Nic 26 experience/opinions please...

[Baggywrinkle]

Spent my formative years on a Vega - fantastic boat, many fond memories, great sailing boat.

Variable pitch prop and petrol engine was interesting, I'd go for a more modern diesel with forward/reverse mechanism if I were you. If you run over lines in the feathering variety you need to stop the engine to avoid a fouled prop, only to discover you then can't take way off .... crunch. Manoeuvring under power was also interesting as the prop is behind and above the rudder as I recall.

We managed to get a family of 5 on it for 2-3 week summer cruise, stowage was not bad at all.

 

[Kelpie]

I owned that particular Nic from 2003 for about a year.
It had been out of the water for a couple of years when I bought it , and the hull was still very damp (apparently all Nics of that era were).

I would say it was priced about right, as it was struggling to sell even at a reduced price of 10k, not long after the updates were done.
Although I think it was minus the windvane.

It's a narrow boat for it's length, compared to what you already have.
Very pretty outside, but less 'liveaboard' than the Vega IMHO.

That's interesting to know... especially as to date nobody seems to have suffered any osmosis in the Vega (touch wood!!)

 

[marina95]

These scans are approximately 600 kb each in size, hence it is probably easier to read them if you save them to your machine first.

Gulp! These are my scans (I recognise the Fray Bentos stains!). I do hope that YBW / my service provider don't get upset with bandwidth/copyright issues!

I own a Nic 26 - 1969 vintage (sometimes known affectionately as "The Museum" as stepping aboard is like stepping into a timewarp!).

Yes, stowage is a little on the tight size but what a nicely behaved boat. As some have mentioned it's somewhat alike to a Contessa 26 (I've formerly owned one of these too) but it's main cabin headroom is astounding and she does feel bigger than she is. She tracks beautifully when trimmed correctly to the point that an autohelm is not needed, is dry (unlike the co26!) and very seakindly. Also, despite being layed up like a plastic tank, she is no slouch either!

Sleepless in Hampshire.

 

[V1701]

Thanks again for further replies, have now had an offer accepted on a Vega and very pleased. She has a good newish sail wardrobe, 2003 engine and well looked after...

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Good for you! I hope you have many years of good sailing in her.

 

[RabT]

keep us updated

Thanks again for further replies, have now had an offer accepted on a Vega and very pleased. She has a good newish sail wardrobe, 2003 engine and well looked after...

I am also looking at Vegas (and Sabres), slightly jealous!

Would be keen to receive feedback on your experiences with the Vega, please feel free to share any thoughts either here in the thread or via PM.

 

[Seajet]

I am also looking at Vegas (and Sabres)

You might be a lot happier with a Vega...

 

[Kelpie]

Thanks again for further replies, have now had an offer accepted on a Vega and very pleased. She has a good newish sail wardrobe, 2003 engine and well looked after...

Fantasic news
£12 joining the VAGB will be money well spent.
We got our Vega this time last year and it's been great to have the association to fall back on for help. Welcome to the family!

 

[RabT]

Vega vs T31?

I am also looking at Vegas (and Sabres)

You might be a lot happier with a Vega...

What about a T31 for even less money than a Vega?
Admittedly it needs a bit of TLC .... it just seems a lot of boat for the money.
The more time I spent thinking about it, the later in the season I will get started... this is really difficult.

 

[Bajansailor]

Going back to SCODs again temporarily, here is an article for John from YM 15 years ago about them.

 

[Nick Rogers]

I remember when I worked at C&N Gosport in the 1960’s the first Nic26 was being shipped to France for a boat show and the driver drove under a low bridge and wiped the boat.. there was a lot of activity to recover the situation. Peter Nic was not a happy man.. I see there is a Nic 26 for sale in the Glasgow area on Gumtree.. She looks from the photo to have the well known rudder problem..