Sadler 29

[camilla]

We are in the very early stages of considering taking a year out to go to the Med, departing in about 18 months' time, and probably taking the canal route.
At present we have a Sadler 29 which we've owned for a couple of years & sail on the UK east coast. We've spent quite a bit of time and money on equipping and improving her. She has some possible advantages eg hull insulation, boarding ladder, reasonable headroom, soundness & reliability, familiarity, but is obviously much smaller than would be ideal.
Would we be mad to take the Sadler? Or could we make it work?
Here's the (additional) rub: we have two sons, currently aged 11 and 14, who might or might not accompany us but would be spending lengthy periods on board. We have never spent more than two weeks on board together as a family but after years of camping, and at one point spending holidays on a 16ft Winkle Brig, we are OK at close quarters living.
All views gratefully received!

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[lindsay]

The Sadler 29 is fine for the Med. I have been living on one for 6 1/2 years, albeit alone most of the time. For a short period - ie a year -I think it is far better to have something you are familiar with, can guide into new ports, marinas and anchorages when you may be having language and other difficulties. When something goes wrong you are more liable to be able to handle it, or at least direct repairs. The 29 falls well under 9 metres which in the marinas could save you up to 500 pounds a year, compared with over 9 metres. If you find it is getting crowded, just put up some of the crew in a nice, cheap pension and do short trips. This will cost far less in the long run than upgrading your boat. Keep the money you save to do something else. By the way, if you can live on it in the UK you can live on it anywhere.

Over the years I have rigged up a sunawning ( but not Bimini top), replaced sun damaged sails ( I actively sail 120 to 150 days a year) sail with four anchors and done quite a few other minor things, but nothing sensational.

Maker sure the engine is in VERY good shape before leaving. Maybe I am old and lazy but I do an average of 250 hours a year on the engine, but if you are a "purist"' and patient you can get by on less.

Lastly, do not think of selling it in the Med. There is no market for smaller yachts built to withstand the North Sea!

Send me a message if you want more info.

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[VicMallows]

Camilla,

A tip. If you measure your Sadler 29 strictly in accordance with the instructions for the SSR, you will find it is 8.22m and not 8.67 which is the generally quoted length. I have had my SSR document changed to reflect this, and presenting this at the marina office in France always gets me the 'under 8.5m' rate. Even more importantly, it gets you below the 25 square m threshhold for the canal vignette. Never seems to work in UK though!

I concure with others. The '29 is quite big enough for two to live on, and I'm sure you'd manage with the children .... they can always sleep in the cockpit!.

Of course it might hurt your pride..............

Vic

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[lindsay]

Metre mystery solved! Thanks. I have the British Ships registry where the Sadler 29 length is given as 8.38 metres, which, yes, does get me under the 8.50 metres mark with further savings. However I always thought it was the UK authority's inability to convert from feet and inches. To avoid telling a lie when checking into marinas when asked what the length is I simply point to the figures on the certificate. It has always worked.

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