Would you buy a Twister?

[PhillM]

Some here may remeber that in 2010 I borght a 1961 Cheverton Caravell Mk2 and undertook a full refit. After my wife passed away in 2017 from Breast Cancer, with the spare time that came available through being single, I cruised her around the channel and had ideas for longer adventures. Life has moved on, an idea to do the Clipper came and went. I changed career into Academia and a new relationship blossomed too. I sold Paean this Easter for a number of reasons, one being that I was unsure how well she would do offshore and offshore is where I intend to go.

I then borght a XOD as a fun project to keep me occupied while I decided 'what next'. Unfortunatly, my new woman has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and so the future is once again uncertain. I gave the XOD away (to the fleet captain) as it needed more work than I had time to do and ownership of an XOD is about being a custodian and, at this time I am unable to live up to that promise,

But I am missing the sanctuary that owning my boat provides. I miss cold wet Saturday mornings fettling. I miss sliping away for a few nights when work and home life is quiet.

I really like the freeedom of singlehanded sailing, although I also like company from time time. I have asperations to enter one (or more) of the Jester Challenges. In a few years time, I shall take a sabatical year and would like to do an Atlantic circuit, again I expect to be mostly snglehanded.

I love wooden boats, but I suspect caring for a wooden hull is beyond me right now, so that got me thinking about GRP. Hence the question.... would you buy a Twister? Some are GRP hull but wooden coachroof. Does that compromise work? What does the pannel think about buying an old one and preparing her for ocean crossings? Brilliant platform or maddness?

 

[Goldie]

Yes! My sympathies to you both with your ‘uncertainties ‘. I’d certainly buy a Twister, with the caveat that I’d probably choose an all grp boat if you’re going far from home. The composite ones have a reputation for leaking at the wood/grp join and if heading somewhere hot and sunny, I wouldn’t want the extra maintenance of either a composite or an all wood boat in a hot climate. A Twister though? If that’s what’s caging your eye - and there are plenty of options - then yes please!

 

[Tranona]

Twister is a good choice, although composite ones can be problematic, as Goldie says the joint between the deck and coachroof was not done well. Having said that you might want to get in touch with steveeasy who posts here as he has a very nice looking one (from the photo I have seen) for sale. Personally a Twister does not do it for me partly because off the lack of space, but it will seem palatial after your Cheverton!

You might have seen that I have just bought a Golden Hind from the same era, also composite but in this case the deck and coachroof are glass epoxy sheathed which is better, although not trouble free. A GRP hull if sound will withstand neglect which a wood one wont, and the encapsulated ballast is a big plus over bolt on keel. However there is probably not a lot of difference in upkeep otherwise - 40 year old boats need constant fettling to deal with aging gear and updating. A good basic boat, though rewards that work.

 

[Kukri]

I almost bought one on a couple of occasions.

I didn’t, for the odd reason that neither of them “spoke to me”.

 

[Blue_mischief]

I acquired an interest in a Twister on retirement in 2008. My wife was an occasional sailor so I often sailed alone. Since her passing in 2014 singlehanded sailing has often been the norm. I have had no cause to regret obtaining custodianship of a Twister. She is a delight to singlehand in rough seas. Provided you are not too bothered about spaciousness, and are not in racing mode, I don’t know of a better boat for single handed adventures. Never think of owning a Twister; you are a partner in adventures with her.

 

[chrishscorp]

Bruv in Law had a Twister and we did go out on it a number of times I did upset him when I said I would not have bought it as it had the hardwood coachroof on the grp hull, i knew nothing of yachts at the time, I said it would end up leaking at the interface which sadly it did.

I seem to recollect that there was the ability to purchase a grp coachroof that could be fitted to the hull once the timber had been removed whether that is the case still im not sure i would guess there will be an association for the yacht and that is where i would start for some advice you may well also find one that needs a new lid and someone to rescue it.

 

[PlankWalker]

Twisters are good boats, well known and therefore pricey. Why not consider her bigger sister a Rustler 31 also a good boat, but not so well known , and therefore not so pricey, but more suited to longer passages single-handed.

 

[Kukri]

Twisters are good boats, well known and therefore pricey. Why not consider her bigger sister a Rustler 31 also a good boat, but not so well known , and therefore not so pricey, but more suited to longer passages single-handed.

Rustler 31s are lovely and have that bit of extra room. They are the glass version of the North Sea 24, so a slightly older design than the Twister. There is a counter sterned version called the Northney 34.

