Sadler 34

B

boathead

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 Jun 2007
Messages
154
Location
Far North Scotland - Caithness.
Visit site
High folks

One day soon I may do something other than ask lots of questions of you all, but here we go again: Can you give your opinions on the Sadler 34 as a go anywhere boat. I am being told they are well built, and despite the fin keel ( in this particular case it is a shallow fin) it would prove sound for more than just the Atlantic circuit and the Med. However my prejudice is stopping me accepting that a Sadler 34 in the Southern ocean is not as happier home as a traditional long keeled Warrior 35. You may have more space on the Sadler but would it really ride out the bigger blows without turning me grey???
 
I have had the pleasure of owning a Sadler 34 (shallow fin) for several years. I have no experience of the Warrior 35, so can't comment, but I have great trust in my boat to look after me. I know someone bought a brand new one and sailed her straight back to Japan. Try MikeLucasYachting site for more information.
 
No experience of warrior but sailed in company with 2 x Sadlers in the carib last year and both have done the full circuit. We even raced in Antigua with one. Lovely to sail too. If you need more info I can put you in touch with skippers.
 
This message is for yourself and for Rosa; thanks for your replies and apologies for not being on-line to reply straight back. The Sadler is very spacious inside compared with the Warrior, and that is very tempting/ It's just my deep rooted bias against anything that hasn't got a long keel. My lack of experience of fin keels and all the 'old sailores tales' (I am one myself!!) make me assume without thought that you wouldn't want to be in the Southern Ocean in one. Nonsence I know, I am after all more than happy to rely on modern navigation aids so why not modern keel designs?

Thanks again.
 
I was looking at Sadlers a few years back but ended up with a Bavaria. The keel length debate when it gets rough is more about how you sail the boat, I've sailed Rival 38's quite a few miles as well as Warrior 35, Twisters, Halmatic 30, Sweden 38 and my next boat will almost certainly be a fin keel with South America as a cruising goal.

One thing to look out for on the Sadlers is any soft patches in the foam core on the deck, many were used as charter or school boats and may have a had a hard life at some time in the past.
 
Actually I take the point you make about sailing schools and for that matter the charter market seriously because I would need to be looking at the lower end on price (30/35k) which would mean looking to the older harder used examples, so I will pay attention to the deck as you suggest. I have been 'chasing' the Warrior 35's available in the u.k. and not being able to make any deal on the few good examples, in the course of this my partner became less and less happy with the living space on the Warrior (we are in the process of selling up, cashing in..... but you can't live on my current boat), hence a 'rethink' and so the Sadler34 has come into the frame, anyone know of a deep fin version in the u.k. for sale for 30k?????
 
[ QUOTE ]
I was looking at Sadlers a few years back but ended up with a Bavaria. The keel length debate when it gets rough is more about how you sail the boat, I've sailed Rival 38's quite a few miles as well as Warrior 35, Twisters, Halmatic 30, Sweden 38


[/ QUOTE ]

Is thtere any notable difference in the cruising speed of those models you have sailed from your observations ?
 
Not a huge difference as I never push a boat too hard if I'm cruising, I estimate around 5-5.5 for passage planning.

I don't really think it makes much difference as a long passage is a long passage whether its 5 or 6 days. Fully crewed we averaged 7.5 on the Sweden for nearly 15 days, but there were a few breakages and worn fittings at the end.
 
Hi,

know of a good example of a wing keel version for sail, owner has just bought a new boat. It sails really well and eats up the rough weather no problem. As far as I'm aware they are also supposed to be unsinkable, this may be a safety feature in itself, is insulation in colder climates with no drips apparent another advantage!?!

See YBW.com, sure he is open to a sensible offer.

Good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Had a Sadler 34 as family boat, didn't go any further than cross channel, but certainly a capable boat.

Other than the foam core another thing to watch out for is the lower chainplates. Under the deck there is a stainless "knee" which is used to bring the loading further outboard, and ours had an abrupt 90 degree angle in it that is prone to cracking at the weld. As others have done, we had a rounded section welded in at this point. To spot if the knee has already given, look carefully at the deck around the chainplates to see if it has lifted at all, indicating the knee has gone.

Other than that, lovely boat.
 
Hi: I have sailed Sadler 32 and 34 extensively (South Atlantic, Indian Oceans and Caribbean; Gulf of Mexico) and recently did a crossing on a Warrior 35 from Azores to Ireland.

The Sadler 34 is a much better boat all round, space, comfort, ease of sailing etc. The Warrior is difficult to get out of marina berths, especially if a strong wind is blowing, because of the long keel; is very tender; and, the aft cabin is only usable for storing sails etc. In the Azores we had a Sadler 34 berth near us in a very rough anchorage, its movement was far less than the Warrior.

Lastly, in rough seas the Warrior cockpit, all be it a center location, was difficult to stay wedged in as it is too wide at its fore edge; you also have to sail with the wash boards fitted at all times as the cockpit opens directly into the cabins and any wave breaking into the cockpit immediately floods the cabins.

The Warrier I sailed leaked a lot, especially from the portlights, not sure if this a feature of the design or just that I was on a poorly maintained vessel.

Sadler 34's are fine vessels and will take you anywhere. The foam filled hull also is easier to heat when in high latitudes.
 
Sailed a Sadler 34 in F8 conditions on a number of occasions - boat took it in her stride. I have no doubt she could take more.
---------------------
hammer.gif
Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity
 
Most well-balanced boat I have ever sailed. A good choice IMO, although the layout down below is a bit old fashioned compared to modern benjenbav caravan style interiors. Spacious compared to the Warrior though.

- W
 
Re: Sadler or Warrior?

Re the Warrior 35, you could perhaps also consider the Challenger 35 which has an aft cockpit and a better accomodation arrangement - we have one and are very happy with her.
However the Sadler 34 still has more accomodation, and is easier to manoeuvre - ours lives on a swinging mooring, and we never go near marinas, and I wouldnt like to have to try to get her into a tight marina berth, especially if there is tide involved as well.
More info about Warriors and Challengers (and also Voyagers, the deck saloon version) at http://www.sail-trek.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top