This is why I love my Starlight 39

[vyv_cox]

When they were new there were lots of questions about how long the foam filling would last. That might still be a relevant question. Single skin equals much better value, more room and more future proof.

Very few Sadlers have problems with the foam. Mine is almost 30 years old and all foam I have been able to inspect is in perfect condition. I have read of owners who have water between the skins but I suspect this is due to adding fittings without isolating them from the foam, or maybe use of the shower (a disaster on these boats). There are disadvantages to double skin, internal space in particular, but the advantages pretty much outweigh them - complete absence of condensation, plus quietness and insulation.

 

[Seajet]

A friend who is restoring an Anderson 26 - also double skinned with foam buoyancy - raised just such concerns in a chat last night, and I mentioned your findings Vyv, which seemed to allay his fears; he was just going through one of those mid-project down periods, not helped by his being a perfectionist and it's taking years and £££, I fear she'll be splendid for someone else if he's not careful...

 

[Way]

Really great clip. Always loved Sadlers and then my brother and I fell in love with the Starlights. Never heard a bad word said about either the 35 or 39 and they look superb.

 

[Seven Spades]

I have not heard of any Starlights with any problems with the fillings at all.These comments crop up from time to time without any foundation. Starlights were built by three companies, Sadler, Bowman and rustler, but Rustler only built 35's (Mine is a Bowman hence the slightly different interior). CR Yachts bought the 47 moulds and re-engineered it and called it a CR470 sans foam, I believe that CR yachts took a lot of the weight out of the boat, which will have improved its speed but I wonder if the reduction in weight has other consequences in terms of comfort.

 

[Seven Spades]

If you look at the back end of the CR470 it is rather distinctive:-

 

[westhinder]

We were beating towards Oostende on Easter Sunday in about 15 knots apparent with full sail, when a serious squall hit, with gusts of 25-30 knots. As we were very close to the harbour we just pressed on, with a good deal of weather helm, but in perfect control and speed over 7 knots. We even managed to take a phone call from a friend who was watching us from the 26th floor of the Europa tower, telling us it was time to take a reef.
So far I haven't ever had the boat round up, I must try harder ;-)