Varne Folkboat

[Old Thady]

Does anyone on the forum have experience of Varne Folkboats? I'm considering one but what kind of problems can I expect? I realise they're getting on a bit.

 

[rob2]

I must start by stating that I don't have any first hand experience of the VF. I own a Weston 8500, which is the last variant of the Varne 27 and have sailed a Varne 27 too. Through the Varne Owners' Association, I have spoken with and heard from quite a number of Varne Folkboat owners, though. They are simple boats, like the original Folkboat and there is little to go wrong with them. The hull is to the original FB design, whilst the coachroof was designed by Alan Hill to suit GRP moulding and to extend the accomodation a little. Comparing pictures of the Varne with a modern Nordic Fokboat, the quarter deck of the Varne is shorter and I believe the main companionway bulkhead also moved a little aft to split the gains between cockpit and saloon (not entirely sure on that point, though). The displacement and ballast weight limits are the same as the FB, although I don't know for sure whether they race under the same handicap. I believe they don't race within the one-design fleets unless entered in the "cruising" fleet, but a thorough reading of the Folkboat Association's rules should make this clear, as the Varne Folkboat is specifically addressed in the rules. The hull moulding is smooth surface as with a carvel constructionm whereas the Nordic Folkboat is a simulated clinker finish. The Varne has an inboard engine with shaft drive though most have probably had new engines in their lifetime by now.

From everything I've read, the boat was soundly built and only has problems if previous owners have done something ill-advised to them. I can't offer to put you in touch with any owners without their permission, but I'll post a link on the VOA forum - let's hope some owners will get in touch with you here.

Rob.

www.varne.co.uk

P.S. Let me know if you would like to see anything from the members' only areas of the website - send me a PM with your email address and i can send copies. Always willing to accomodate a potential member.

 

[Old Thady]

Thanks Rob2. I've sent you a PM.