PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
Within your budget and nicely suited to your cruising area (bilge keels) this might be worth a look, only at Heybridge. Westerly Discus, successor to the W33.
Sadler 29 or westerly 33
- Thread starter Lynnwell
- Start date
Within your budget and nicely suited to your cruising area (bilge keels) this might be worth a look, only at Heybridge. Westerly Discus, successor to the W33.
richardbrennan
Well-Known Member
There's a Fulmar on the Westerly Owners Website for sale at £22500. Might be worth a look.
nicappotamus 2
Well-Known Member
Decide whether you want bilge keels or fin.
Bilge = great for shallow waters/drying. fin performs better.
bilge keels = less choice of boats, and I thinks sometimes higher prices. Fin = so many boats you'll be spoilt for choice.
the sadler imho is a better "sailing boat" in terms of balance, and actual performance, but the westerly is a heavier, roomier boat that you could probably live on but won't be as sharp at sailing. I like both and own a sadler 32 at the moment.
I don't think either boat is better - for us in the solent seemingly constantly tacking into a headwind I preferred the Sadler; if we were staying on board/living on board then might have gone westerly
Bilge = great for shallow waters/drying. fin performs better.
bilge keels = less choice of boats, and I thinks sometimes higher prices. Fin = so many boats you'll be spoilt for choice.
the sadler imho is a better "sailing boat" in terms of balance, and actual performance, but the westerly is a heavier, roomier boat that you could probably live on but won't be as sharp at sailing. I like both and own a sadler 32 at the moment.
I don't think either boat is better - for us in the solent seemingly constantly tacking into a headwind I preferred the Sadler; if we were staying on board/living on board then might have gone westerly
Graham376
Well-Known Member
If that £25k is the total for survey (don't buy without a survey), necessary work, updating equipment, insurance and first year marina fee, then you should be looking for a boat nearer £20k. As you will soon learn, anything labeled as "marine" doubles the price so, buying the boat is just the start of the financial pain.
johnalison
Well-Known Member
Although the OP says he has worked on a prawner, it is unclear how much experience he has in handling a boat in narrow spaces, or sail handling. While the larger boats mentioned will be more comfortable inside, much depends on how confident he is handling and sailing because any lack of confidence will be picked up by the family and is probably the commonest cause of disenchantment with sailing. 33ft is not a large boat by today's standards, and is smaller than most sailing school boats but can be daunting to someone not accustomed to boat handling, which is why I think that a boat in the smaller range might be better. The difference in speed is there, but not critically. What matters is that the experience for the family should be enjoyable. We greatly enjoyed our time on a 22' boat with two children, but maybe that is going a bit too far for today's generation of wives!
Buck Turgidson
Well-Known Member
20k gets you a much nicer boat than the two you've specified. Get on yacht world and refine your search to the UK 8-10m , 12-25k and there are plenty to choose from. You want recent sails and and interior that doesn't look like a tramps caravan. The rest is neither here nor there.
fredrussell
Well-Known Member
Forum rules dictate that I recommend my own boat to the OP, so, have a look at Parker 31s. I know of two that have sold for sub-£25k in the last year. They’ll dry out flat (lift keel), have excellent accommodation ( standing headroom throughout incl aft cabin) and will sail rings round every other boat mentioned in this thread.
Lynnwell
New Member
I worked on a prawn boat and skippered a 53 footer for 4 years in the wash so I am very familiar at narrow treacherous tides and sand bars and very shallow waters. As I said earlier I have very little experience on a yacht so I was going to do a course to get familiar with the handling side
Concerto
Well-Known Member
Getting some experience, especially for your girlfriend, is a very wise move. If she does not take to sailing, then you will have lost very little.
I am concerned that you intend to sail from the Wash. It is not a good sailing area and has very few places locally you can got to and you are dependant on the tide. I would strongly advise considering the Orwell as it is a safe deep water all tide river. There plenty of berthing choices from marinas and moorings, plus a number of yacht clubs. You can sail in the river or make passages to other local ports. It will increase the amount you use a yacht and your overall enjoyment.
PaulRainbow
Well-Known Member
I agree with your assessment of sailing opportunities in the Orwell area. But, there is nothing to be "concerned" about sailing in and around The Wash, although, again, i agree that there are very limited places to go to. The OP is very familiar with The Wash, so it could well suit him as a place to practice his sailing skills. If he likes sailing i imagine he will very quickly get bored in The Wash though.
Charlie Boy
Well-Known Member
Why a Sadler 29? Have you looked at the Sadler 32? We chose the Sadler over a Westerly Fulmar, seemed similar space but better arranged, at least for us. Also there are a few on the market at the moment. If you are going to be sailing the Wash then I’d be looking for a bike keel.
Lynnwell
New Member
Its such a vast choice i had to start somewhere and their is so much choice so I'm happy for any advice on a good yacht. By the way the wash is no problem with local knowledge and its accessibility is fine even at low water. The only place you struggle is getting into the river end at low tide on a spring but all the channels have plenty of water , but I agree there isn't a lot to see on the east coast
peter gibbs
Well-Known Member
From experience and in light of your specification I can personally recommend either a Moody 33 or Westerly Fulmar. They should come in at under £30k each.
The Sadler 29 is a nice boat but smaller than the above and decidedly lighter on the water - a factor to consider with your lady on board when heading into a wave train or beating hard to get back to port. It would also be a bit tight for 4 on board cf the above.
Both Westerly and Moody have good users associations - a boon when something crops up and you want to draw on real experience.
Good luck
PWG
Lynnwell
New Member
Thanks for the advice
