Westerly Fulmar - Only Estuary/Coastal capable?

Sticking my neck out a bit...
hanging dagger / spade rudder
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Perhaps the surveyor is suggesting that there is nothing to protect the rudder (e.g. a skeg or a long keel) and this could cause issues for blue water cruising. I've noticed that many of the ARC abandonments are caused by steerage failure.

(of course you could always ensure that you had a suitable jury steering system and this wouldn't be a bad idea for any boat, long keel or not).
 
Amp1ng said:
I am particularly intrigued by the scope of following opening statement in the report:

"This Westerly Fulmar GRP bermudian rigged mast head sloop is an estuary / coastal rigged yacht with twin cast iron bilge keels and hanging dagger / spade rudder"
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It would be interesting to know what else the survey report says. I can quite easily imagine 2 Fulmars, one well eqipped and set up for offshore sailing, and another with limited safety/emergency equipment, limited sail wardrobe, very basic nav and communications and and so on that could truly be described as being set up for coastal/inshore waters. The survey report is on a particular boat, not a design.
 
RobF said:
Sticking my neck out a bit...

Perhaps the surveyor is suggesting that there is nothing to protect the rudder (e.g. a skeg or a long keel) and this could cause issues for blue water cruising. I've noticed that many of the ARC abandonments are caused by steerage failure.

(of course you could always ensure that you had a suitable jury steering system and this wouldn't be a bad idea for any boat, long keel or not).
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in addition the Auto Helm that is quadrant mounted we have the emergency tiller + we have sole boards pre-drilled to enable lashing to the Spi pole
 
I have a Fulmar, Forest Girl, in QAB Plymouth. Bought her 2 seasons ago. Saw a few while looking to buy. Saw some dross, and not cheap. Condition is everything but if you don't need bilge keels the fins do sail well. However if a good bilger comes up don't be put off.
As to the description of her as a coastal or estuary cruiser I guess that's true but she is also a mile gobbling ocean crosser. Mine is fantastic in a blow and superb in a seaway. Little slamming and a nice motion. Not as good as a long keeler but she keeps my wife and I happy and feeling safe. She likes to be reefed early (f4/5) though and sails quickly when upright.
There aren't that many for sale though so you may have to travel. I spoke to someone recently who bought one in Scotland and it only cost £1000 to have it transported down to Kent. I thought that wasn't too bad.
 
Searush said:
Amp1ng

I suspect your surveyor is displaying his predjudices & ignorance. The original twin keel yacht (Bluebird of Thorne) designed for Lord Ravenscroft, cruised the World. Shane Acton (Shrimpy) also sailed the world in his 19' plywood Caprice cruiser. Twin keels alone do not make a vessel unseaworthy.

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A 12 ft loa boat has crossed the Atlantic which proves absolutely nothing about the seaworthyness of the same boat in the hands of an average sailor.

In reading the comments of his surveyor, the OP need to bear in mind that there are no professional qualifications for yacht surveyors - anyone can call themselves a surveyor, so the opinions he buys can come from a real numpty or an absolute genius. And knowing nothing about a subject seldom stops people giving comment as is frequently shown on here ( and yes, in some cases by me too!).
 
My bilge keeled centaur took me to the azores and back just fine. If well prep'd, I'm sure the fulmar would be just fine.
 
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