Vivacity 650/Leisure 20

[jwood]

I am struggling to make my mind up as to which of these two boats to opt for - I have come across tidy examples of both recently but would appreciate any thoughts from people with experience of either, particularly regarding sailing performance.

The Leisure is a twin keel, the Vivacity a fin keel.

Many thanks!

 

[PBooth]

Hi There,
I can thouroughly recommend the Vivacity 650. Mine is a bilge keel version so I expect the fin to be even better. My vivacity sails very well for the size of boat and will sail to windward with only the genoa or mainsail up, also she is a very dry boat, I guess the full width coach roof adds to the freeboard so I very rarely get water in the cocpit. The outboard mounting on the transom is a good feature, you don't have to hang over the back to operate the controls and being able to steer with the engine makes for great manouverability ahead and astern (I have a 4 stroke Tohatsu saildrive). Headroom is limited, but otherwise the boat is very roomy for her size.
Hope this helps, Regards, Peter

 

[DanTribe]

I helped a friend deliver his Viv 650 fin keeler from Burnham to Ijmuiden some years ago.I found the boat very pleasant to sail, responsive and surprisingly quick.
We had a fairly breezy end to the trip, top end of force 5, but never had any worries about the boats ability. The owner then spent 4 weeks cruising the Dutch canals with wife & two kids without a mutiny, so a versatile yacht.
I have never sailed on a leisure 20 but have overtaken many. They do not appear to be sparkling performers.
Good luck with your quest.
Dan