Smallest boat for coastal cruising

[Wansworth]

Back in the early 70 s I spent a summer cruising the south and west coast in a 15 footer looking back it was in many ways the most relaxed sailing and cheap.Thedown side was limited space for any visitors .As I am downsizing I reckon a little 22foot Macwester would be ok .Cheap to run minimum maintenance and good sailing in normal summer weather.No need for showers as pleanty of marinas and. Porta poti is now quite acceptable.Propulsion by outboard or even sculling.

 

[Kukri]

This little thing, which I owned from 1973 to 1983, and is now in Scotland (present owner’s picture, not mine) has been the length of the Channel and across the North Sea and most recently up and down the Hebrides. 18ft, built in Trincomalee in 1947.

 

[JumbleDuck]

This little thing, which I owned from 1973 to 1983, and is now in Scotland (present owner’s picture, not mine) has been the length of the Channel and across the North Sea and most recently up and down the Hebrides. 18ft, built in Trincomalee in 1947.

I think I may have met her on Kerrera. Young lad on board, coming from or going to Ireland?

I had many happy years sailing a 21' Westerly Jouster on the West Coast and if it was just me I'd happily do it again. I'd miss the oven and the icebox I have now, but both of these could be added.

 

[DownWest]

I will let you know. Out in the shed, a modded 15'4" design is taking shape. Bit longer at 17' and a bit. Cat yawl, cabin for two with space for a potti. Very simple, but with a shallow long keel and 200kg of lead, so I don't have to leap around so much as my unballested faering needs (creaking bones).
My FIL loved his Westerly Nomad out on the Chesapeake, only 21ft, but a good little cruiser.
Didn't Annie & Pete Hill convert one to junk rig to fill in while building Badger?

 

[Kukri]

If I were doing it now I would want a Hunter Europa. 19ft x 6ft x 3ft. "A Squib with a lid".

 

[Wansworth]

In one of my books is an account of cruising in a Nomad around the area of the Carolinas thedown side was lack of ventilation in rainy hot weather but the Nomads area also a possibility.

 

[DownWest]

If I were doing it now I would want a Hunter Europa. 19ft x 6ft x 3ft. "A Squib with a lid".

We used to build trailers for Squibs. Found Oliver a nice guy. But the HE would be an interesting proposition for a quick camp cruiser.

 

[DownWest]

Oh. 'Shoal Waters' with Frank Stock would be the definitive coastal cruiser. 15ft. No engine. But a wonderful feel for the conditions.

 

[KINGFISHER 9]

Vertue ... nothing else will do (for me anyway!) .... :encouragement:

 

[johnalison]

I admire those who can cope with small boat cruising at anything like my age. I can conceive of the possibility of getting a day-boat of around 15-18 feet for messing around in but for cruising I have turned into a total wimp and appreciate the comfortable berths, heating, hot water and access to fresh food from the fridge. I did my bit in 20-something footers when I was young, but there wasn't an occasion when getting a bigger boat didn't bring more enjoyment.

 

[DownWest]

I admire those who can cope with small boat cruising at anything like my age. I can conceive of the possibility of getting a day-boat of around 15-18 feet for messing around in but for cruising I have turned into a total wimp and appreciate the comfortable berths, heating, hot water and access to fresh food from the fridge. I did my bit in 20-something footers when I was young, but there wasn't an occasion when getting a bigger boat didn't bring more enjoyment.

While nostaga can be wonderful Blokes like Frank Stock enjoyed it until he could not pull up the anchor. Then passed it to another guy who is doing the same thing (Lots of vids online) Little boats do tend to be used more.

 

[Egbod]

Charles Stock sailed Shoal Waters which was based on the 16' Fairy Falcon. Later another one was built called Marsh Bird. Shoal Waters is still cruised on the east coast, based on the river Blackwater.

 

[JumbleDuck]

If I were doing it now I would want a Hunter Europa. 19ft x 6ft x 3ft. "A Squib with a lid".

I'd love to do some coastal sailing in my Hunter 490 (one inch shorter than a Wayfarer) but alas she has to go. Sniff.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

A small Macwester is a good choice. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, indestructible, dries out upright, can take rough weather, very forgiving.

 

[Mataji]

Have sailed on a Macwester, not impressed. Far better choice for about the same amount of money would be a Hurley 22. Choice of bilge or fin keel too.

 

[johnalison]

Our old Westerly Cirrus was a lovely little boat. It sailed well, about the same as the Hurley, and you could almost stand up in it.

 

[Bobc]

My dad's first boat was a 21ft Vivacity 650. We went everywhere in it (2 adults and 2 kids).

Not sure you'd get me out of the Solent in one today.

 

[Wansworth]

Have sailed on a Macwester, not impressed. Far better choice for about the same amount of money would be a Hurley 22. Choice of bilge or fin keel too.

You would be surprised at the speed of the Macwester 22!

 

[Halcyon Yachts]

I have spent a fair bit of time sailing an Oysterman 16... Very solid little cruisers!

Pete

 

[Appledore]

A small Macwester is a good choice. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, indestructible, dries out upright, can take rough weather, very forgiving.

I agree. I have a Macwester Rowan, and they are often for sale at very low prices. Mine is a long keeled version, but very often they are for sale with bilge keels. Inside heads department. Mine has a Yanmar 1 gm 10 plus an outboard bracket on the transom. Been over the Channel several time, and one Rowan even circumnavigated in the 1980's. Easy to work on, but needs a good sized Genoa for light winds. I've reached over 6 knots several times.