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Best bilge keel yachts and twin keel yachts for drying out ashore

• Peter Poland
• April 12, 2023

Peter Poland reveals how bilge keel yachts and twin-keel designs won his respect – those that could sail well and stand on their own two feet…

Back in the late 1970s, I found myself on the horns of a dilemma. For the last decade or so I’d dismissed bilge keels and twin keels as ugly and performance sapping appendages. To my eyes, they invariably had the look of casually designed afterthoughts that had sprouted beneath nice hulls just to enable the boat to stand on its own two feet.

The boats that my company built, on the other hand, were aimed at serious sailors and I rashly assumed that anything other than a state-of-the-art fin keel or hydrodynamically efficient lifting keel would never be likely to satisfy this market.

Then my own personal boating needs underwent a change, so I had to take a flyer. Breaking my own rules and ignoring my preconceptions, I went out and spent my own hard-earned loot on a second-hand twin keeled Westerly Centaur.

Why? Because my factory and home were on the East Coast but a lot of high-profile sailing activity took place down south. So I needed a habitable floating base that could be parked on a cheap mud mooring and be able to follow the regatta circuits on which the boats I built (Sonatas, Impalas, Deltas, Medinas etc) competed.

This boat had to provide a general all-purpose home from home. And a bit of undemanding weekend pottering would be an added bonus. With my limited budget, there was only one obvious solution at the time – a Centaur.

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Sprawled, glass in hand, in the cockpit of my friend James Stock’s beautiful Stephen Jones-designed Mystery 35, I pondered on…

I soon discovered that the Centaur’s windward performance – while adequate – was hardly stimulating, especially when compared to the close winded precision of a Sonata or Impala to which I’d become accustomed.

As a result, the Centaur’s Volvo Penta motor got a lot of use when the wind went light or ahead, whereas on a reach or a run she performed satisfactorily and got us from A to B with a minimum of fuss and at a respectable speed. And she also offered comfort down below – despite the Centaur being only 26ft long I could stand up.

Design challenge

All of which got me thinking that maybe there could be more to these twin keel things than immediately met the eye. And as the sales of our fin and lifting keel speedsters began to slow over the ensuing years, I could not help noticing that the sales of our bilge or twin keeled competitors seemed to be on an ever-rising upwards trend in the 1970s and 80s.

Around 2,500 twin-keel Westerly Centaurs were built, which means there are plenty on the second hand market. Photo: Peter Poland

If we were to continue as a viable boatbuilding business, maybe we’d have to cast aside our prejudices and take a long look at these two-legged options.

So I took courage in both hands and asked our designer whether he might be willing to consider agreeing to design us some twin keels. I hastily added that of course – being the genius that he undoubtedly was – he was bound to come up with something far better than anything that had ever graced a cruising yacht’s bilge before.

Then I stood back and awaited the inevitable broadside of shock, horror and indignation. “Well,” said David Thomas (who had never designed a slow yacht in his life), “I might. I just might.

“But first I’ll need to think about it. In case you’d not noticed, twin keels have far more variables than a fin keel. The positioning of the roots relative to the centre line, the splay, the angle of attack are all variable and important. I’ll have to think twice as hard and for twice as long.”

I took this as a ‘yes’ so left it at that. And patiently awaited developments.

Gib’Sea 76 (26ft 11in) with ‘swept’ twin keels that draw 3ft 3in. Photo: Peter Poland

History of bilge keel yachts

Of course, bilge and twin keels were not a new phenomenon. They had been around for many years. When researching an earlier article on the Westerly story, I’d been fascinated by the development work done on his twin keel and twin rudder yachts by Lord Riverdale. As had my sales manager, Andy Cunningham, who wrote an excellent treatise on twin keels.

Lord Riverdale’s first twin keel sailboat was the smaller self-designed 25ft Bluebird of Thorne , built in 1924. Later Riverdale built the bigger Bluebird of Thorne (50ft) in the early 60s that he designed in collaboration with Arthur Robb. He claimed that tank-tested models indicated a 15% improvement on his earlier twin keel designs.

Bluebird of Thorne ’s owner, Lord Riverdale, had designed and built a string of cruising yachts (all with twin keels) over a period of around 40 years prior to the culminating glory of his and Robb’s 50ft steel twin keeler.

Riverdale also liked to draw the distinction between what he called ‘bilge keelers’ (meaning boats with a ballasted or unballasted centre keel and two stabilising bilge keels) and ‘twin keelers’ (boats with twin ballasted keels).

To go further back to bilge keel basics, it was probably Maurice Griffiths who did most to put bilge keel benefits into practice and bring creek crawling and ‘upright drying out’ to numerous leisure sailors.

Built from GRP, the Golden Hind 31 is a double chine, shoal draught cruiser. Photo: sailingscenes.com

Classics such as the 1957 Eventide 24 and 26, Waterwitch and 1968 Golden Hind 31 (to name but three of his many popular designs) all came with bilge keel options – featuring a substantial central ballast keel and two supporting bilge plates. The resulting shallow draught would never provide dynamic windward performance; but that was not Maurice Griffiths’s aim.

He set out to supply honest, seagoing small yachts that would be equally at home in the rough and tumble of a hostile North Sea as they were weaving between the withies and nosing their way into peaceful and shallow backwaters.

East Coast pottering is a specialised and delightful pastime that can only be enjoyed to the full in a shallow draught yacht that is capable of drying out – whether by mistake or on purpose.

Then along came Robert Tucker and his popular twin keel plywood pocket cruisers such as the Silhouette that took off in 1954. Around the same time, a French designer began to play with twin keels.

François Sergent designed the attractive 22ft Sargue with a beam of 7ft 5in; generous for that era and with reasonable accommodation. Several of this mahogany strip planked twin keeler (drawing 2ft 4in) were built, and they not only sat happily on the Breton mud – they sailed well.

The designer said: “In passage races in the St Malo-Granville area one won two firsts and a fourth in three starts against deep keel boats and centreboarders.” It’s a pity none of them made it over to our UK shores. With pleasing performance and Gallic grace, the Sargue class looked a cut above what was available over here at that time.