 

[fredrussell]

The OP mentioned doing a Jester or two - I think boats have to 30ft or less to do that don’t they? In the YBW spirit of suggesting other boats on these type of threads, may I put forward the excellent Halmatic 30 - not dissimilar to the Twister below the water, roomier interior and will stand up to anything you throw at her.

 

[Stemar]

If you're unsure about your ability and desire to spend your time on maintenance, I think you want as little wood as possible. Plastic may not have the class of wood, but you get to go sailing once in a while, instead of spending all your time sanding, painting and varnishing.

Yes, I know plastic boats need work too, but mostly it's the same things you do on a wooden boat when all the varnishing is done. Don't get me wrong, I love wooden boats, but I know I'm far too lazy to own one.

If I had ambitions to do the Jester Challenge, I'd be looking at the boats that have done well in the Challenge over the years, and thinking about which might suit me and the kind of sailing I want to do when I'm not gallivanting across the Atlantic.

 

[Concerto]

The Twister certainly has a good reputation. My parents had a Northney 34 which we fitted out in 1968. The two major problems were the usual difficult to reverse out of a marina berth and rolling downwind in a blow. Most CR Holman designs have fantastic row away looks.

If you want a wood coachroof then you could consider a Vindo. vindo yacht - Google Search

Personally I would buy a full glassfibre boat with plenty of wood trim externally and a wood interior. That would mean an older boat. Your decision on what is best for you does depend upon budget and berthing considerations. Contessa 32's and Westerly Fulmars would certainly meet that need with more space than a Twister. If you are not familiar with the Fulmar, have a look at this short video I made of Concerto at the Southampton Boat Show in September.

 

[Goldie]

The OP mentioned doing a Jester or two - I think boats have to 30ft or less to do that don’t they? In the YBW spirit of suggesting other boats on these type of threads, may I put forward the excellent Halmatic 30 - not dissimilar to the Twister below the water, roomier interior and will stand up to anything you throw at her.

I’d avoided suggesting alternatives (#2) as the OP specifically asked about the Twister but at 30ft or less, the Halmatic 30 would be well worth considering. BUT, make sure the chain plates are adequately reinforced. I sailed mine to the Med’ and back in the early nineties and the chain plates were a significant issue (after a F9 Tramontana). Apart from that, great boats and only 29’ 6”.

 

[steveeasy]

Hi PhilM,


Well my Twister is certainly not slow, it used to be, but that was down to the skipper. She is a delight to sail and very very seaworthy. My head has wandered several times over the years and ive struggled to find another boat that offers the same charm and aesthetics. Simple. Bombproof, great to single hand. Never had a leak from my deck joint. You would struggle to find a composite Twister with a poor coachroof, they were evidently built well with good materials.

You do loose a little of the charm with a all GRP Twister, that said I typically spend 2-to 4 full days a year maintaining my coachroof. lost sailing time but then I reap the benefits of beer time and admiring my hard work. Its a win win really as at 28 feet I can afford to keep my boat in a good, no, great yard and maintain it, this would simply be impossible if she was 40ft. If you find a Twister your need a good engine, your need good sails and good rigging.

I used to think they were under canvassed, My Twister has a unique 3/4 fractional rig that in reality I am only just starting to realise the benefits off other than a greater sail area. that said, a standard rig/sailplan is perfect for an Atlantic Crossing if thats what appeals. With a good genoa they sail like a steam train. very heavy displacement boat but sails well. its a perfect mix if you want a very seaworthy boat.

Very few on the market. There are a couple on the Hamble bobbing about and one was going to be for sale. You could always contact the Twister Association directly regarding the Twisters on the Hamble. Id not worry if its an all GRP or composite, sails, rigging and engine and refinements are important as they are not cheap.

I am quite biased by now, but they are pretty dam cool and suite their owners needs very well.

Steveeasy

 

[steveeasy]

The Twister certainly has a good reputation. My parents had a Northney 34 which we fitted out in 1968. The two major problems were the usual difficult to reverse out of a marina berth and rolling downwind in a blow. Most CR Holman designs have fantastic row away looks.

If you want a wood coachroof then you could consider a Vindo. vindo yacht - Google Search

Personally I would buy a full glassfibre boat with plenty of wood trim externally and a wood interior. That would mean an older boat. Your decision on what is best for you does depend upon budget and berthing considerations. Contessa 32's and Westerly Fulmars would certainly meet that need with more space than a Twister. If you are not familiar with the Fulmar, have a look at this short video I made of Concerto at the Southampton Boat Show in September.

