon't expect to channel hop, just yet, a kindly motion would be useful even in the Solent.

 

[FWB]

My first gaffer was a Mk 1 Crabber which I loved. It was a little slow and no doubt the Mk2 rig was an improvement,although the Mk 2 is a plastic boat. The Mk 1 being a plastic hull only.
I now have a Heard 28. This is a wonderful boat, GRP hull the rest wood---in our case teak. See Classic Boat July 2004.
There is a Heard 23 currently for sale ashore up the Tamar, see Aug mags. These are much better than the Crabbers and are "real" boats, very seaworthy.
PM me if you want more info.
Take a look at this site http://www.galawebsite.co.uk/

 

[Plum]

Have you considered a Heard 23? Look here http://www.galawebsite.co.uk/gallery.aspx for a selection of Heard boats, some of which are the 23' version. PM me if you want more info via the owner's association.