The hunt starts this weekend

[KREW2]

I hope to be going to Falmouth on Saturday to look at a few boats. I have just seen an Oyster sj 35 for sale. Lots of people praise their sea keeping, and sailing qualities, but the profile looks no different to any AWB, which I want to avoid, so what makes them better?
Cue sailorman.

 

[Cerddinen]

What makes them better? Stephen Jones as designer with a track record of success. Produced in the early-mid 80s so missed the worst of the rule-cheating distortions on late 70s boats and came before lightweight boat building.

 

[wotayottie]

If you fancy a modern "classic" have a look at a Starlight 35. I bought one this year and have been most impressed by its seakeeping ability. Small inside thanks to the Sadler type construction but a brilliant sailing boat.

 

[KREW2]

I take it that what your saying is that Oyster build quality makes it superior. As for the Starlight 35, very nice, but it's over my budget, I am considering the Sadler 34, anyone know how good the shallow fin keelers sail?

 

[flaming]

I hope to be going to Falmouth on Saturday to look at a few boats. I have just seen an Oyster sj 35 for sale. Lots of people praise their sea keeping, and sailing qualities, but the profile looks no different to any AWB, which I want to avoid, so what makes them better?
Cue sailorman.

Probably easier to start with "what is it about AWBs that you want to avoid?"

 

[FullCircle]

I hope to be going to Falmouth on Saturday to look at a few boats. I have just seen an Oyster sj 35 for sale. Lots of people praise their sea keeping, and sailing qualities, but the profile looks no different to any AWB, which I want to avoid, so what makes them better?
Cue sailorman.

Raced one of these for 2 years. Beautiful, but not quite as quick as the best sailed Dehler DB2

However, it DOES have the rule cheating waterline,as most SJs of the era. IIRC the boat waterline with no crew is something like 27ft, as the transom area going forward is out of the water.
Add crew in the cockpit, it lengthens a lot. Now lean it over at 20 degrees and it has much more waterline length.

Interior is a joke, and purely for racing. Good workspace for spinnaker packers though.

Wide decks and good working areas all round.
Runners rigging is a pain, and put someone strong on the runner winches, cos they do need to be tight.

Very tweaky and, as most of the era, a bit tippy-toe dead downwind.

Also achingly beautiful to look at, especially Grand Panjandrum, which is Hull no. 1 and made in could moulded. 100kg less, so rates higher, and struggles to make its handicap.

I would have one again, did loads of miles in it.

Around £19k-ish I guess?

 

[FullCircle]

I lied. £22500 in Kent....


Go to Clarke and Carter site and search SJ35.

 

[KREW2]

Probably easier to start with "what is it about AWBs that you want to avoid?"

I prefer an encapsulated keel, so my first choice would like a roomy contessa 32, but they don't exsist, so I am not ruling out the sadler 32, or a wing keeled Holiday 34 I've seen advertised for sale, it looks nice, built in SA I believe, but I know nothing about them.
Fullcircle, thanks for that info, I am looking for a cruiser. My wife fancies something a little more stable than our last boat, your excellent description makes the Oyster sound like a bit of a racing machine, so I think it will be off the list.

 

[Evadne]

If you like the older boat look then there's a nice Liz 33 on the EOA web site here.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Good luck with the hunt. I've found it difficult to find good kit at sensible prices, much of it has gone to Euroland.

 

[FullCircle]

I prefer an encapsulated keel, so my first choice would like a roomy contessa 32, but they don't exsist, so I am not ruling out the sadler 32, or a wing keeled Holiday 34 I've seen advertised for sale, it looks nice, built in SA I believe, but I know nothing about them.
Fullcircle, thanks for that info, I am looking for a cruiser. My wife fancies something a little more stable than our last boat, your excellent description makes the Oyster sound like a bit of a racing machine, so I think it will be off the list.

Crouch Sailing School have had a Holiday 34 called Paloma for years. It is currently for sale

http://www.crouch-sailing-school.co.uk/yacht-for-sale.htm

That has done service in all manner of conditions, which is probably a good recommendation. Rather better than the School Principals famous lack of culinary expertise.

 

[KREW2]

FC.....Yup! thats the one I've seen advertised I may come over and view it soon.
I will look at the liz 33 later, off to the dentist now, off to the dentist now.

 

[FullCircle]

FC.....Yup! thats the one I've seen advertised I may come over and view it soon.

Give me a shout and I will stand you a beer. Its 3 miles from me.

 

[photodog]

How about a She 36?

 

[LadyInBed]

• I prefer an encapsulated keel,
• first choice . . . roomy,
• I am looking for a cruiser.
• My wife fancies something a little more stable
• Oyster sound like a bit of a racing machine, so I think it will be off the list

.

Another convert to a Colvic Countess 33

Oh! I do miss the 'roll around laughing' icon​

 

[doug748]

How about a She 36?

A very attractive boat.

Not sure what your budget is KREW2, but my shout would be a Nicholson 35 more of a cruising design than the She but one hell of a cruising boat - many of the alternatives will have screw on keels..

 

[KREW2]

My budget is 40k max, and for that it would have to be very much up together. I've just looked at the Liz 33, it looks great, so thats one more for the list, but I am not going to go to spain to view the one you listed.
The Nicholson 35 is a joy to behold, it's just the age of them that puts me off. Having said that I will definitely view one.
FC if I drive up to Crouch it will be for an overnight stop, so I shall be able return the compliment.