very interested in buying one of these - a 1983 model. Can anybody give me pros and cons - i have been to mike lucas/sadler web sites, both full of praise, but I'd like to hear of any weaknesses!
I have sailed two Sadler 34s and own a Starlight from the same builder. They truly are wonderful boats - excellent seakeeping qualities but fun and quite fast. I am not aware of any negatives beyond those that you would expect from any 18 year old boat. Mike Lucas really is the expert so I would call him - very helpful nice guy
Hi John
My and partner and I are cruising the Indian Ocean (not in a Sadler) but Graeme did do an ocean passage on a Sadler 34 so could probably give you some advice - you can contact him direct on khulula64@hotmail.com because he is in Thailand at the moment and our yacht is on the hard whilst I am visiting family in England. He's a bit busy at the moment so he might not be able to respond straight the way.
Julie
Lovely boats and great fun to sail. Generally well built and sensible offshore accommodation but:
Inner moulding method of construction plus rather narrow transom for the period means after cabin is small and stowage is limited. Galley is adequate but not top of the class.
Beware 'crunchy decks' Foam core breaks down (the Sadler is not unique in this) causing soft spots which can be quite expensive ro repair properly.
Handling down wind is slightly quirky with a tendency to lee helm, attempts to cure this can lead to heavy weather helm up wind. The very late, Stephen Jones keeled versions have much superior perfrormance in all respects but only a very few were built. The keel is still available, I believe, as a retro-mod - contact Stephen direct or Bowman Yachts who build the Starlight 35 with a substantially similar keel.
But this is all small beer when set against what is basically a damn good, all round, offshore cruising yacht.
