Shallow Draft Cruising Boat.... Suggestions Wanted

[Romeo]

Mulling over a new second hand boat.

I would like the draft to be 3'6" or less, centreboarder would be fine. Must be able to take the ground comfortably in a variety of places. Standing headroom less important than shallow draft. For use in drying harbours of Scottish East Coast, and with a view to transiting (wide beam) canal system in Northern England (which I think tends to put me off twin rudder arrangements, as these would be vulnerable at the sides of canals).

Crew of up to three, with a very occasional fourth.

Suggestions?

 

[MASH]

Parker?

 

[onesea]

Trident 24?

 

[E39mad]

Budget? Size?

 

[Romeo]

Budget? Size?

Budget is not especially important, but no need for luxury and looking for second hand rather than new. Size I suspect is constrained by the draft, canals, and the desire to fit into smaller drying harbours, so I suspect we are looking at something between 26 feet and 31 feet, although happy to hear what folk think. I think the canals may be better served by a long shallow keel than a bilge keel, but interested in the views of others on that too.

 

[Seajet]

Anderson 26 ? If you don't know them there's some info on the website below.

Also there is of course the Centaur and other Westerlys, Hunters, the twin keel Trapper 500/501 is a good boat which often goes relatively cheap.

 

[Eyore]

Super Seal 26

 

[Seven Spades]

Southerly 110

http://www.sea-ventures.co.uk/featured-boats/southerly/110/323

 

[Kelpie]

Any considerations about the mast arrangement? Presumably you want a tabernacle for canal work?

 

[blackbeard]

I'm not a canal expert, but from looking at our local one:
a draft of 3' 6" could be a problem, I don't think the sill on a lock entry would accept it; and
there seem to be low bridges with a headroom above water level of about 6', so you would need to check the height above water level of stanchions, pulpits, tabernacles, masts in lowered position, etc. ; and
will depend on the canal, but a 26' boat could have too much beam for some locks.

Also, there is a reason why canal boats have a weed hatch. Not that that would bother you if you used an outboard.

Back to salt water; if you want to go into shallow tidal places, ability to take ground easily is as important as draft.

Edited to add: there are plenty of boats around which could fulfil your requirements, at least so far as salt water is concerned. And much fun to be had. Enjoy.

 

[E39mad]

First 26, 285, 29, 305 lift keel versions
Kelt 850
Southerly 28, 95, 100
MGC 27 lift keel
Feeling/Kirie range

 

[Romeo]

I'm not a canal expert, but from looking at our local one:
a draft of 3' 6" could be a problem...... ......and will depend on the canal, but a 26' boat could have too much beam for some locks.

Not looking to use it on narrow canals. Only crossing between the Humber and Liverpool/ Preston, where beam will not be a constraining factor for a boat of this size... but draft might be (not got detailed information on air draft yet). 3'draft would be better for the canals, but 3'6" should be ok.

(thanks for all the suggestions by the way).

 

[Cloona]

Not looking to use it on narrow canals. Only cro ssing between the Humber and Liverpool/ Preston, where beam will not be a constraining factor for a boat of this size... but draft might be (not got detailed information on air draft yet). 3'draft would be better for the canals, but 3'6" should be ok.

(thanks for all the suggestions by the way).

just another to suggest Trident 24 - 2ft 6in dt - tabernacle mast - strongly built for bumps on canal - comfortable - a few around at scaleable cost

 

[Romeo]

Yes, ability to withstand knocks, without me getting really cross would probably be a good thing for a project like this.

 

[onesea]

ok I owned one and did the homework to do the Kennet and Avon so a trident i think would be good bet but could still be bit deep on her bildge keels.

I had considered tractor inner tubes to reduce draft if stuck.

The other consideration for waterways is the boat safety scheme most boats will need mods to pass, particularly with an inboard engine and gas and heating and ventilation etc etc

A four stroke outboard is not an issue.

 

[FalMince]

As mentioned by E39mad the First 305 is a great boat, if you can tolerate the twin rudders i'd add the 311 Oceanis as 7'1 keel down gives a good bit of performance. The Kelt is also very well designed around shallow draft, always thought a twin rudder version would be almost perfect...

 

[LadyInBed]

Swin Ranger - 22ft LOA, 2ft draft, 6ft headroom.

 

[Uricanejack]

Mulling over a new second hand boat.

I would like the draft to be 3'6" or less, centreboarder would be fine. Must be able to take the ground comfortably in a variety of places. Standing headroom less important than shallow draft. For use in drying harbours of Scottish East Coast, and with a view to transiting (wide beam) canal system in Northern England (which I think tends to put me off twin rudder arrangements, as these would be vulnerable at the sides of canals).

Crew of up to three, with a very occasional fourth.

Suggestions?

I think there's a chap on here regularly called Dylan, rhumer has it he may have one for sale after the summer. current rhumer without a well. But things change.

 

[Uricanejack]

Anderson 26 ? If you don't know them there's some info on the website below.

Also there is of course the Centaur and other Westerlys, Hunters, the twin keel Trapper 500/501 is a good boat which often goes relatively cheap.

What there an Anderson 26? must be a heck of a boat.:encouragement:

 

[Wooden Boat Fittings]

Definitely a bilge-keeler, in my view. A Buchanan YM 3-tonner draws only 2'-9", although she will only accommodate two in comfort. Why not check out any of the Maurice Griffiths or other designs here? -- http://www.eventides.org.uk/plans.htm

Mike