Westerly Nomad’s longer coachroof offered improved accommodation to the Westerly 22. Photo: Carolyn Jenkins/Alamy

Westerly 22

Mass-produced and affordable bilge keel GRP yachts only really began to fill up our foreshores after Denys Rayner set up Westerly Marine in the early 1960s. Enthused by the tractable sailing he had enjoyed in his earlier bilge keeled designs such as the jaunty little Westcoaster, he decided that the time was right to invest in a new GRP cruiser.

And so the Westerly 22 was born in 1963. The twin keels drew just 2ft 3in and gave a ballast ratio of 33.3% while a long central ‘keel’ supported the rudder and gave a secure ‘three-point landing’.

The Westerly 22 sailed adequately, sat happily on a drying mooring, and the 22 Young Tiger was seaworthy enough to make a transatlantic crossing in 1966. The longer coachroof of the later Westerly Nomad (1967) improved accommodation.

Following on from the 22’s success and Westerly’s bursting order book, Rayner pushed ahead with 25ft and 30ft models that used the same keel recipe. The burgeoning market for family cruisers was growing fast after the post war dinghy boom.

In a remarkably short time, Westerly sold almost 1,000 of these Rayner-designed yachts and the bilge keel revolution was well and truly on its way.

But even their greatest fans will admit that the sailing performance of these early models was unspectacular. Their modest draught meant that lateral resistance was minimal, so leeway when sailing to windward was considerable compared to that of a yacht with the extra bite given by deeper keels.

When buying a used twin keeler, like the Westerly Centaur or Mirage, get keel roots surveyed. Photo: Peter Poland

And the drag incurred by all that surface area on three shallow appendages cut speed through the water – especially in lighter airs. But the early Westerlys sold like hot cakes because they brought economical sailing, low cost drying moorings and carefree coastal cruising to thousands of sailors taking to the water ‘en famille’ for the first time.

As Westerly pushed remorselessly ahead, other players soon entered the twin keel market. Thames Marine set up on Canvey Island in Essex and, over many years, produced hundreds of Snapdragon cruisers. Like the early Westerlys, these boats were not – by any stretch of the imagination – racers.

While a few models offered a centreboard keel configuration, the majority were twin keelers. Accommodation was always spacious and later models had a pleasing look, thanks to their nicely proportioned coachroofs.

At the smaller end of the market, makes such as Leisures, Silhouettes, Hurleys, Tridents, Macwesters, Cobras and Alacrities – to name a few – offered twin keels as standard or as an option.

But nobody was yet putting that much thought into the designs of the keels themselves. Some builders even produced twin keels that were an integral part of the hull moulding, then filled the GRP keel cavity with iron punchings.

As a result, the keel had to be vertical (to release from the hull mould) – which is far from ideal from a performance perspective. Add a fibreglass moulding filled with iron, and it is a disaster waiting to happen if the boat dries out on rough or rocky ground.

Once the GRP keel base is worn down or punctured, saltwater can get in and rust the iron, whereupon the rest of the fibreglass keel ‘casing’ can get blown away from the rusting iron ballast inside.

Painting a Westerly Centuar while dried out. Photo: Gary Blake/Alamy

Westerly Centaur

The next real leap forward in twin keel design came courtesy of the originators of mass-produced GRP twin keel cruisers – our old friends Westerly again. As Denys Rayner’s health was fading, he enlisted the young David Sanders to take over the running of the company. Unlike Rayner, Sanders was no yacht designer. “Go to Laurent Giles,” advised Rayner.

He was aware of the bilge keel development work and tank testing that had been done by Jack Giles so reckoned design firm Laurent Giles was the most likely to take twin keel design to its next stage. It was wise advice.

When I asked Barry van Geffen (later the MD of the Laurent Giles design office) how the new generation twin keels as first used on the Centaur came into being, he said that Laurent Giles’s research and tank testing had been very revealing.

Westerly Centaur interior. Photo: sailingscenes.com

“What was learned had a significant impact on keel design, as it was discovered that through various angles of attack, heel and yaw, there was a marked change in efficiency (lift versus drag) with keels that were aligned exactly fore and aft on the hull.

The LG [Laurent Giles] team considered all the implications, along with Westerly’s insistence that for production reasons both port and starboard keel castings should come out of the same mould – and settled on a design with a 2° toe-in and veed keel base.”

Twin keel changes

So what does this tell us about Laurent Giles’s suggested changes in twin keel design? Firstly, Westerly’s insistence on symmetrical keel foils for ease of manufacture and economic considerations was fortuitous for other reasons.

Early twin keel designs were often asymmetrical – as originally advocated by the Lord Riverdale of Bluebird fame before he realised these were less effective than symmetrical keels. The theory was that the foil shape on the inside face of the leeward keel and flat shape on the outside face would generate lift (like an aeroplane’s wing) and therefore lift the boat up to windward.

Unfortunately, however, the reverse could apply to the windward keel. In addition, the water flow between the keels could produce a braking effect, thereby slowing the boat down. The effect is not unlike putting the brakes on by adopting a ‘snow plough’ stance when skiing down a mountain.

So Laurent Giles’s move to a modest 2° toe-in for maximum efficiency combined with symmetrical foils was the right way to go. The result was a marked improvement in windward performance over older bilge or twin keel yachts. And if they had gone for slightly more draught than 3ft, it would have been even better.

Westerly Griffon 22

But perhaps they continued to learn, because Centaur’s later and smaller sister – the 23ft Pageant – drew only 2in less (at 2ft 10in) despite being 3ft shorter overall. The Pageant sails well and even used to win club races in her early days. And when Ed Dubois came to design the Centaur’s successor – the 26ft Griffon – he went for 3in more draught than the Centaur and drew finer foils with less drag. So twin keel performance continued to improve.

But the early Griffon’s finer keels (with finer roots) also brought boatbuilders’ attention to the often-overlooked risks attached to bilge keels. Westerly fitted their symmetric twin keels by bolting them to small GRP ‘roots’ that formed part of the hull – rather like a GRP version of old fashioned ‘deadwood’. So the finer the keel, the finer this ‘deadwood’ stub also became.

