Request info about Atlanta 31

[david41]

Shipmates,


I am very seriously considering buying an Atlanta 31 ketch rig circa 1985 inro £25000. Does anyone have any information about this class, basically a Colvic hull, bilge keel. Are they good sea boats, how do they handle, a recent survey did not mention anything to worry about so far as the hull, rigging etc, but the engine is a Ford Transit diesal conversation job - what are they like?? Any knowledge of blue water voyages completed by similar vessels? All replies greatly received.

 

[GeoffW]

If the hull is to Colvic's usual standard then it will be very solid.
The rudder fittings etc will also be over engineered.
I have not sailed the Atlanta, it may be slow in light airs, but will look after you in a gale.
I took a Colvic Coutess 28 down the Alderney Race in F9 NE gale, the boat was fine and kept the crew safe.

 

[Paragon]

Ahoy there!

I used to have one of these and liked it for UK usage. It was a fairly dry boat but did have a tendancy to roll and needed steadying mizzen up to calm it down. Not very directionally stable so required autopilot for any lebgth of time or to be actively steered. The reasonably large cockpit combined with the wheelhouse was a good compromoise with the english weather.

I had a Perkins 4108 and I'd say a reliable engine is a must with these as they are very much motor sailors rather than pure sailing yachts. The one I had was home completed and quality ranged from good to rather less so, but the hull & superstructure was strong. I had twin bilge keels with the long central keep that, in theory, meant I could dry out. Never did try it though in practice.

Anything specifically you'd like to know then PM me.

Regards

John