Seadog Opinions

[Reverend Ludd]

I have been looking around for a boat to muck about in with my son.

I have found what I think is an excellent example of a Seadog waiting for a new owner. All being well hands will be shaken and deposits paid this weekend

My son is a bit concerned with the steering positon and the smallness of the cockpit. Other than that he loves it.

I on the other hand am saying "look we are on the east coast of the UK and it's cold and windy. Why be stuck out on your own at the back (aft cockpit stylee) when you can be cosy in a nice centre cockpit.

What does the team think?

Anything worth looking out for on these models, known problems ?
I have had a good browse on here and also found an owners group forum but my guess is that they are already converts.

 

[sailorman]

I have been looking around for a boat to muck about in with my son.

I have found what I think is an excellent example of a Seadog waiting for a new owner. All being well hands will be shaken and deposits paid this weekend

My son is a bit concerned with the steering positon and the smallness of the cockpit. Other than that he loves it.

I on the other hand am saying "look we are on the east coast of the UK and it's cold and windy. Why be stuck out on your own at the back (aft cockpit stylee) when you can be cosy in a nice centre cockpit.

What does the team think?


Anything worth looking out for on these models, known problems ?
I have had a good browse on here and also found an owners group forum but my guess is that they are already converts.

you will need to keep warm
it will take ages to get anywhere

 

[Reverend Ludd]

you will need to keep warm
it will take ages to get anywhere

Doesn't have much of a racing pedigree I'll agree, but at my age who's in a hurry

 

[sailorman]

Doesn't have much of a racing pedigree I'll agree, but at my age who's in a hurry

make sure you have plenty of FB pies o/b

 

[Reverend Ludd]

make sure you have plenty of FB pies o/b

I'm an old member of FB Anonymous.

 

[sailorman]

I'm an old member of FB Anonymous.

you wont starve then

 

[Tradewinds]

I had a Seadog from '84 - '88.

At that time my wife & I sailed in the Irish Sea - a great boat for those waters (& the N.Sea I think).

We were very fond of Luna.

They're really set up for for a couple without young children IMO. Sleep in the cosy aft cabin (no walkthru) & everything else in the main cabin. Heads is in the forepeak which has no berths but has a good sail & general storage area.

But, they are slow in light winds (the 36hp engine helps with that) but very capable in the heavy stuff. The cockpit felt secure & the steering position just seemed to suit the type of boat she was.

Problems - the usual check for osmosis I suppose & also the encapsulated main keel which can get damaged if drying out repeatedly on hard sand (say). As I remember, the ballast is concrete laid on a bed of sand within the main keel. The sand tends to compact over time leaving a void which is where the grp can crack longitudinally an inch or two from the keel base. It happened to me but may have been a one-off. Dead easy to repair though. Shouldn't be a problem with the soft mud of the E. Coast in any case.

The water tanks are in the bilge keels with a large drain plug at the base. I used to get a list when one tank was empty .


In my dotage I'd be quite happy to own another.

Hope this helps.

 

[Reverend Ludd]

Hope this helps.

Exactly the kind of thing i'm looking for, thanks.

 

[l'escargot]

I've had one for 5 years and have enjoyed mine. Good solid boat that will look after you in just about any conditions. You won't get anywhere fast but you will get there. The only criticism I would have is that you can't stretch out full length in the cockpit but you have the bonus of being able to sit out on a seat on the pushpit and watch the world go by - if it hasn't got one, get one made. Also get a full cockpit cover, it gives you so much more usable space in bad weather. You get used to the steering position and it makes you feel very secure. We are looking a changing becacause we want a bigger boat and I wouldn't't hesitate to have another centre cockpit ketch after my experience with a Seadog. They are a heavy lay up so osmosis isn't a particular problem, people tend to just grind out any small blisters and fill them. The windscreens and exterior woodwork can be a bit tired because of age but plenty of advice on replacing them on the owners association website. Have a read back through the forum it will give you some idea of the problems that you may have to deal with.

 

[seadog30]

Seadog Ketch

Had a Seadog now for 2 years, 110% the right decission for one or two people who just want to cruise arround.

When they were designed and built they were not a minimum cost light weight flyer all parts are built like a brick outhouse and if looked after should be good for another 40 years. We are still finding little design features.

Go to the owners website and you will find a ready source of advice.

Good luck

 

[Reverend Ludd]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Otter]

In my opinion they are one of the nicest looking boats around. They just look right. I also subscribe to the theory that the journey should be pleasurable not just quick, good steady pace & plenty of weather protection. I want more time sailing not more time in the destination marina!

 

[sailorman]

In my opinion they are one of the nicest looking boats around. They just look right. I also subscribe to the theory that the journey should be pleasurable not just quick, good steady pace & plenty of weather protection. I want more time sailing not more time in the destination marina!

Longer legs mean one can get to more distant places in the same sailing time with that same pleasure you mentioned

 

[Reverend Ludd]

Longer legs mean one can get to more distant places in the same sailing time with that same pleasure you mentioned

That's true, Poole harbour is full of chaps who would agree with you

Seriously though if you wanted to get places quickly a sailing boat of any kind is not the way to achieve it.

 

[sailorman]

That's true, Poole harbour is full of chaps who would agree with you

Seriously though if you wanted to get places quickly a sailing boat of any kind is not the way to achieve it.

 

[Otter]

If I wanted longer legs I'd fit stilts, the journey is the destination.

 

[pampas]

Personally I do not like the steering position and find also that the accomodation access is rather small for me, apart from that , well built and a good sea boat.

 

[jwilson]

I have been looking around for a boat to muck about in with my son.

I have found what I think is an excellent example of a Seadog waiting for a new owner. All being well hands will be shaken and deposits paid this weekend

My son is a bit concerned with the steering positon and the smallness of the cockpit. Other than that he loves it.

I on the other hand am saying "look we are on the east coast of the UK and it's cold and windy. Why be stuck out on your own at the back (aft cockpit stylee) when you can be cosy in a nice centre cockpit.

What does the team think?

Anything worth looking out for on these models, known problems ?
I have had a good browse on here and also found an owners group forum but my guess is that they are already converts.

We have sold several Seadogs, and almost all have had some degree of water damage to the bulkhead below the aft cabin hatch from rainwater tricking down once a small drain hole in the sliding track gets blocked. One of the most solidly built boats you will find. Steering box and rod linkages now getting old - look out for play. I am told the steering box is an ex car part.

 

[Reverend Ludd]

We have sold several Seadogs, and almost all have had some degree of water damage to the bulkhead below the aft cabin hatch from rainwater tricking down once a small drain hole in the sliding track gets blocked. One of the most solidly built boats you will find. Steering box and rod linkages now getting old - look out for play. I am told the steering box is an ex car part.

Funny you should say that be there have been signs of a leak on the rear hatch.
Nothing too drastic though.
Steering seems tight enough but will check again.

Cheers all, keep it coming.

 

[l'escargot]

Not all the steering boxes are car parts (some were off old Jags I believe). Mine is a Wichard. If you do find rot in the forward bulkhead of the aft cabin check the mizzen tabernacle too.