As a result, it needed greater internal reinforcement to resist sideways movement. And the greatest ‘force’ imparted to twin keel roots – where they attach to the hull – is not necessarily encountered when the boat dries out on soft mud. It happens when the boat tries to break free from the firm grip of the mud as the tide returns and attempts to lift the hull clear of this grip. The deeper and more glutinous the mud, the harder it grips and the longer the boat’s natural buoyancy takes to lift it clear. And this is what caused damage to the early Griffon’s keel roots.

Westerly repaired the damage and reinforced subsequent models. But the lesson was there for every builder of twin keel boats to learn. It also explains why a buyer and his surveyor should inspect keel roots when assessing any possible second-hand purchase.

Hunter Horizon 26. Photo: sailingscenes.com

Hunter Horizon 26

So – to return to the request I put to David Thomas in the early 1980s for a world beating twin keel design. What did he come up with? Predictably perhaps, he took his time. We all reckoned he’d vanished into a mystical twin keel retreat. But the design that finally emerged was well worth the wait.

Thomas reckoned that the optimum angle of heel for comfortable cruising (as opposed to flat out racing) is around 15°. So he designed the keels to attach to the bilge with a 15° splay and to be slightly ‘toed in’. This way the leeward keel would be vertical when the boat was heeled 15° – thereby working at its maximum draught and presenting the biggest possible lateral area to reduce leeway.

Then he placed the keel roots as close to the centreline as was feasible while still making sure that the boat would be stable when dried out. The reasoning behind this was that the closer the keel roots are to the centreline, the less likely the windward keel is to break surface and ‘thump’ when the boat is heeled in a seaway.

The final ingredient to the new generation Thomas twin keel designs produced the most animated discussions with the builder. Any sensible designer wants as much draught as possible – to lower the centre of gravity, increase overall stability and maximise lateral resistance to reduce leeway.

The builder, however, wants to keep the draught low to increase the boat’s appeal from a marketing perspective. So a compromise always had to be negotiated, although Thomas usually won. As a result his twin keelers invariably drew more than the equivalent sized competitors’ boats .

Hunter Horizon 26 interior. Photo: sailingscenes.com

And how did such twin keels actually perform? Extremely well. Having done initial trials on a Delta 25 hull, the Thomas keels were declared to be a success by boat testers and buyers alike. The time was ripe to introduce the first Thomas-designed spacious family cruiser that could sail well and stand on its own two feet.

The long-suffering Delta hull was dragged into the tooling shop again and given a brand new deck moulding for full standing headroom, an aft heads compartment and a spacious stern cabin. The new model was named the Horizon 26 and duly won the Best Production Yacht Award at the 1984 Southampton Boat Show .

We then walked into an unexpected marketing problem. Boat owners were so used to Thomas performance and handling that they could not believe that a twin keeler would be anywhere near as good. Some potential Hunter buyers even said that they “wouldn’t be seen dead in a bilge keel yacht”.

After a bit of head scratching a solution was found. Every demonstration boat for this and subsequent Thomas cruising Hunters had the twin keel option. Any client asking for a trial sail in a fin keel version would be politely told “I’m afraid we only have one demo boat for each model and it’s a twin keeler. So why not try that and if you aren’t impressed, we can always build you a fin keeler.”

It worked a treat. Initial scepticism invariably turned to disbelief followed by delight. Sometimes a client was taken on a trial sail without being told what sort of keel lurked beneath the waterline. When invited to have a guess after returning to the marina, it was amazing how often the client thought it had a fin rather than twin keels.

This Horizon 32 twin keeler (draught 1.3m) won a Round the Island race division. Photo: Peter Poland

Bilge keel yacht design evolution

As the years passed by, Thomas’s twin keel designs continued to evolve and performance got even better. In one memorable demolition derby Round the Island Race , a Thomas-designed twin keel Horizon 32 took the heavy winds head on and won its class and its entire division.

The twin keel Horizon 21 and Horizon 30 also excelled in the CHS divisions. Recently a twin keel Horizon 232 helped her octogenarian owner Murdoch McGregor win the Yachtsman of the Year Award for sailing solo around Britain .

Meanwhile other designers began to tweak their twin keels. Ranges such as Moody, Sadler and Westerly also moved up a gear in performance. Thomas refined his twin keel designs by adding long hydrodynamically shaped bulbs to their bases. These had the effect of throwing the centre of gravity even lower and lengthening the ‘footprint’ on which the boats stood when they dried out.

The extra weight located in bulbs lower down also meant keel foils could become finer and narrower, reducing drag. Other boatbuilders have taken note, with ranges such as the American-designed but British-built Legends displaying prominent bulbs on their twin keels.

So, as marinas get ever more expensive, will more builders offer twin keels on their smaller models? Interestingly, the answer is ‘yes’. But it’s not coming from the UK. It’s coming from France.

Django 770 twin keel yacht drying out

French bilge keel yachts

In the past there were economical marina moorings aplenty available in France, so twin keels did not feature high on the French agenda. But now things are changing. The cost of a marina berth in France is still reasonable compared to the UK: but only if you can find one.

The French Nautical Federation reckons there is now a shortage of around 50,000 marina berths. As a result, twin keels (or bi-quilles as they’re called over there) began to appear in greater numbers.

Now, with the exception of the traditional and long running Biloup Range, French twin keels are expanding the design envelope. Archambault, the builders of the Surprise range, decided that their hugely successful One Design (7.65m) cruiser-racer would have an increased market if they also offered a two-legged version.

Designer Michel Joubert went for deep (1m) twin keels with narrow chord foils and race boat bulbs on their bases. The roots are well inboard and the performance is said to be exceptional.

RM-Fora Marine specialises in multi chine plywood-epoxy hulled cruisers, invariably with twin keels. The latest models, from the pen of leading French designer Marc Lombard, are anything but conventional.

A new RM890 ready to hit the road. The twin keels draw 1.5m. Photo: RM Yachts

Draught is generous (for example the twin keel RM890 draws 1.5m) with keels that are as fine as you’ll find on a top-level racer. And the bulbs on their bases are just as sophisticated.

These RMs are exciting and versatile boats, although I wonder whether their futuristic looks and multi chine wooden hull construction will find favour with many British buyers. I hope so, because the combination of a plywood-epoxy hull with a GRP deck offers excellent insulation and a substantial strength to weight ratio.

