Similar question to Chartscrubba...

[IanH]

but don't want to hijack his thread.

finally managed to persuade the better half that sail preferable to power especially on a limited running cost budget, capital v limited too come to think of it. We are at that very early stage, familiar to us from buying a mobo years back - since sold, of trying to understand what might be right for us. Live on IoM want to be able to cross in either direction but not in all weathers as well as probably get involved in not too serious racing and clubby stuff. Inexperienced, although some in dinghies, and will hopefully sort abit of that out through clubs etc in the two year we reckon it'll take us to scrape together the £10k or so to spend on a old something. The something is the problem.

Just go tback from a holiday in Weymouth where we spotted a rather nice looking, to our uninformed eyes, Westerly Tiger on at £9950, and a slightly less nice looking Snapdragon something about 24' but half the price. The Westerly had in mast furling main and self furling (I think) staysail. 5/6 berths.

Could the panel (forum) please let me know its views on our ambitions - are we bonkers - also in mast furling (think I've read negative comments on here), also fin keel vs bilge keel (what's the difference will both take the ground).

Sorry to ask what are probably completely dumb questions but I've got to start learning somewhere and you have been very helpful in the past.

Cheers

Ian

 

[agurney]

You could probably pick up an Albin Vega 27 for that sort of price. Sturdily built, plenty of space, good track record. However, for the harbours in IoM probably a bilge keeler would be more appropriate for you.

 

[Tranona]

Either of those are sensible pottering boats, but suggest neither suitable for racing. For £10k the most obvious is a Centaur. Loads to choose from and relatively easy to sell on when you want to change.

Most important issue is Condition, Condition, Condition. Replacement engine best - original is old, heavy and expensive spares - although fine if in good nick. Killer is that replacement is £3-4k. Similarly sails can easily eat up over £1k.

Twin keels are popular because you can then use drying moorings and access shallow water. Fin keels usually sail better but difference is less than you imagine. In mast very rare on this kind of boat because it was not "invented" till later so any one will be an "add on", many of which were not very satisfactory. Not really needed on this size of boat anyway - and most boats will be converted to slab reefing and furling headsail by now.

Plenty of other boats of similar size - the 24-26ft was the big seller in the 70's and 80s so plenty of choice. However, condition varies enormously as one would expect after 30+ years of usage.

Good hunting!

 

[snowleopard]

Just to answer the technical point - most twin keelers will happily dry out level. I wouldn't consider a fin keel if you expect to dry out regularly - it can be done, either alongside or with legs, but your chances of tipping over with disastrous consequences are significant.

There have been problems in the past with bilge keelers drying out in soft mud where the keels are forced apart as the boat goes down, causing hull stresses or even cracking. If you have a particular model in mind, check for other people's experience of their strength.

 

[Evadne]

Much as I love my own boat, I'd hesitate to recommend her as a family boat (ideal for just two though). The Elizabethan 30 fits the bill, although you may struggle to find one under £10k, both the 29 and 30 are competetive, the 29 on account of it's bandit handicap by all accounts. (I don't race mine but I know a man who does.) Other similar boats to the 29 also fall into the bracket of £10k, and seaworthy: Trapper, Coontessa 26 to name but two.

For taking the ground a Parker 27 would fit the bill as well, but again you'd be seeking out an old manky one at that price.

If you're willing to put in the time and mainteance, you can get a wooden boat far more cheaply than a grp one.

What I did was look at lots of boats with a fairly braod specification in mind, which I built up over two years of saving and reading PBO and YM, then throw half of that away when you see the one you fall in love with. Good hunting.

 

[Romeo]

[ QUOTE ]
Live on IoM want to be able to cross in either direction but not in all weathers as well as probably get involved in not too serious racing and clubby stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

Find out what other people are racing locally. If there is an active one design class, it is probably because that type of boat is well suited for the harbours and sea conditions locally. Preferably find out what other people with young families race in locally.

You should also bear in mind that a significant proportion of your budget could be eaten up travelling to look at boats and arranging the return of a purchase from the mainland. It is therefore good value to pay a bit more for a boat that is available locally.

Lifting keel boats that dry out on their Flat bottom, such as the Hunter Delta, are a vialbe alternative to the bilge keelers suggested above. Faster but a bit flightier, and perhaps a bit less comfy below. That having been said I would prefer to be in a Centaur if things look bad in the Irish Sea, but others may disagree. Although you might not want to cross in all weathers, you will want a boat that will look after you should you get caught out in all weathers.

good luck with you deliberations.

 

[ianat182]

If a newish engine has been installed the Tiger sounds like a good price with the in-mast reefing.There was a recent review of the Westerly range ,including the Tiger(and its 22ft sister Cirrus).
She is a delight to sail in light and strong winds.
I have to declare an interest ,I own one vintage 1973-4.
All are well built and as most boats of this vintage, some osmosis may be found but seldom serious structural problems. Whilst the Surveyor will pick up most problems do check the 'U'bolt fitting that the outer shrouds are attached to through deck that may show signs of bulging. I have modified mine to reinforce this area and made a new fitting to the deck and inner bulkhead DIYs/s brackets cost £30.
No doubt the Westerly Owners Association have a lot more information.
I wouldn't be happy to take the ground with the fin keel though. Good luck in your choice -whatever !!
ianat182

 

[IanH]

Thanks all for your replies and suggestions. I'm quite looking forward to the research and search.

Ian