Nicholson 32 Mk1

Roach1948

Roach1948

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27 Apr 2006
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www.dallimoredesigns.nl
Just wanted to know what the panel thought of these (almost) classic yachts?

They look like they have an oversized SCOD underwater profile. I wonder if they sail as well? Suitable for extended voyages? Any endemic problems and maintenance issues?

Interested in your views........ Thanks.
 
I think it was Halmatic that laid them up not Camper. Yes they do have Osmotic issues, same as Nicholson 31 I believe. Most have been epoxied. Some have been peeled and layers of epoxy cloth added.
 
I've no personal experience (for which I blame my bank manager) but PBO's 'Which Boat' publication of a few years ago had them as one of their featured boats. Introduced in '62 and, as one poster has already said, moulded by Halmatic. Note that among the many mods during the Nic 32's long life was an increase in freeboard of 3", and an increase in loa to 33 feet, so sounds like Mk1s may be wetter, and significantly smaller inside, than later versions.

Which Boat said "... when you appreciate the fact that most 'modern' middle of the road designs of a similar length displace 50% less, her lightness on the helm is surprising. One skipper recalls how his wife regularly steered their boat to windward, with her hip, while continuing with her knitting. The only time she (the boat) needed a firm hand was in heavy quartering seas. Either way the Nic is an excellent sea boat, ideal for a husband and wife team - without being slow or stodgy.
The only question mark was over a slight tendency to osmosis during the early years. But a thorough survey should put your mind at rest. Suffice it to say, construction is substantial, and every boat came with a Lloyds Hull Release Note."

Early boats, PBO says, "arrived wit varnished mahogany interiors, petrol engines and a price tag of £4,900". Those were the days!
 
If only I had the pennies!

A friends son got one a few years back, and I was invited down to Haslar for moral support, we had full sail up as we came back in, had left in a flat calm, and it built gradually, we had no reason to doubt the broadcast that it had built to force 7, but the boat handled so well it could have been 4 to 5!

I found it easy for single handed, the long keel and weight meant it was slower off the mark, but once it got rolling it inspired confidence. I liked the layout and accomodation. Do not recall what Mark it was, but a lovely classic boat, and one I would still like.
 
I own a Nicholson Jolina 35 (Real classic ) has same lines as 32 and is alleged to be forunner Fantastic to sail balanced and responsive, But don't try to go backwards....
 
Not ever sailed a nic 32 but have a nic 36 and I love it. I am under pressure from SWMBO, now we have two daughters to get something more modern (aft cabin). But until the girls come sailing more often will stick with the nic. Great for singled handing and you can go for a sail when there is a good breeze. Spent three days singlehanded in Lezardreux and Treguier after easter (from jersey) and had a great time. Hopefully Ireland over the summer. Also still good for an afternoon sail around the bay. ALL old boats need a good checking through, but for me osmossis can probably be lived with, but a sound rig, steering and good engine would be more important. The hull on my nic is about 5/8" thick at the thinest, plus the aluminium ribs and at the bow I could not drill though the laminate to put a new fixing in the drill was not long enough!

Good luck with it. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Incredibly strongly built, certainly very seaworthy but not in my experience the nicest boats to sail. Balance OK to windward but driving hard offwind (racing) hard work to steer. In the days I sailed other peoples cruising boats they were never my "I'd really like one of these" sort.

Lots of osmosis (quite a few have now had two osmosis treatments) but the work was probably unnecessary, or done too early. They are getting old now.
 
I wouldn't worry about osmosis, its all hype. Most older boats have it. When did anyone hear of a boat sinking due to osmosis?
 
Fabulous boat. Great value for money.

Sturdy, all weather passage making cruiser of impeccable pedigree which will look after you when the wind picks up.

As mentioned earlier, the long keel makes going astern a bit of a coin toss, but I had the 38 and managed reasonably well with the problem.. smile

Comparitive boats to look at would be the Contessa 32, Vancouver 28, Nicholson 35.. (possible the best boat ever built..).. all more expensive but hold their price, and offering alternative options.

Worth popping down to Kings yachting (I think their in Beaulieu now) if your gonna buy a Nicholson .. The people there have encyclopedic knowlage of these boats..
 
We had one in the family for 20 years. My rating would be as follows:
Solid - Yes.
Comfortable - Hmm...Compact is a better word when compared to more modern boats.
In harbour handling - Great going forwards and a disaster going astern.
At sea handling - Great, just don't over press downwind.
Performance - surprisingly quick when sailed well

Ours was hull number 50 (IIRC) and was next in line to the one Clare Francis sailed singlehanded across the Atlantic (one hell of a lady to do that!) and was a MkIV.
Ours was treated more than once for osmosis but with the massive hull layup, I wouldn't worry too much.
The later MkX & XI had 6" added to the topsides but the cabin height was reduced to keep it in proportion. However I always thought they were much better boats.

Cheers
 
I worked a schoolboy at Halmatic during the early 1960,s as well as Camper and Nicholson in Gosport. The Mark 1 Nic 32s were laid up with two gelcoats, and as far as I know there are no problems with them. Later on, the second gelcoat was stopped and it was those later ones which had osmosis. During the onset of GRP replacing wood/plywood etc, the product was not well understood so there was tendency to over engineer, and as a result GRP boats in the 1960's have stood the test of time rather betters than many built in the 1970's
 
The chap next to me in the yard is selling his as he is off working abroad, and I have to say her Classic Lines appeal and look of solidity. Not really made a concious decision to upgrade, so thanks for all of you in helping me understand yachts that I like, its helping me with the lay of the land.
 
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