Sadler 26 or 29 for single handed cruising

[Dittsum]

I am looking for either a Sadler 26 or 29 to cruise predominantly single handed along the Devon and Cornwall South Coast. I am 58, in good health and reasonably strong. I have owned and sailed smaller boats 18-21 feet and crewed on larger 35+ foot boats all round UK and across the Channel. I would prefer to go for the larger 29 but wondered whether it would be too much to handle and that I ought to go for a sadler 26. Any thoughts?

 

[seumask]

IMHO No real trouble single handing the bigger boat. I regularly effectively single hand our 32' Fulmar, having previously been a keen dinghy sailor. You need to think ahead and plan maneuvers. The biggest issue is usually coming alongside where plenty of fenders and a central cleat can be most useful. Obviously a good Auto pilot is the most helpful companion.
Others I'm sure will be along shortly to provide further enlightenment.

 

[pvb]

You'd have no difficulty on the 29. If anything, larger boats make for easier single-handing (up to a point, obviously). I singlehand a 37ft without problems.

As already suggested, a good autopilot is essential, and centre cleats make marina berthing much easier.

 

[Praxinoscope]

I'd go for the 29, still easily handled on your own , but obviously better accommodation. Definitely have a good autopilot.

 

[johnalison]

I have not single-handed a 29 but owned one for twelve happy years. I don't think it would be at all difficult to sail single-handed, and the extra space and easier motion would be an advantage. The only disadvantage might be that the 29 has quite a high freeboard for its size, making picking up moorings or going alongside just a little harder.

 

[SaltyC]

I regularly single handed a 31 footer without problems. Personally, although I have no personal experience of either, I feel the 29 would be better for the following reasons - Easier motion in a sea hence not as tiring, faster passage times - a boon when single handing, more space / comfort, copes better with heavier conditions. IMHO the additional size / weight would not be noticed.
Please note with no experience of either boat the comments are generic based on size alone.

 

[pvb]

I have not single-handed a 29 but owned one for twelve happy years. I don't think it would be at all difficult to sail single-handed, and the extra space and easier motion would be an advantage. The only disadvantage might be that the 29 has quite a high freeboard for its size, making picking up moorings or going alongside just a little harder.

My Bavaria 37 probably has even more freeboard; I use a Handy Duck to pick up moorings. Superb product, light and easy to use, and can be remotely unhooked.

Handy Duck on Long Extension Pole (156cm to 288cm)

 

[doug748]

Both would work well, with the usual, straightforward Sadler arrangement; tiller, the main sheet in front of you and winches to hand.
I would go for the 29, as well. At some stage you will want to cross the channel and the bigger boat will be more comfortable. The 26 has quite a full figure which doesn't help in the type of seas you often get in the West Country.

I singlehand all the time and if I had to change my boat the 29 is the one I would consider. It's a handy size yet big enough to have the feeling of a living space separate to the cooking arrangements, plus a good chart table. Well worth the small premium on the purchase price.

 

[Dittsum]

Thanks to everyone for your reassuring comments regarding the 29 which is good news.

 

[Daydream believer]

The bigger boat will be easier to handle. I have a 31 ft & single hand 2K miles PA. if I had known what I know now I would have bought a 35 ft model of my boat, Lots of models up to 37 ft are quite easy to handle, but must be set up right. Smaller boats can be tiring. Berthing is not hard, it just needs confidence,planning, preparation & practice

 

[V1701]

Either would be fine but the bigger boat, all things being equal, would theoretically be easier because everything happens a bit more slowly (with the caveat that the loads are bigger). It's things like having a reliable tiller pilot (and possibly a back-up of some sort, e.g. tiller tamer), lazy jacks for when you drop the mainsail, self-tailing winches, e.g. that make the difference. And sailing a bit differently than you perhaps might if you had crew, e.g. sailing on just the foresail works well much of the time. If I am getting decent speed on foresail alone I'm happy to leave the main alone. You might argue that to be lazy sailing but so what if it reduces stress and potential for things to go awry. Enjoy whatever you choose...

