Sadler 26

[Boomshanka]

I'm interested in a Sadler 26 and would welcome some opinions before departing with cash (I've looked on the search function, web, Mike Lucas' site, etc - would get a survey - but the more upfront info the merrier). I've heard osmosis can be a problem (with the in-hull foam bouyancy) - any particular areas to look out for though? Any other gremlins to look out for on a 1983-1985 version? Any particular keel type to go for or avoid?

I'll be based in the solent (marina berth), I have (in my opinion) limited sailing experience (although I have a day skipper theory and practical), would like to build up hours/confidence, sometimes sailing with wife and 2 young kids, would like to get to a stage of comfortable single-handed and/or more adventurous destinations (cross channel or further).

Any stories about owning/sailing a Sadler 26 would be much appreciated.

 

[Athene V30]

Have a look at this link

Sadler 26

Just a little shorter but beamier than my boat so should have more internal volume. Not sure what space is lost by the 'unsinkability' foam.

 

[Sans Bateau]

We owned a Sadler 26, bought it by accident really. We were looking for an Etap 26 to replace our 22 that we had grown out of. We were shown a Sadler 26 'as an alternative' (the broker had one for sale!). The one we looked at and bought had all new upholstery and an oil lamp on the bulkhead, SWMBO, was sold!

The Sadler 26 was our first 'real' boat and taught us much, it was very forgiving and let us have our first taste of coastal cruising.

The osmosis theory is most likely true, ours was treated for the condition as part of the agreement when we bought her. Another thing that was a bit niggly was the stanchion posts that went into a socket in the GRP deck, this invariably caused cracking. Good sized cockpit locker, gearbox a pig to get at.

With two youngsters it should be ideal. The saloon table makes a comfy wide single berth, meant to be double but that would be a bit tight. A quarter berth to port is a good size and there will be loads of room to tuck your little sailors up in the fore cabin.

On deck sail handling is easy, single handing will be a breeze, all lines lead back to the cockpit and the boat will steer itself, set up correctly.

 

[Gin]

We like ours too, it is a deep fin which on the East Coast is perhaps not to everyone's taste but would certainly be good for you.

One thing to watch out for is the bow sections below the waterline after years of thumping to windward can result in the internal buoyancy breaking up and leaving voids.

This was found by our surveyor and the vendor who was as surprised as we were was a gentleman and had the internal mouldings port and starboard from the bulkhead to the bow, below the waterline cut out, a cruciform strengthener installed each side, the moulding restored and the cavity refilled with new foam. This may not be common but the fix cost £2k, so get your surveyor to carefully tap the hull in this area.

I find stowage a little sparse and access to the engine is a PITA to say the least!!

Handling is great, the mainsail is very small though so it is a genoa driven boat

 

[Boomshanka]

Many thanks for the pointers... much appreciated

 

[EdLow]

We are also looking at a Sadler 26 but have been unable to look around one to see if it would work for us. We would really appreciate it if a friendly owner based in the Solent area (we're based on IOW)would be able to spend a little time showing me, my wife and 9 year old daughter a 26. Thanks