Small Motorsailer

I've often wondered that Dan, can't see us ever not having a wheelhouse now we've experienced one for a few years. Trouble is there's a world of difference between a converted cockpit and a purpose built wheelhouse.
 
Most LMs made for the UK market do not have open cuddy style wheel houses but have a bulkhead and doors between the wheelhouse and cockpit.
One memorable day was sailing from Campbletown to Tarbert. Wind force 4 to 5 all day and right behind me. Continuous rain. Just set the Genoa, put on the autopilot, and shut the wheelhouse doors. I had to go out into the cockpit a few times to adjust the genny but spent most of the day warm and dry and having a great sail.

Ah, that may well explain it as he imported his one, I think, from Sweden or Denmark or somewhere vikingish. Only has a very small engine too, 12 or 15 HP twin cylinder jobby.
Happy New Year to all of you by the way!
 
Well within budget....

buckler.jpg


Personally though of the serious suggestions made I would go for either the Fisher 25 or the LM24.
 
Just happen to see this - I viewed the hunter pilot yesterday - it has everything (heating, bow thruster, auto etc etc and looks in good condition ! Not for me (decided on a Colvic Watson 28, I think) but understand very open to offers
 
Total thread drift, I apologise...but the earlier mention of the Frances 34 awoke only a very vague memory in me, so here's a picture to go with the name. Very nice yacht:

Frances-34-Hoofdfoto.jpg

You Barsteward! That is First Mates dream too!

Trouble is they only made half a dozen-or so an Irish owner told us in Ardglass last July.

Our current boat is perfect for us in good conditions but the lack of forward visibility from inside means we cant safely use her as a motor sailer by using the autopilot remote.

Saw another similar boat in Seaview Marina Wellington NZ a couple of months ago-a Gulf 34. Californian built, very similar to the Francis 34 pictured.

If we downsize I suspect something like the above will be on the list.
 
Just happen to see this - I viewed the hunter pilot yesterday - it has everything (heating, bow thruster, auto etc etc and looks in good condition ! Not for me (decided on a Colvic Watson 28, I think) but understand very open to offers

A fine choice. Good sailors from fifty degrees, loads of room and they hold their value. I think the 28 is the nicest looking of the CW's, the proportions are just right.
 
Last edited:
Just happen to see this - I viewed the hunter pilot yesterday - it has everything (heating, bow thruster, auto etc etc and looks in good condition ! Not for me (decided on a Colvic Watson 28, I think) but understand very open to offers

Hi Bill

Few can match the pedigree of the Colvic Watson and yes like all boats prices are negotiable, BUT, also remember like other boats 'you gets what you pay for' so look carefully !

Mike

Archivist for the Colvic Watson Owners Group
 
Last edited:
Sorry to resurrect an old(ish) thread but I have a question.

I understand motor sailors like the Fisher and Colvic Watson are not too good at going astern under power. Does having a bow thruster that can be used to keep the bow steady make this manoeuvre any easier?
 
so much depends on the prop spec and how you use the side thrust from the prop wash.

On my CW35, I very rarely had any difficulty parking. I may have had to go round 310 degrees in a R hand circle, rather than 50 degrees in L hand one, but very predictable, and they certainly 'sit' in the water and don't get blown sideways in the slightest puff.


However, a bow thruster would make life easier - as for any biggish boat.
 
I haven't read the whole thread, so apologies if this has been mentioned before...how about a centaur with a doghouse, I saw one in west Wales a while back and had a chat to the owner,he made the important point of being out of the sun whilst sailing.
 
Sorry to resurrect an old(ish) thread but I have a question.

I understand motor sailors like the Fisher and Colvic Watson are not too good at going astern under power. Does having a bow thruster that can be used to keep the bow steady make this manoeuvre any easier?

A bowthruster does make a difference, but not a huge one, it gives options and influences things. But on my CW35 you've got twelve tons of long keel beast and with a strong wind a bowthruster sometimes only works in an advisory capacity!

Going astern gets easier with practice and here the thruster really helps.
 
Top