The Django 7.70 designed by Pierre Roland and built by Marée Haute in France has also proved to be a speedy twin keel 25-footer capable of crossing many oceans. Christophe Mora and Carina Juhhova are currently in South Africa after sailing L’Envol across the Pacific and Indian oceans. Their progress reports on intothewind.fr are fascinating.

Django 7.70 L’Envol has a scrub in Brazil on her round the world cruise. An aft strut supports the stern. Photo: Christophe Mora

So far Django 7.70 L’Envol has crossed the Atlantic, cruised down the East coast of South America to Patagonia, across the Pacific and sailed the Australian coastline before moving on to South Africa.

The Django range comprises the 6.70 (lifting keel only), the 7.70 (fin or twin keel), 9.80 (fin or twin keel) and 12.70 (fin or lifting keel). The twin keel Django 7.70 that I tested was a total delight.

The future of bilge keel yachts?

So what lies ahead? With only a handful of French yards offering new twin keel boats, there is a dearth of choice in the new boat market. Of course, sailors can always buy second-hand while they await new arrivals. But be sure to get those keel roots surveyed and check rudder and keel bases for grounding damage.

I can’t help thinking that as designers come up with ever improved twin keel designs, something will soon have to give. As British marina costs move beyond the means of many boat owners and French marinas reach maximum capacity, maybe there’s a new twin keel dawn just over the horizon?

Exciting new twin keel designs might even persuade production boat builders to market new boats under 30ft again? Some may even sprout foils and try to fly!

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Seawolf 30 Ft Sailing Yacht, Bilge Twin Keel, Sugar Scoop, Yanmar Engine

Engine Make: Yanmar

Featured Refinements: Sailing Yacht

1988 Seawolf 30 Sailing Yacht Bilge Keel Hi, here is for sale our Seawolf 30 bilge keel sailing yacht. It’s one of the later models built which has the rear sugar scoop. With Bilge keels the draft is only 1.1m, it is one of the last of the 500 of these great yachts built. She is the perfect size 30ft family Sailing Yacht, that can sleep up to 6 persons (4 comfortably). Safe, secure sailing with a large cockpit area and what I consider the best layout internally.

5’10’’ standing head room and the galley and Heads at the bottom of the companionway, before the lounge seating (which converts into a large double bed) and twin V berths in the bow which has 6Ft sleeping room. Large cockpit – the seating is long enough to sleep under the stars if you so wish. She is set up with all lines leading aft for single handed sailing. She is very well fitted out and has been very well loved looked after, continually maintained and upgraded over the years. All the big item costs have been replaced in the last 10yrs.... Including a new Yanmar engine in 2014 which has only done 470 hrs.

She was just recently Antifouled and Anodes changed end of July 2020 Fractional rig Slab reefing mainsail, 4 reefing points in the main with stack pack and a furling Genoa headsail. The Standing rigging was replaced in 2009Genoa new in 2009, with the Sacrificial strip replaced in 2017. Running rigging replaced 2017 All seacock’s have been replaced 2017 Specs as follows: 30’ft long x 10’3”ft beam x 3’6” Draft. Weight 3600kg. SSR registered Engine: Yanmar 3YGM20 only 470hrs.

3 blade Folding Prop with New Prop shaft and Cutlass bearing replaced in 2016 A well equipped Galley; has fresh water pump, double sink, gas hob / grill & Oven. Fridge, old but still works. Removable dining table (that can also be used externally in the cockpit) Sleeping arrangements: Double berth in the bow 2 x single or master double by converting the lounge and rear double (tight squeeze) in the rear quarter, currently used as storage room for sails/tool spares etc. Bathroom: Has a pump action Lavvac toilet (brand highly rated) with small sink / tap and open wet locker space. In 2019 new flooring throughout & new cushion covers.

12v charge points on chart table and in Companionway so phones / tablets can be charged on deck, CD Stereo, Gas and Co2 alarm, clock and weather barometer also in Lounge.new bilge pump 2019. Windows were re-sealed in 2014-2016 with new electronics / full re-wire, VHF radio with DSC and AIS receiver. Garmin chart plotter. In 2020 new Perspex washboard for the evening / overnight stays (allows a lot more light into the cabin) Fresh water tank 95L Diesel Tank 61L Externally: all lines lead aft for single handed sailing. 6x self- tailing winches.

Main Sails are in good condition, no rips, repairs or tears (could do with a clean). There is also a spinnaker and Cruising Shute with pole. Lowrance Chart plotter (linked to VHF radio for AIS) Raymarine Wind meter (not working needs attention) Raymarine speed log Compass Nasa Echo sounder Depth gauge 240v hook up Spray hood Safety gear: Horseshoe(2019), throw line(2020), Dan buoy, Jon buoy, coastal flares (Date now expired) Jack stays (for clipping in) There is also a 4 person life raft (4 yrs old) that will now need a new service date. Fire extinguishers Raymarine st2000 Autopilot Fitted with CQR anchor 36m of 8mm chain. I have recently purchased a refurbished chain windlass (needs to be mounted possibly in the chain locker)& new diesel heater (not yet fitted) full set of LED interior lights, that can go with the yacht.

Sails comfortable for steady cruising, not a light weight flimsy boat, forgiving and lets you know when to put reefs into the sails. Perfect for a couple to venture far and wide or a family for short breaks sailing weekends with family weeks away, with low draft perfect creek crawling and bilges keels if you wish to dry out on the beach (give her a scrub)etc. We have sailed her around the Bristol Channel, Medway, Thames and east coast. I spoke to another Seawolf owner who had sailed his boat to India, so they are capable boats. We purchased her from previous owners in Bristol who’s owners had sailed her around the Bristol Channel, Wales and on the south coast regularly to Isles of Silly.

We sailed her in this area for the first year then In spring of 2019 she was bought by road to Faversham, gave her a good clean, spruce up, varnish & antifouled, new flooring before sailing her to current mooring at Queenborough in Kent. Jobs to make perfect; Give sails a clean, fit or repair wind vane / meter (it’s up the mast I’m scared of heights) new flares and get life raft serviced. Extras to fit in your own time, Fix windlass on, change lights (supplied)to LED, fit diesel heater for the winter. Engine Service due soon, runs lovely starts first time (I have all the parts ready for the service) Headlining in rear quarter berth is a bit saggy. "Penny Red" is ready to sail and be enjoyed by the new owner.

