Nicholson 32

[Slick]

Would anyone care to share any views on the best Mk to buy, its for extended two handed and occ single handed sailing.

I have done plenty of research, just looking for some more friendly advice, thoughts.

Best rgds

 

[Deleted member 478]

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry, but I can't offer any opinion because I don't know the Nicholson.

 

[Neraida]

Happy Birthday John!

 

[Neraida]

As far as I know, you can't really go wrong with a Nic 32 of any mark. Seakindly, swift and well put together all of them.
I'd say just find one "that feels" right and go for it, your head has made a good choice, now let your heart do the rest!

 

[MASH]

Not that I'm biased or anything (!) but before I bought my Sadler 32 I looked at several Nic 32s and found the Sadler offered a similar solidity of build but with far more space and without the maneuvering difficulties associated with a long keel.

Anyone with experience in both these types care to comment?

 

[graham]

I have heard that the early ones needed some stiffening forward to stop flexing.Have you tried ordering copies of old PBO /YM reviews?

 

[Topcat47]

Contact the association. I believe it's thriving. The guy who sold me my 26 went on to a 32, then a 35 and now a 45.

Personally I think it's a no-brainer. Buy the best one you can affford, in the layout that suits you best. The early ones can show some osmosis but the lay up is so strong, it's not critical and even if your broker gets snotty about it and you have to epoxy the bottom, there's plenty of material to work with

 

[Deleted member 478]

Thank you

 

[jamesjermain]

All Nich 32s are good but there was a general improvement as time when on. Although there are eleven named marques, in practice only four are significant. The first seven were almost identical. Altough great sea boats, the interiors of these are showing their age. Mk VIIIs from 1970 onwards have squared windows and an upgraded interior. Mk Xs from 1972 had cosmetic changes and the Mk XIs, the final version, were probably the best. The Nich 32 evolved into the Nich 31 which was slightly shorter, wider, lighter, had more sail area and, consequently more performance. It was much bigger inside. Personally I'd choose a Nich 31 but purists might suggest a Nich 32 Mk X or XI.

(Sorry - 100 words)

 

[Metabarca]

Sorry if it's beside the point, but have you had a look at the Centurion 32? Same vintage, extra-solid boat and very well finished below decks.

 

[A_7]

Another vote for the Nic 31. Give me a shout if you want to look one over. It is in Cowes.

 

[Slick]

Thanks everyone, Im looking at a MK VIII, the X onwards dont look quite as pretty to me, and the 31 just a little too much money though worth it im sure.

Yes been in touch with the association, very useful/helpfull, and plenty of back copy articles.

The Sadler and Centurion though pretty boats share a very small issue in that the prop is unprotected. I live in an exposed part of Med and share my sailing area with plenty of fisherman, and also use the same streach of river. Manuvering isnt too much of an issue, at least backwards anyway!

Thanks again, best rgds

 

[cerro]

hello slick, I have a MK V111 1970 and I sail alone they are a very good sea boat as everyone has said. The flexing all boats have been done now so there is no problem with that . another problem that a few boats had was the tiller was offset and it needs a new woodruf key makeing to line the tiller up fore and aft just done mine but not all boats have been done. you will find all boats have damp readings after 35 years in the water but its nothing to worry about if you need anymore info please get in touch. bye the way mine is for sale if you e-mail me I will send you details cerro