Shipman 28

[BChandler]

I am considering buying a SHIPMAN 28, 1`m aware that the space down below is not great but also been that they can be difficult to sail. Could present and past owners please comment.

Bryan(bchandler)

 

[ronniewood]

Space below is typical of the era but the berths are a decent length and the interior is quite light and airy due to the largish windows.
Internal finish is usually a mixture of wood and grp mouldings, not great but depending on how well kept is o.k.

Not sure about the comment on hard to sail, as if properly set up I thought the performance was good with the longish keel and narrow waterline line making for good windward performance.

Definately get a thorough survey as I have seen a few rough ones due to neglect.

 

[WayneS]

I have just completed my first season in one. I'll PM you with my phone number.

Cheers

Wayne

 

[g_s_millington]

Had one for 12 years, a fine yacht which we cruised from the North of Scotland to South Brittany from our base in Strangford Lough.
It is a good sea boat although it can be wet.
By the way it is 29 feet long.
Now have a larger Yacht in the same style.

 

[claymore]

I realise that this is in dreadful taste but if you buy one, please call it harold.


regards
Claymore

 

[WayneS]

Did you go ahead with the purchase?

Cheers

Wayne

 

[homa]

I disagree with your comment that they are difficult to sail.
I owned one for 5 years and had some super trips in her.
The Shipman is a light displacement fin keel boat and sails very well in light to moderate airs. you need to reef early as she sails best upright. The original Farryman 12hp engine is very reliable. The only thing I had go wrong was the starter motor at the beginning of a 2 week cruise of N. france. Was not a problem 'cos it started by hand first time every time. You can't do that with the new diesels nowadays.
The cockpit is long and great for lounging or entertaining.
I replaced the original windows & put in a new clear forehatch - probably the best thing I did to the boat. Gave lots of light to the forcastle.
I moved the battery from the keel to a saloon locker (incase the bilge overfilled & flooded the electrics). Put the Fresh Water in the keel instead of under the forecastle bunks to lower C of G.
The boat was light on the helm & could not be left unattended e.g. to go forward to the mast. If you plan any single handed sailing an autopilot is a must. With the autopilot anything is possible. I managed to fly a spinnaker on many occasions single handed. she was a super boat, & I would not hesitate buying one again when if requirements changed.
My father who knew everything there is to know about boats described the Shipman 28 as "a poor mans contessa 32" and I recon that's a pretty good description.
Happy sailing..

 

[csaba]

I agree with you about sailing her, I have one and love her, reef early for my family's sake. I have been trying to get a clear forehatch window for two years unsuccessfully. Any comment about the manufacturer? Thank you

 

[G12]

Although this thread is from 2002 I will add what I know as an Ex-Owner.

Found mine great to sail in light airs - But..... had to reef super early, excessive weather helm (yes the rig was set up properly), couldn't leave the helm unattended even for a few seconds, very very wet, water collected on the lee side deck because there were no drains in the toe rail midships, rolled like a pig at anchor - far worse than any of the surrounding boats, cramped forepeak which was shared with the heads..... I did some miles in her but I was glad when she sold.

 

[Mrnotming]

Some were built by Kennedy in Dublin as the Lambay 28 and perhaps one or two in Malahide by Laurence Archer.
There are some about that were moulded by fiberman in Limerick and finished by a Cork yard!
They need to have had careful attention in their lives, osmosis is present, but some will have been hauled each season and do not develop the measles.
Their owners have a lot of fun racing and cruising in Dublin Bay, many are part owned by say 3.4 persons to be affordable.
The last one I looked at had a superb interior, beautifully maintained by one owner from new.
They cruise from Dublin to France regularly and seem very happy with the seakeeping abilities of these vessels.
I remember meeting the designers son, whose name escapes me presently.
The shipman modest dimensions mean a berth is seldom refused in even crowded marinas.

 

[Mrnotming]

Some were built by Kennedy in Dublin as the Lambay 28 and perhaps one or two in Malahide by Laurence Archer.
There are some about that were moulded by fiberman in Limerick and finished by a Cork yard!
They need to have had careful attention in their lives, osmosis is present, but some will have been hauled each season and do not develop the measles.
Their owners have a lot of fun racing and cruising in Dublin Bay, many are part owned by say 3.4 persons to be affordable.
The last one I looked at had a superb interior, beautifully maintained by one owner from new.
They cruise from Dublin to France regularly and seem very happy with the seakeeping abilities of these vessels.
I remember meeting the designers son, whose name escapes me presently.
The shipman modest dimensions mean a berth is seldom refused in even crowded marinas.

link:http://www.irishshipmanassociation.com/gpage8.html