To ask any further questions or arrange a viewing for serious buyers please feel free to Call/text me on phone Any inspection is welcome. Asking a very reasonable £15,995 a lot of boat for the money.

Add new question to the seller

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Fisher 34 - £54,950 VAT Exempt

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Southerly 115 - £48,950 incl VAT

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Hunter Legend 306 - £39,950 incl VAT

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Contessa 26 - £39,950 incl VAT

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2022 - Contessa 26. 'Rose of Purbecks' This newly fully re-built model designed by Jeremy Rogers and built by local renowned boat builder Chris Somner, was commissioned by my client. This is a modern take on the classic and popular 26.

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Length : 9.45 m (31' 0")

Engine : 18 HP Yanmar 2GM20 (Diesel)

1990 - Parker 31 lift keel yacht. One of only 30 built. Designed by Tony Castro and built by Parker Yachts GB. 'Lyra II' has six berths in three cabins, fitted galley and separate heads. Forward cabin with a double berth. Saloon with twin settee berths, fitted galley and navigator station.

Contessa 32 - £24,950 incl VAT

Length : 9.75 m (32' 0")

Engine : 20 HP Beta (Diesel)

1978 Contessa 32. Excellent example of this modern classic. Designed by David Sadler and built by Jeremy Rogers. Six berths in two cabins and quarter berth. Fitted galley and heads. Powered by a Beta 20hp diesel engine. 'Erika of Keyhaven' is a locally well known cruiser/racer.

Westerly Fulmar - £22,950 incl VAT

Length : 9.7 m (31' 10")

Engine : 18 HP Volvo Penta 2002 (Diesel)

1990 - Westerly Fulmar. Classic Fin keeled Westerly designed by Ed Dubois and built by Westerly Marine Ltd. Spacious interior with six berths in fore cabin and saloon. Fitted galley and separate heads. Powered by a Volvo Penta 2002 18hp diesel engine. One of the last to be built.

Moody 28 - £19,950 incl VAT

Length : 8.38 m (27' 6")

Engine : 20 HP Yanmar 3YM20 (Diesel)

1985 - Moody 28. Popular cruising yacht designed by Bill Dixon and built by Marine projects Plymouth. Six berths in saloon, fore and aft cabins. Fitted galley. Chart table. Separate heads. Powered by a Yanmar 20hp diesel engine (2013).

Carter 33 - £18,950 incl VAT

Length : 9.94 m (32' 7")

Engine : 20 HP Volvo MD20 (Diesel)

Carter 33 sailing yacht. Circa1975. Quality spacious cruising yacht. Designed by Dick Carter and built by Olympic Yachts of Greece. 'Ocean Fantasy' has seven berths, fitted galley and separate heads compartment. Hull framing replaced and upgraded to three times the original specfication.

MacGregor 26X - £15,995 incl VAT

Length : 7.87 m (25' 10")

Engine : 50 HP Yamaha (Petrol)

MacGregor 26X - 2001. The MacGregor 26X is a popular and versatile Trailer Sailer. A low draft due to her lifting keel, she is able to venture into shallow waters.

Sadler 290 - £15,500 incl VAT

Length : 8.9 m (29' 2")

Engine : 0 HP N/A (Diesel)

Sadler 290. *** Project Build***. Moulded 2008 and partly fitted. Hull and deck joined. Interior Mouldings fitted. Structural bulkheads and most woodwork (teak) fitted. WC fitted. C/W seacocks. Saildrive plinth fitted to take Yanmar 20-30hp diesel. Selden mast and boom (2006).

Westerly Griffon MkII - £13,950 incl VAT

Length : 7.92 m (26' 0")

Engine : 20 HP Bukh (Diesel)

1984 Westerly Griffon, the Ed Dubois designed Griffon became extremely sought-after almost immediately after she was first launched. She sleeps up to six in two cabins, double and single in the saloon, two further berths in the fore cabin and one in the port-side quarter berth.

English Folkboat 25 - £10,500 VAT Exempt

Length : 7.5 m (24' 7")

Engine : 10 HP Beta 10 (Diesel)

English Folkboat. 1963. Lovely example of this classic sailing yacht. Built by Maurice Hembstead. Four berths in two cabins. Galley area with stainless steel sink and tap. Twin burner gas hob. Powered by a 10hp Beta diesel engine (2011). In excellent condition, constantly maintained.

Westerly Centaur - £5,950 incl VAT

Engine : 23 HP Volvo Penta MD 11C (Diesel)

1978 - Westerly Centaur. Twin bilge keel family sailing cruiser with 5 berths in a saloon and fore cabin. Built by Westerly Marine Construction to the designs of Laurent Giles.

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Privacy Policy last updated on 17th September 2020

Bilge keel timber aft cabin sloop. Just Listed

Used yachts for sale, sail monohulls 30ft > 35ft.

• Boats for Sale

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1986 westerly konsort duo 29 for sale.

Walton on the Naze

OFFERED BY:

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1985 Moody 31 MKI for sale

CLARKE & CARTER YACHT BROKERS

1989 Dragonfly 800 for sale

United Kingdom

Multihull World

1985 Moody 31 for sale

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1989 Beneteau Oceanis 320 for sale

1984 moody 31 for sale.

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1984 Moody 31 Bilge Keel for sale

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LM 28 for sale in Bangor United Kingdom

Bangor United Kingdom

Make & Model

MEASUREMENTS

Description.

LM28 Bilge Keel Motorsailer Built in 1987 and fitted with a NEW (2016) Volvo D 130, 3 cylinder, 29hp inboard diesel engine. All New Standing Rigging 2017, New Canvas Cockpit Enclosure (2018), well equipped and in very good order throughout. Lying Ashore Bangor

Construction

Scandinavian built LM28 Motorsailer. Disigned by Bent Juul Andersen and built by L M Glasfiber in Denmark. Offwhite GRP Hull and decks with navy blue sheer line. Encapsulated twin keel with additional skeg to protect saildrive. Wheel steering in wheelhouse with tiller steering in cockpit to skeg hung semi-balanced rudder. 

