Nich 40 ??

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We are thinking of the great escape and looking at a Nich 40 - are there any owners out there who can pass on info about this boat - we own a Nich 32 at the moment and want to move up to something a little bigger.

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the version i saw was a deck saloon layout with a very attractive aft cabin but for some strange reason had 2 cockpits with the wheel in the isolated aft one, most inconvenient for changing watch at night.

a friend was a bit disparaging about their sailing performance but that's very subjective so would advise a test sail.

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We used to have a Nich 35, and as we wanted to live aboard we also looked for larger. We have seriously considered the Nic 40 AC (which is the most common layout) and found it an absolute beauty, but a little cramped for a 40 footer. The AC (Aft Cabin would be slightly overstated) is not really practical, it is really a large lazarette. I have never seen the Nich 40 DS, but if you look at the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.kingsyacht.com>King's Website</A> and go to the Nicholson archive, you will find that the DS version does not look very nice. Also you can see what Nichs are for sale.

If you will be living aboard while cruising in a nice clime, I think the Nich 40 might be a good choice. For us it was different, we are not yet cruising (rat race not over yet) and we are definitely NOT in a nice clime. So we chose the Nich 48 (cockpit nice and covered)

I've seen that there's a Nich39 for sale with King's. We had a look at one as well, the accomodation was very spacious for a 39 footer, only we found the cockpit concept not one of the nicest (too high up, really on top of the boat, as the walkthrough is also galley and needs full standing headroom)
Apart from that, I think it is a real Nicholson and might be suitable for you. It's not as handsome as a Nich 40 though.

Let us know what you end up with (I'm sure it will be a Nich again, there's really nothing else, is there....)

Happy sailing



<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by heerenleed on 28/01/2004 13:31 (server time).</FONT></P>
 
Re: Nich 39 same as Nich 40?

Brian,

I too have a Nich 39 which I bought in Mylar a couple of years ago. Paid far too much for her (59000) and have so far had to re-wire, re-instrument (couldn't get the parts for the B&G). fit a holding tank, new calorifier, new fridge compressor, new sails and more. By the time she goes back in the water in March overall cost would be in region of additional 25000 but will be as good as new.
In the last two years my wife and I have sailed her for about 3000 miles in all airs from nothing to force 10 and always felt safe.
Even after all the leaking of money I'd do it again. Fantastic boat!
May I wish you joy in refitting yours.
The comment on the cockpit being too high is not really valid. It helps when coming along side and feels extremely secure in bad weather.
We intend to do a runner next year and sail into the sunset. Dream coming true!

Nigel.

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Re: Nich 39 not quite the same as Nich 40!

C&N used the Nich39 moulds to produce the 40's hull, but they added some length. So yes, the 40 is based on the hull of the 39, but not identical.
And, Nigel, of course you are right about your cockpit. After all, she is a Nich and would behave like one.

We are working on our web site which will tell you what we have repaired, replaced, overhauled or changed on our Nich48. I think ours lists are rather comparable. I'll let you know when it's on air.
You would not, by any chance, have some of your old B&G stuff for sale, would you? We still have the old Hornet 2 but the wind direction device on the masthead set is broken, also we have some trouble with the boat speed indicator.
Thanks for letting me know if you have any spares left.....

happy sailing

<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands
 
Re: Nich 39 same as Nich 40?

I can vouch for the fact that it is neglected - the entire combined forum has never ever paid any attention to Brians new boat which amounts to several millennia of no maintenance whatsoever.

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Re: Nich 39 not quite the same as Nich 40!

Sorry Peter,

All disposed of last year. I had the same problems as you both wind indicators and log. Tried for 6 months to obtain spares but in the end installed ST60 depth, log and wind instruments and a S1G autopilot. Cost an arm and a leg but well worth the expenditure.

Nigel

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Re: Nich 39 not quite the same as Nich 40!

Thank you for your kind offer, Brian.
Yes, if it is not too much trouble for you to bring it back, it's certainly worth the trouble for me to try and sort it out.

Of course I'm in the Netherlands, but I have a lot of business contacts i n the UK so having someone collect the stuff from you should not be a problem. Just let me know whatever is convenient.

cheers

<hr width=100% size=1>Peter a/b SV Heerenleed, Steenbergen, Netherlands
 
Re: Nich 39

Hello Nigel,

I too bought a Nic 39 3 years ago now and have so far fitted a complete new engine and gearbox. I'm currently, as she's out of the water fitting some new B
&G wind + direction mast head unit - I'm surprised at others also stating they've had a problem obtaining spares - I comtacted B&G and for the Hornet 2 equipment they've provided me with a complete new unit - Does this mean when I fit it it won't work-I'm wondering if I've missed something?
Do you still have the old Neco autopilot unit like we have? Is the new one man enough for the job.
I have the original owners manual and lots of A0 drawings if anyones interested I could copy them.

Graham
Graham.

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Re: Nich 39

Yes Brian your right, the replacement masthead unit was over £400, so if your doing a refit, at those costs it doesn't make sense. The pigy bank is all spent up at the moment and am trying to get a few more years from the working kit.
What autopilot system have you got? I've been looking for a replacement but there seems to be lots of problems with the budget units?

Cheers Graham

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Re: Nich 39

Hi Graham

I am after a copy of the manual for a Neco autopilot model 692 made in 1977. Would this be anything like the one you have? If so, would your offer to copy it be open to a mere Nich32 owner? (One day I'll move up the ladder.)

Thanks.
 
Re: Nich 39

I can supply copies of most Neco manuals. The Neco 692 of the late 70's went through several minor circuit changes so the serial number would help me supply a correct copy.
 
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Let us know what you end up with (I'm sure it will be a Nich again, there's really nothing else, is there....)

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Sorry heerenleed - but there is - a Rival - but I do agree Nicks are lovely boats - we just never found the right one at the right price and also weren't a fan of the DS layout.
 
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