Powles 53 information please

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Seasonnet

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We have just purchased a Powles 53 called Sonnet. Great boat in its day and we hope to refurbish it to a fairly high standard, modernising all the systems etc. It has a pair of Detroit 8v71T engines which are in good order.

I am trying to find some history on this model and if there is a Powles Owners Association or similar.

I believe 14 were built but don't know how many still exist.

All and any information would be appreciated.
 
Seasonnet said:
We have just purchased a Powles 53 called Sonnet. Great boat in its day and we hope to refurbish it to a fairly high standard, modernising all the systems etc. It has a pair of Detroit 8v71T engines which are in good order.

I am trying to find some history on this model and if there is a Powles Owners Association or similar.

I believe 14 were built but don't know how many still exist.

All and any information would be appreciated.
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Is that the ex-Chichester Marina one? If so we were berthed next to her for a year or more. Owner was very enthusiastic. Looked in great condition and I'm sure that one had Detroits judging by the noise ...
 
Scala said:
Is that the ex-Chichester Marina one? If so we were berthed next to her for a year or more. Owner was very enthusiastic. Looked in great condition and I'm sure that one had Detroits judging by the noise ...
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To be honest I don't know. The one we have bought is called Sonnet and is on tbe hard at Compass Marine, Port Solent. The hull is white.
 
Scala said:
In fact it could be as that one has been sold, our previous boat is in the background of a Dickens' brokerage photo shot when that Chichester was sold, is this one your boat?

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No, this is one we saw on the internet after we bought Sonnet, which has a white hull. The blue looks good.
Unfortunately Sonnet is not in such good condition. In fact it needs a total refit. However this gives us the opportunity to modernise it fully.
 
Some years ago an owner of a Powles 38 created a website for Powles Owners, where he tried to get background on the company and pictures of the various models. He has long since sold his boat and stopped updating the site, it still exists though so may be worth a look:
White Coral
 
Seasonnet said:
I have been told it can sound like a Lancaster Bomber taking off!
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Well, not the same as 4x 27L V12 merlins. But certainly, werrr, "noticeable". ISTR that Sunseeker marketed some boats esp to US customers, with Detroits and used 'The sound of thunder' in the ads to make a feature of how loud they are.
 
Seasonnet said:
No, this is one we saw on the internet after we bought Sonnet, which has a white hull. The blue looks good.
Unfortunately Sonnet is not in such good condition. In fact it needs a total refit. However this gives us the opportunity to modernise it fully.
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Ah OK. Well best of luck with it, please consider doing a refurb thread on here with pictures. Good to see a potential classic coming back to life.
 
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Scala said:
Ah OK. Well best of luck with it, please consider doing a refurb thread on here wiht pictures. Good to see a potential classic coming back to life.
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I am currently considering writing a blog / keeping a record / whatever it is called these days. This site is a fabulous resource and is an invaluable knowledge base but, and no offence to the admins etc, it is a bit clunky for a refurb blog with videos, links etc.
That said I am a new member and may be missing something.

I am considering a Facebook page as I am famiar with that platform but also realise it has its downsides and is losing popularity.

All suggestions welcome....
 
MystereMarcus said:
Some years ago an owner of a Powles 38 created a website for Powles Owners, where he tried to get background on the company and pictures of the various models. He has long since sold his boat and stopped updating the site, it still exists though so may be worth a look:
White Coral
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It seems he quite an angry French man!
I will
Divemaster1 said:
Nice boat ! ... Those 8V/71's will be throaty if on straight pipes and if they are, I'd consider some big water traps in the engine room which would make her "more sociable....

Good luck !!
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We haven't actually seen her yet. An impulse buy!
I wonder if a valve system could be set up to go from straight pipe to large water trap depending on the occasion!
 
Do you know, for a moment I thought I just read that someone had purchased a 53’ Powles that needs a little fettling having never seen her............Welcome to the forum !! I’m sure she will look fantastic if you bring her back to her former glory.
 
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