Sails And Spars

Masthead sloop In-mast mainsail furling Anodised aluminium mast & boom Single swept back spreader Boom vang Stainless steel standing rigging - New 2017 Furling Headsail system 2 x 2 speed winches

• Furling mainsail 
• Furling genoa 
• Spinnaker by Elstrom plus pole and gear  

Accommodation

4 berths in 2 cabins plus saloon Cabin heating  

Forecabin Forecabin with V berth convertible to double with infill cushion Opening hatch to foredeck Storage compartments in hull sides Storage under berths

Heads Compartment Heads compartment to Port Full marine tiolet Sliding handbasin unit with pressurised hot/cold water Storage cupboard above handbasin Opening hatch   Large hanging locker opposite heads  Saloon Large saloon area with standing headroom 2 x Settees facing folding wooden table Port settee converts to single berth, starboard settee converts to a single berth Storage lockers and shelves behind and above settees Storage under settees Windows to coachroof port and starboard with curtains Companion-way steps to wheelhouse with door between Inside helm position to starboard with single helm seat Wooden steering wheel Throttle/engine controls & gauges Marine electronics Three part windscreen with electric wipers Large opening roof roof panel

Galley Galley area to port with full standing headroom Plastimo two burner gas stove with oven and grill Fold down worktop to cover stove Fridge  Stainless steel sink with hot & cold pressurised water . New Calorifier fitted 2016 Storage cupboards and draws under sink unit Windows to coachroof with curtains Cockpit Self draining cockpit Step up to deep cockpit area through double sliding doors Bench seating port & starboard with storage lockers under Folding table Gas locker Moulded GRP insulated engine bay situated under cockpit sole Tiller Full cockpit enclosure New 2018 Cockpit cushions  

Engine/Electrical

Powered by Volvo D130, 3 cylinder 29hp diesel engine (NEW 2017) Single lever controls with electric start mounted in wheelhouse and cockpit Saildrive driving 3 bladed fixed propeller Full engine instrumentation 3 x 12V Batteries-1 x Dedicated starting, 2 x domestic  Charged via engine alternator Shorepower system with 240V ring main Hot water Calorifier 

60 watt Solar Panel mounted on coachroof new 2016

Deck Equipment

• Anchors with chain & warp
• Self draining anchor locker
• Stainless steel pulpit, pushpit and stantions
• Stainless steel guard wires
• Pushpit mounted outboard bracket
• Mooring cleats with fairleads
• Cockpit table
• New folding cockpit enclosure
• Stainless steel folding bathing ladder
• Cockpit cushions
• Warps & fenders
• Cockpit Cover new 2018
• Spray Dodgers New 2017

Navigation Equipment

• Autohelm 2000
• Echosounder
• Speed ,log & Wind
• Radar Reflector
• Navigation lights

Safety Equipment

• Manual and electric bilge pumps
• Fire extinguishers
• Bathing ladder 
• Gas detector
• Safety Harness

Owners Comments

Additional and Improvements since purchase by  current owner in 2016:-

• New Cockpit Floor Supplied by Tiflex
• New Chart Rack, oil Lamp, Clock & Barometer
• New Jabsco Toilet
• New anchor Chain spliced to anchorplat T/W new anchor connector
• 3 primary seacocks replaced
• New stainless steel folding mast step
• VHF aerial and cable replaced
• Bi port and starboard bow, and stern white lights replaced with LED
• New Volvo D130 29HP 
• All Standing rigging replaced 2017
• New Furlex genoa furling gear
• New 20 ltr calorifier 
• Windscreen wipers replaced ( arms and Blades)
• 2 Domestic batteries
• New Canvas cockpit enclosure (2018)
• New Dodgers
• New MOB recovery system
• 60 watt solar panel
• Most of the running rigging replace
• New Spinnaker by elvstrom

There are a number of improvements, many small in detail but in total adding to the overall comfort and efficiency such as Kettle stand, Outboard Bracket, re varnishing and improving many wooden trims, improvised cockpit bed/ sun lounger etc etc

She is a Tough pocket motor sailor.

We have owned Josaphine just 3 seasons, but we have covered more the 2500 miles during that period.

  he is a very capable cruiser with the added benefit of twin keels, which have proved extremely useful on the few occasions we have overnighted in drying harbours, such as Hayle or St Ives.

Two years ago we ventured into Scottish waters, making the long passage via the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland. We enjoyed some wonderful anchorages and magnificent scenery, venturing as far as Inveraray and Tobermory, subsequently making a long and slow retreat back to North Wales.

Last year we cruised right down to the beautiful Isles of Scilly, via Bardsey Island, Solva, Milford Haven and Padstow. The Isles of Scilly are well worth the effort of venturing out into the Atlantic Ocean. Predominately shallow water which again favours the sailing vessel drawing just 3ft 8inc and capable of taking the ground.

The LM 28, with their characteristic sheltered, internal steering gives total comfort, warmth and protection, especially suited to Scottish waters when the weather changes and the security of the wheelhouse becomes a safe haven for the helmsman and crew alike.

The Volvo D1-30 has proved more than adequate in maintaining highly respectable average speeds.

Capable of consuming a miserly 1.5 litres per hour, at 1700rpm and 5.8 knots through the water.

All in all an excellent boat for her size, truly capable of fulfilling respectable and adventurous passages, in both comfort and security. Now ready to take her new owners on a fresh adventure.

Cruising Speed

Engine Count

Engine Horse Power

Max Speed Knots

Propeller Type

3 Blade, Alloy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bent Juul Andersen

Hull Material

Double Berths

Single Berths

Twin Berths

Displacement(kgs)

3628.74 kilograms

Drive Transmission Description

1.12 meters

Engine Year

Engine Type

Fuel Tanks Capacity

No of Heads

Water Tanks Capacity

ABOUT LM 28

The LM 28 is a 28 feet long that boasts a 9.5 feet beam. and a draft of 1.16 meters.This 1987 diesel LM 28 is powered by a Volvo D130, with 29.0 horsepower, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 7.3 knots and a cruising speed of 5.8 knots. The LM 28 is made of fiberglass.