My head once turned to a Vindo. good example of how different, two boats can be. lower sail/displacement ratio. I suspect a nice boat to sail in certain seas, but if I was truly out in a bad sea Id much rather be in a Twister.
Steaveeasy

 

[johnalison]

It is a well-known fact that Twisters won't go backwards. Apart from that, 28' is a nice size for single-handing, as well as being cheaper to keep than a larger boat, and who needs all that extra space inside anyway?

 

[PhillM]

Thanks all. Hmm one of the reasons I like twister is she seems close to the lines and probably similar handling of my old Cheverton. Heavy displacement, long keel, astern - say no more but also very sea worthy and comfortable in a blow.

I am a dab hand at varnishing and enjoy it so only having the cockpit and coachroof sides to do is also a nice compromise. Noted re the composite joint, somthing to look carefully at when I find one. Also noted about wood in a warm climate. Things to ponder there.

Budget seems OK too with them appearing to be between £10-£20k and I would expect to spend another £10k over the first couple of years, to get her how I would like her to be. But then I would expect costs to reduce as I’d be using the kit I chose for the next few years. I eked 11 years out of my refit of Paean, although I did do a minor refit after 6 years of ownership.

As I said in the OP I am just dreaming atm as I need to see how my partners treatment goes. I also start a new job in February and will need to settle into that. Hopefully, by this time next year I shall be looking to buy.

 

[PhillM]

It is a well-known fact that Twisters won't go backwards. Apart from that, 28' is a nice size for single-handing, as well as being cheaper to keep than a larger boat, and who needs all that extra space inside anyway?

I suspect like my old long keeler, they do… but just not quite as you ever expect them too. Lots of fenders, a big smile and you get to make many new friends

 

[doug748]

I looked at a number at one stage and would have happily bought had the right one cropped up. I drove to Scotland to see one - that's the thing, if you set your cap at a specific boat you have to be prepared to travel; I notice that there are a few for sale right now in the West Country and up in Scotland. In the present market you also have to move sharpish or could miss the best options. Look carefully at Twister wooden cockpits, almost put my foot through one once.
It's a good choice for the Jester, anything above 30ft is there on sufferance and there have been murmurings. If you can accept fin and skeg, all GRP (though with encapsulated lead keel) an Albin Ballad would be a cracking choice and my pick.

That apart I might look something a bit bigger, a Rival 34, needing a bit of a facelift, could be got for just a bit more, if you want a long keel Marieholm 32's come up now and again. Little wood there though.

.

 

[Kukri]

On going backwards…

Having subscribed to the belief that “Kukri” would not go backwards, because she won’t go backwards for me, I watched someone more capable than I reverse her through Fox’s marina up a double lane of extremely expensive boats and precisely into the hoist at the start of October.

I need lessons.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

Thanks all. Hmm one of the reasons I like twister is she seems close to the lines and probably similar handling of my old Cheverton. Heavy displacement, long keel, astern - say no more but also very sea worthy and comfortable in a blow.

I am a dab hand at varnishing and enjoy it so only having the cockpit and coachroof sides to do is also a nice compromise. Noted re the composite joint, somthing to look carefully at when I find one. Also noted about wood in a warm climate. Things to ponder there.

Budget seems OK too with them appearing to be between £10-£20k and I would expect to spend another £10k over the first couple of years, to get her how I would like her to be. But then I would expect costs to reduce as I’d be using the kit I chose for the next few years. I eked 11 years out of my refit of Paean, although I did do a minor refit after 6 years of ownership.

As I said in the OP I am just dreaming atm as I need to see how my partners treatment goes. I also start a new job in February and will need to settle into that. Hopefully, by this time next year I shall be looking to buy.

I bought one and spent about 10K to update her systems. She's perfect for me. Single handed her to the med nonstop. Covid means I've neglected her a bit the last couple of years but she looks after herself (All GRP) even in the med sun. My adventures can be found on YouTube if you want to see her in all conditions including crossing biscay and beating into 40kts of Med storm.

Rig, sails and engine like any other boat are things to look for. One did the Azores Jester this year and again vids on YouTube and we have a good owners association and Facebook group where everyone chips in.

Finding a good one is always the challenge as they tend sell quickly. It's usually the heavily neglected or overpriced ones that stay on the market for longer. I was gazzumped twice when I was looking but managed to buy my third choice at a good price (middle of your budget) considering she had a new rig and sails just a few years before I bought her.