ravicabral
New Member
(Yes - That should have read single cylinder.)
Are you still looking at a Seamaster sailer 23?
Why not go on the Seamaster forum and ask if someone can give you a test sail locally?
(You are welcome on Ariel but she is in the North East which is, probbably, not ideal for you.)
Having spent a lovely weekend sailing, I can add the following ....
Like most 23 footers, the ideal weather window for the boat is relatively small. However, she flies in light winds and we fly along at 6 knots reaching in an F3/F4. (GPS - not dodgey paddle wheel!)
Although she is quite happy sailing on the rail on the rare occasions when I feel the need for an adrenalin rush (or am too lazy to reduce sail), she is at her best when she sails flat.
We have the lifting keel version and I find that for upwind performance in stronger winds it is tricky reducing the sail plan and still pointing high enough. No doubt our ancient baggy sails don't help! I don't know whether your bilge keeler would be the same.
The Semaster 23 is also notorious for weatherhelm - especially when things get blowy. Some would say that this is just is the boat's way of looking after you.
For your requirement of a "solid boat to learn on" for a "new sailor", I think that the Seamaster fits the bill. (Of course, others (especially chandlers!) would argue that the best way to learn is to get a racy boat and get into competitive club racing!)
For your requirement of a "sea boat" ... others have commented that a 23 footer will always have limitations. This is compouded if you are looking for a bilge keeler rather than a deep fin or long keeler.
I can only say that Ariel looks after us in the big North Sea rollers. Like any little boat, she doesn't like steep breaking seas but she does battle on valiantly. If nothing else, she has taught me to respect the conditions alot more than a Swan 65 would have!
Rav.
Are you still looking at a Seamaster sailer 23?
Why not go on the Seamaster forum and ask if someone can give you a test sail locally?
(You are welcome on Ariel but she is in the North East which is, probbably, not ideal for you.)
Having spent a lovely weekend sailing, I can add the following ....
Like most 23 footers, the ideal weather window for the boat is relatively small. However, she flies in light winds and we fly along at 6 knots reaching in an F3/F4. (GPS - not dodgey paddle wheel!)
Although she is quite happy sailing on the rail on the rare occasions when I feel the need for an adrenalin rush (or am too lazy to reduce sail), she is at her best when she sails flat.
We have the lifting keel version and I find that for upwind performance in stronger winds it is tricky reducing the sail plan and still pointing high enough. No doubt our ancient baggy sails don't help! I don't know whether your bilge keeler would be the same.
The Semaster 23 is also notorious for weatherhelm - especially when things get blowy. Some would say that this is just is the boat's way of looking after you.
For your requirement of a "solid boat to learn on" for a "new sailor", I think that the Seamaster fits the bill. (Of course, others (especially chandlers!) would argue that the best way to learn is to get a racy boat and get into competitive club racing!)
For your requirement of a "sea boat" ... others have commented that a 23 footer will always have limitations. This is compouded if you are looking for a bilge keeler rather than a deep fin or long keeler.
I can only say that Ariel looks after us in the big North Sea rollers. Like any little boat, she doesn't like steep breaking seas but she does battle on valiantly. If nothing else, she has taught me to respect the conditions alot more than a Swan 65 would have!
Rav.