SIMILAR LOCATIONS

• LM in United Kingdom
• Boats in United Kingdom

Sailboat Keel Types: Illustrated Guide (Bilge, Fin, Full)

The keel type is one of the most important features of your boat. But the different designs can be confusing, so I've set out to create a very clear guide that will help you understand sailboat keels once and for all.

What are the most common sailboat keel types? The most common sailboat keel types are full-length keels, fin keels, bulb keels, wing keels, bilge keels, and lifting keels. Full keels are popular among cruisers, while fin keels are generally used for racing. Bilge keels and lifting keels are typically used in tidal waters, on small fishing boats for example.

In this article, we'll explore the most common keel types together. I'll use diagrams to really hit home the differences of all these keel types, and we'll discuss what keel types are best for liveaboard, ocean cruising, and lake weekend trips. After reading this article, you'll know what to choose - and why.

Sailboat Keels Explained

On this page:, overview of sailboat keel types, keel types: fundamentals, modified full keel, centerboard.

If you just want a quick overview, here's a list with the most common keel types and a short description. More detail will follow below.

The most common keel types

• Full keels run from front to aft and are the most stable keel type, making them the most popular cruising keel.
• Fin keels offer the best performance but are less comfortable. This makes them popular for racing. Fin keels are bolted on to the hull and generally run deep and thin.
• Bulb and wing keels are both variants on the fin keel.
• Bulb keels carry additional ballast in the tip, making them more stable.
• Wing keels have two tips at the end of the keel, which reduces crossflow, improving directional stability.
• Bilge keels are double fin or double full kees, which allows the boat to be beached, making them the most popular keel for tidal waters.
• Lifting keels are moveable keels that can be lowered and raised, allowing the boat to enter shallow waters as well.
• Centerboard keels are a pivoting lifting keel, allowing to sail both coastal and inland waters.
• Leeboards are fins on the sides of flat-bottomed hulls boats, making a keel unnecessary.

Properties of each keel type

What does a keel do?

What does the keel do? A keel is a vertical blade running down from the hull. It is weighted and acts as a ballast, countering the boat's tendency to heel and preventing it from tipping over. The wetted surface under the waterline reduces slippage to leeward by creating a track, which counters the sideway force of the wind on the sails.

The reason sailboats don't tip over is that the weight of the keel counters the buoyancy of the hull, which means it will pull the boat downward. This downward force reduces heel and prevents the boat from rolling.

A canoe doesn't have a keel. Try stepping into that: it will want to roll.

It counters the horizontal force the wind puts on the sails. Whenever the force on the sails increases, the resistance of the water on the keel increases proportionally.

The heavier the keel, the less heel you'll get.

A keel reduces slippage to leeward. Slippage is simply the amount you fall off course because of the direction of the wind and current. Leeward is the side of the boat behind the wind.

So if you don't have a keel, you will fall off course quite a lot because the wind will push you over the water surface.

You will also heel quite a lot since there is nothing beneath the water surface to counter the force of the wind high up in your sails.

A keel fixes both of these issues and makes sailboats one of the most reliable boats in heavy winds and storms.

You can read on about how keels work here.

Keels can be classified by multiple dimensions. You can look at them from the side or the front. You can also classify them based on properties.

Before I dive into each keel type in-depth and show examples, let's make sure we have the same starting point.

There are essentially two sorts of keels:

Fixed keels

Movable keels.

Fixed keels are keels that are integrated into the hull or bolted on. They can't be moved or lifted.

When looking at fixed keels, you can divide them up further based on the side view. There are three main categories:

Bilge keels

Full keels are more comfortable, provide better stability and protection, but are also slower than fin keels.

Fin keels are less comfortable, provide less stability, are more vulnerable, but they're also a lot faster than full keels.

Bilge keels are double keels: one on each side of the hull. This allows them to be beached, which comes in handy in tidal waters. They are generally a lot slower and less maneuverable compared to fin keels.

Movable keels can be lifted from the water, creating a shoal (shallow) draft, allowing the boat to enter both shallow waters and coastal waters. This makes it a very versatile keel type. There are two main designs:

Lifting keels

Lifting keels can be lowered and raised through a slit in the hull. Examples of lifting keels are the daggerboard and centerboard.

Leeboards are wooden swords attached to the side of the hull and prevent slippage to leeward, but they don't stabilize the boat, nor counter heel by adding ballast.

With fin keels, there are different tip designs available. The most common two tip designs are:

These are both variants of the fin keel. Generally, these keel designs are mentioned in one breath with full keels and fin keels, creating confusion on what kind of keel they are. But it's important to understand that they are a sub-category of fin keels.

Rudder design

As with the tip of the fin, there are different rudder designs that may apply to both fin and full keels. The two most common rudder designs are:

Skeg rudder

Spade rudder.

A skeg is a structural part of the keel in front of the rudder that protects the rudder. The keel encompasses the rudder, preventing any rogue ropes, weeds, or rocks from damaging the rudder.

A spade rudder is an unprotected rudder: it doesn't have any structural protection from the keel design. It is simply attached to the hull. This design is very common.

Alright, we understand the big picture. Let's dive into more detail for each keel type and discuss the pros and cons.

Fixed keel Good for cruising and liveaboards Comfortable

What is a full keel? A full keel runs from front to aft for at least 50% of the hull and is fully integrated into the hull. It has the largest wetted surface of any keel type, and it is also the heaviest. This results in directional stability and reduced heeling, providing the most comfortable ride, but also the slowest.

The wetted surface simply means the amount of water contact area. With such a large wetted surface, it decreases slippage to leeward the most of all keel types, while it counters heeling the most as well.

The full keel is the most comfortable and stable keel type available. However, comfort comes at a price. It delivers the worst performance due to this large wetted area. It is the slowest of the keel types, and it has the worst windward performance.

This makes full keels particularly great for longtime cruisers or liveaboards who prefer comfort over speed, but less ideal for daysailers who need to navigate in and out of slips regularly.

Since it runs for at least 50% of the hull, it doesn't need to run as deep as a fin keel, resulting in a more shoal draft.

Heavier keels result in increased displacement, so a full keel boat will need a larger sail area to compensate for its weight.

For a more detailed discussion on full keel advantages, I recommend reading William's excellent article 5 Surprising Advantages of a Full Keel Sailboat here.

