Small Yacht Advice

[Tranona]

Sea Wych mentioned earlier in the thread.
Don't sail as fast as most or point as high as many.
Weather helm? ... you learn how to sail it.
Pretty seaworthy. I knew someone who sailed one round Britain and then to the Med and back.
Active owners association.... comprehensive manual available to members ... technical advice panel to answer questions ... rallies and social events.

Accommodation runs rings round others the same size.

Almost without exception home built so quality of fit-out varies

Never come across a disappointed owner

Brings back memories! - Your sail number is only 4 after the one I built. I lived in Banbury at the time so visited John's factory regularly before and after we bought it. I, like many owners did a bit of customising. I bolted the windows on as I did not like the rubbers and panelled the cabin in wood. On the Saildrive bit, I worked for Seagull at the time I owned the boat and it very nearly got one of their Saildrives, but fortunately I "left" before the engine was ready. Godd thing as it turned out to be a dog! I suspect the one for sale has an early Volvo which probably does nothing for weight distribution!

This thread reminds me how much choice in seaworthy small boats there was 30 years ago!

 

[Fire99]

This thread reminds me how much choice in seaworthy small boats there was 30 years ago!

I was a wee lad 30 years ago so i'm less qualified than many to comment but I would wager, as with cars, our pre-occupation with size and greater and greater requirement for living space below decks smacked the small boat market.

Also a boat builder told me that profit margins are much better on a larger boat as (within reason) it simply involves a bit more GRP and a few more fixtures and fittings where the core labour costs remain effectively the same.

But this thread has certainly opened my eyes to some cracking little vessels out there.

 

[gavin400]

Arden 4.

24ft, built on the Clyde, 'proper' yacht (not like toadys 24 footers).
50% ballast ratio, will take anything you throw at her.

Can't seem to download photo

 

[gavin400]

Photos attached?

 

[Tranona]

I was a wee lad 30 years ago so i'm less qualified than many to comment but I would wager, as with cars, our pre-occupation with size and greater and greater requirement for living space below decks smacked the small boat market.

Also a boat builder told me that profit margins are much better on a larger boat as (within reason) it simply involves a bit more GRP and a few more fixtures and fittings where the core labour costs remain effectively the same.

But this thread has certainly opened my eyes to some cracking little vessels out there.

Probably more to do with how rich we have become as a society over the last 30 years. When I bult my Seawych I thought I had made it (nearly) - what I really wanted was my mate's dad's Sabre then I could really go places. Never dreamed I would comfortably afford (like so many others these days) a 37 footer.

But all those boats are still around and you can buy for 10% of the average wage, whereas mine cost me more than a new car at the time - and then only if I saved the £500 screwing it together myself!

 

[Spuddy]

A Halcyon 23 just gone for £300 here. Inboard diesel in unknown condition, no sails, looks very neglected. I bet there's lots like this in the unfashionable yards which have been abandoned and yard is trying to get at least a little of charges back. That one is a bit of a plodder and needs some time spent on her - but the cosmetics can be done out of season. I'd rather have something with better performance but can see the virtues of the family boat with tender so kids can learn to row. I got what I thought was a bargain in similar circs but have spent disproportionate amount on vital bits since. It would have been more sensible to spend a bit more and get a boat more fettled but then I didn't have the bit more to spend. Worth having a serious thought about how well you want the boat to sail - not necessarily hair-raising racing but un-barge like behaviour. Find a small friendly club and hitch a ride to get a taste of different type

 

[David_Jersey]

Re Corribee one of its snags is that the cockpit floor is not far above the waterline so with many people on board they tend to get wet feet.

LOL - that brings back happy memories of wet socks It's "only" ever 1/2 inch or so of water - but it gets round a bit . On a nice day shutting the drains sorts things out, otherwise the quick fix is.........wellies or bare feet (My Corribee ownership was pre-Crocs ). Adding a grating also helps.

On a general note, for this size / value of boat I would favour an outboard both for ease & cost of replacement and also that the outboard is unlikely to be the 25 year old original - unlike any inboard or saildrive installation. Not to say that any outboard that comes with the boat will be A1, but if push comes to shove one can either fit an e-bay special or splash out on a new outboard, get the use out of it yourself and when time comes to sell you can always sell the outboard seperately (or keep).......and fit the boat with an e-bay special

Indeed if I was tempted by a small / cheap boat with an inboard I would have one eye on whether I could later simply fit an outboard if the engine goes tits up

 

[Fire99]

Indeed if I was tempted by a small / cheap boat with an inboard I would have one eye on whether I could later simply fit an outboard if the engine goes tits up

That's sounds advice.

Outboards aren't perfect by any means (security being one issue) but a very small boat with an old & unusual inboard installation would be perhaps a concern too great for me.

 

[ninky]

Also a boat builder told me that profit margins are much better on a larger boat as (within reason) it simply involves a bit more GRP and a few more fixtures and fittings where the core labour costs remain effectively the same.

i've often wondered with those ridiculously priced boats at the southampton boat show what is actually so special about them? same winches, hatches etc as cheaper boats. i guess after a certain point much has to do with status and snobbery.

 

[Fire99]

i've often wondered with those ridiculously priced boats at the southampton boat show what is actually so special about them? same winches, hatches etc as cheaper boats. i guess after a certain point much has to do with status and snobbery.

Well the theory is sound. A certain well known car manufacturer break even on it's 2nd smallest car and actually lose money on the smallest model even though they are great sellers.

It's also easy to make good money on the 'extras' since all the core fittings are already there and it's easy to add the optional items and charge a healthy premium for them in the process.

 

[Fire99]

Well I've gone and done it!!! and should hopefully be collecting a triple-keel Snapdragon 23 tomorrow.

Was the best balance of boat/included kit and hopefully will be a good introduction into Sailing boat ownership.

However, the only fly in the ointment is that i'd like to keep her afloat for much of the winter and need a cheap mooring for her (either on a swing or drying mud)

Does anyone know of anywhere cheap and 'functional' in the east Essex area. Crouch, Blackwater, Thames, Roach area that may be suitable??

I don't think the sailing club where she is moored will allow a 'wildcard' member and don't do winter afloat.

Many thanks,

Nick

 

[Cloona]

Looks a bit precarious ! Not wearing a LJ either by the looks of things. I bet the Autohelm was sailing the boat too!

ok - gentlemen (?)

later in the day the sun was still shining, you woulld be uncomfortable in the glare without some eye protection - and you can see lifejackets are being worn - We had a fabulous reach back to Pompey from Chichester. I don't know how to work GPS let alone an autohelm and I sail without electricity so apologies for being a person who enjoys the sea and the wind without a computer.

Had a good time recently ?

 

[Lakesailor]

I think you may find that Vic's comment was about his own boat pictures, following my Spiderman comment.
If you don't want to wear LJs (and I rarely do) rejoice in the fact we have choice, at the moment.