Yachting Monthly - April 2016

94 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com APRIL 2016

USED BOAT TEST

Key cruising

features
A high boom allows for the sprayhood
to be raised, giving more shelter and
better companionway access

With no anchor locker,

the bower anchor must

be stowed on deck

The genoa tracks and

shrouds are taken outboard,

which leaves the deck clear

Full aft sections boost

her interior volume,

but they’re not so full

as to mar her beauty

a daysail. That was ok, but there’s no way

you would want them overnight.’ However,

the lack of space is a small price to pay for

such a seaworthy boat.

There is an enclosed heads on the port

side next to the forepeak berth, with a

large mirror, hand basin with shower

attachment and sea-toilet. Opposite the

heads is a hanging locker.

Chart table

The aft-facing, full Admiralty chart-sized

table is to starboard and extends halfway

under the bridgedeck, allowing the seated

navigator to see and easily communicate

with the helmsman. Underneath the table

is a large cave locker for extra stowage.

Brian and Tricia’s navigational aids consist

of a Raymarine C80 plotter, which can be

moved between chart table and cockpit,

and a DSC VHF radio.

Galley

The galley, to port, is fi tted with a Flavel

gas cooker on gimbals with two-burners,

oven and grill. There’s also a large stainless

steel sink with pressurised cold water.

‘We don’t use the oven,’ Tricia told

me. ‘We’re happy with pot noodles and

fresh fruit. The kettle gets more use than

anything else in the galley.’

There is fi ltered water, but no hot water.

‘When we bought her there was a hot water

system,’ Tricia continued. ‘It ran from

an old rusty gas water heater situated in

the heads, but it looked so awful we took

it out.’ There is no fridge, just a coolbox

because Tricia and Brian don’t go away

sailing to spend time cooking.

Maintenance

The engine – in this case, a 2008 Yanmar

3GM30F 28hp three-cylinder diesel – is

Sheet winches can be tended

from the helm, which is essential

for singlehanded sailing

RIGHT: The vee

berth in the

forepeak is on

the small side

in a box on the cabin sole between the

galley and chart table. It is freshwater

cooled and runs a three-bladed fi xed

propeller. On this boat the engine control

panel is located below the companionway.

The top and front panels of the engine

box are easily removed, along with the

side panels for all-round servicing and

maintenance – far better access than you

get on most boats twice her size.

The 70-litre (15 gallon) stainless steel fuel

tank is located under the cockpit sole. Brian

had a nightmare of a time trying to replace

the tank after it was infested with diesel

bug. Access to the fuel tank is very diffi cult

so rather than lose the sailing season, Brian

emptied it, closed it off and plumbed in

an auxiliary 25-litre tank, secured in the

locker. The quote to bring the old tank out

and replace with new was £2,000. Brian’s

DIY solution cost £200.

LEFT: Lots of

real hardwood

gives the

saloon classic

appeal