Sadler 29 vs Sadler 32

[prepman]

Does anyone have experience of both vessels? I'm contemplating buying one (or the other). The extra length from an accomodation angle, versus extra berthing costs and ease of 'parking' is what I'm trying to figure out. From what I can deduce the difference in internal space isn't justified to go to the 32ft. Performance seems to point to the Sadler 29 as being suitable for my needs?
Does the extra 3ft earn it's keep?

 

[saxonpirate]

Does the extra 3ft earn it's keep?

In my humble opinion no, I reckon the 29 gives you more 'usable boat' for the money, but then I've never been that keen on the Sadler 32. My dislike is mainly for aesthetic reasons though... I can't stand that awful pinched stern and transom... there's your extra 3ft.

 

[forelle541]

I have a 29 that I got never having sailed one, I had a Folk Boat before and have been well impressed with the 29's turn of speed. It is also good on the river with just the Genoa.

 

[Kwik Decision]

Never sailed in a 32, but have looked round a few. There is very little difference in living space between the two, as others have pointed out. We chose the 29 for coastal sailing mainly because there are a lot more twin keel ones, plus it is a bit cheaper to park, and it is double skinned, and therefore "unsinkable". If sailing performance is your thing, the 32s should go faster. I suspect they are more seaworthy than the 29, if you are wanting to cross the Atlantic, but having said that at least 2 29s have done the Arc.

 

[VicMallows]

Can only agree with all comments so far. If a 'classic' turns you on, go for a 32. If price and accommodation are more important I'd be choosing between a 29 and a 34.

Vic 'SUNDASH' Sadler29

 

[johnalison]

I had a 29for many years and our friends had a 32, so I know them quite well.

In both designs, the shallow options sail far worse than than the deep fins, with exception of the lifting-keel 32 which isn't at all bad. I have always regarded the 32 as a "lads" boat rather than a family cruiser, though it will do that too. The 29 is more comfortable in harbour, with more headroom forward and a better heads, though the galley is a bit minimal.

The gear on the 32 is somewhat heavier to handle.

At sea, there is not much difference in speed, with the 29 having the edge in some conditions. Above force four, the situation is quite different and the 32 is a much more weatherly boat and will walk away from the 29 to windward. They are both good boats of their time, but the 32 is about half a Beaufort force more capable, though I wouldn't have changed our 29 for our friends' 32.

 

[prepman]

Thanks to all for your input.
It does tend to confirm what I thought about the Sadler 29. As a bilge keeler already, I will probably want to stay with the keel type, for access to moorings. But with splayed keels, so not sure how they take to the ground. The Vivacity is built like a coffee table and takes soft ground without problem. Are Sadlers like the Westerleys i.e. flexing on soft strata ? I know that the bilge keels get 'panned' occassionally on performance to windward. A couple of degrees makes a big difference on distance. Having just been recently rescued by the RNLI when beached in surf (channel buoy incorrect) and the keels kept me squarely beam on to the pounding waves, I was not as in love with them then. I was curious how a fin would have behaved. Would it have swung keel into surf and let anchor pull the bow to point? Releasing the anchor was a nerve wracking event. At one point I was thrown over side, hanging by one arm as the keel slammed down for the 10th time. Did not fancy going under it. Stops boredom?

 

[Kwik Decision]

Twin keel 29s take the ground quite happily, and no flexing so far that I've noticed (parked on a semi tidal berth, and we sometimes run up the beach when cruising).
While I used to do a lot of racing (on other people's boats) I'm now firmly a cruiser, and dont do sailing to windward for any great distance, so performance to windward is not a huge issue. Having said that, progress to windward is good for a bilge keeler.
Can't comment on performance when beached in surf, but pleased you survived!
I recommend the Sadler owners club, as you are thinking of buying - I think you can join the forum without needing to join the club as well.

 

[Cantata]

Had a twin-keel 29 for 5 years in a mud berth, no problems with the keel joints with mine or any that I'd ever heard of. They are strongly-built boats. As above, mine sailed brilliantly up to about a 4, (actually an excellent light-airs boat) but in 5 or more the windward performance can start to suffer - you need to keep her pretty upright because in a chop the root of the windward keel starts breaking the surface and leeway gets excessive.