 

[jdc]

i had a 29 (hull #2, hull #1 was the wooden plug from which the mouldings were made) for 21 years, and during that time progressed (?) from bachelorhood to 5 kids. i sailed her single-handed quite a bit along the S and E coast and can't think of an easier boat for the purpose. An 'eee-orr' tiller auto helm is pretty essential for the motoring bits - she'll sail pretty well with only the tiller lashed, but motor in circles without a tiller pilot.

 

[hrchivers]

I have a sadler 29 which I singlehand, including some fairly long passages. Super boat, easy to handle on my own while big enough to be comfortable in port and at sea with a friend or two. If you have any specific questions please pm me, happy to talk.

 

[eddystone]

A slight plug for the Sadler 32 as an alternative - having a slotted aluminium toe rail is surprisingly useful singlehanded if you need to attach a rope, shackle, carabiner hook etc. anywhere along the length of the boat as well as the midships cleat. Unfortunately the 26, 29,32 or 34 for that matter have no bearing whatsoever on the need for sleep.

 

[PhillM]

Only issue is cost. Moorings go up .... but if that’s ok, then go larger. I’m sure there is no major difference in sh ability.

 

[lw395]

I am looking for either a Sadler 26 or 29 to cruise predominantly single handed along the Devon and Cornwall South Coast. I am 58, in good health and reasonably strong. I have owned and sailed smaller boats 18-21 feet and crewed on larger 35+ foot boats all round UK and across the Channel. I would prefer to go for the larger 29 but wondered whether it would be too much to handle and that I ought to go for a sadler 26. Any thoughts?

I don't think the traps for singlehanders vary much between 20 and 35 feet. bad planning, lack of sleep and not enough pairs of hands is the same.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Get the the 29 or 34 and a good autopilot to help you.

 

[johnalison]

A slight plug for the Sadler 32 as an alternative - having a slotted aluminium toe rail is surprisingly useful singlehanded if you need to attach a rope, shackle, carabiner hook etc. anywhere along the length of the boat as well as the midships cleat. Unfortunately the 26, 29,32 or 34 for that matter have no bearing whatsoever on the need for sleep.

I don't think the 32, being an older design, would quite justify the extra size, especially for a single-hander, and would be quite a lot heavier to manage. The forepeak in the 29 is actually nicer, with more headroom. Where the 32 gains is in the galley. The 29's is small but adequate, and you get used to it. The 32 is a bit steadier on the helm, but the 29 is light and pleasant. Although an autopilot is needed, under motor the 29 steers fairly straight, unlike my HR with a balanced rudder, which will veer off if not attended.

 

[Concerto]

I am looking for either a Sadler 26 or 29 to cruise predominantly single handed along the Devon and Cornwall South Coast. I am 58, in good health and reasonably strong. I have owned and sailed smaller boats 18-21 feet and crewed on larger 35+ foot boats all round UK and across the Channel. I would prefer to go for the larger 29 but wondered whether it would be too much to handle and that I ought to go for a sadler 26. Any thoughts?

Dittsum, welcome to the forum.

As others have already said singlehanding a boat is not difficult. Going slightly larger will always make things easier and more comfortable. You have not said why you have refined your potential choice to the Sadler 26 and 29. If your budget can be stretched to the low £20,00's then you could get a well prepared Westerly Fulmar. I am biased as I own one and sail almost it exclusively singlehanded. My avatar shows me singlehanding under spinnaker. If you would like any more detailed information I am a Westerly BoatLine member for the Fulmar.

This Fulmar is for sale and think you should consider it seriously. I have no connection to the owner, but I do respect the agent selling her.
Yacht for sale - Yachtsnet Ltd. UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales

 

[siwhi]

I would get the bigger boat. One recommendation is to get a copy of 'stress free sailing' by Duncan Wells. It's full of tips for shorthanded crew, especially close quarters maneuvering.