Example sailboats with a full keel:

• Nicholson 22
• Island Packet 380
• Beneteau Oceanis 411 Clipper
• Beneteau First 50
• Jeanneau Sun Shine 38
• Dufour 455 Grand Large

There are a lot of great cruising boats with full keel designs , some of them considered classics.

Full Keel with skeg rudder

Full keels with a skeg rudder design have a protected rudder, thanks to putting a structural part of the keel directly in front of the rudder. This helps with fending off any hazards to the rudder, like floating pieces of rope, rocks, or garbage, and protects it in case of running aground. The skeg design ensures the rudder is nearly impossible to break off.

Fixed keel Good for cruising and liveaboards Faster than a regular full keel

What is a modified full keel? A modified full keel is a full keel with a cutout at the front, reducing the wetted surface slightly, which increases performance without sacrificing too much comfort and stability. After the full keel, it has the best directional stability and the least amount of heel.

The modified full keel is popular among (bluewater) cruisers, thanks to its increased handling and performance. Most modified full keels have a skeg rudder, ensuring it is well-protected.

The slightly reduced weight and wetted surface improve windward performance quite a lot, but it is still one of the most stable keel designs out there.

Example sailboats with a modified full keel:

• Hallberg-Rassy HR 40
• Dufour Arpege 30
• Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 281
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37.2

Fixed keel Good for racing Fast

What is a fin keel? A fin keel is a long, weighted blade attached to the bottom of the hull. It is lighter, faster, and more maneuverable than a full keel, but also more vulnerable. The increased distance between ballast and sails provides a lever, reducing the need for a large wetted surface or additional ballast.

Fin keels are generally bolted onto the hull and run deeper and thinner than a full keel. They are also lighter. This helps increasing performance (a lot), making fin keels a lot faster in all situations.

There are some major disadvantages to fin keels, however. Fin keels are a lot less comfortable than full keels and allow for more heel and a less solid track, so less directional stability. Fin keels are also a lot more vulnerable than full keels. They can break off when running aground, or get damaged.

They are very popular among racers and perform better when maneuvering in tight spots, like getting in and out of slips.

Example sailboats with a fin keel:

• Catalina 30
• Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36.2

Fin keel with skeg rudder

Fin keels with a skeg rudder use a small structural part in front of the rudder to protect it. This design is mostly integrated into the hull, making it less vulnerable, and a great compromise between speed and safety.

Fin keel with spade rudder

Fin keels with a spade rudder have a completely exposed rudder, and typically a fin that is simply bolted on. The keel isn't integrated into the hull, making it more vulnerable and less comfortable.

Fin keel variant Good for cruising Less crossflow

What is a wing keel? A wing keel is a fin keel with a horizontal foil at the tip, which is wing-shaped and generally weighted. Its shape reduces crossflow, improving directional stability, and its ballast decreases heel, resulting in a more comfortable ride. The addition of a wingtip allows for a shorter fin, reducing draft.

Wing keels are good for cruising since this design improves directional stability compared to a regular fin keel or a bulb keel.

We'll discuss the wing keel's advantages and disadvantages in more detail in this article.

Fin keel variant Good for cruising Stability

What is a bulb keel? A bulb keel is a high-aspect-ratio fin keel with additional ballast at the end, which generally has a bulb or teardrop shape. This ballast improves stability and utilizes the distance between force and counterforce as a lever. This design reduces the need for a deep fin, resulting in a shoal draft.

By placing the weight at the largest possible distance from the force on the sails, you need relatively little extra weight for the same reduction in heel, making bulb keels very effective for cruising.

This design reduces the wetted area while increasing the weight of the keel just slightly, which increases sailing comfort big time.

Example sailboats with a bulb keel:

• Bavaria B/One
• Beneteau First 24

Fixed keel Good for racing Can be beached

What is a bilge keel? A bilge keel is a twin keel which uses double fins, allowing the boat to be beached and rest on its keel upright. Bilge keels have double the wetted surface, which increases comfort and directional stability while decreasing heel. Modern bilge keels often provide decent windward performance, thanks to better design.

The bilge keel does sacrifice speed compared to the fin keel but doesn't necessarily offer worse performance overall. Older designs performed considerably worse than other keels and were especially slow.

Bilge keels have some major advantages over full keels and fin keels. The most important is that the boat can be beached, making it a popular design in tidal waters. Bilge keels are especially common along the British coastline, where fishermen keep their boats in tidal harbors.

Another major advantage is that the boat can be stored resting on its keels, making dry storage and maintenance a lot easier.

Of course, there are many more pros and cons to the bilge keel , which we go into here.

Example sailboats with a bilge keel:

• Dufour Dynamique 62
• Hunter Duette
• Patagonia Patago 39
• Macwester 27

Lifting keel Good for daysailers Versatile

What is a centerboard? A centerboard is a type of retractable keel that rests on a hinge and can be lowered through a slot in the hull. It folds out like a pocket knife and allows you to increase or reduce the draft of the boat. Centerboards are mostly used on small fishing boats.

The centerboard is a very versatile keel type, allowing you to have both a very shoal draft for inland waters, as well as steadying the boat and reducing heel for larger bodies of water, or even oceans.

I've sailed a Cornish Crabber with a centerboard for a week, and while we stayed inland, having the option to increase the keel depth really came in handy when crossing the IJsselmeer (a former sea in The Netherlands).

There's more to the center

Olaf Roethele

https://www.theyachtmarket.com/en/new-boats/cornish-crabbers/adventure-17/218/

My name is Olaf and I am the owner of a Cornish Crabber 17 Adventure boat.

I would like to ask you if you can imagine to install on this boat a Torqeedo 2.0 Pod motor? Therefore i guess a modification of the keel/skeg is necessary ?!

Best regards from Uruguay,

You completely missed the hybrid planing/water-ballast keel of the Macgregor range

Thanks a lot for this explanation

Roger Bannon

Very well written article which provides an excellent guide for us small wooden boat builders. Thanks.

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Bilge keel yachts for sale in UK

Newbridge Pioneer Pilot 26

Isle of Wight, South East

The Newbridge Pioneer, designed by Bill Dixon (better known for his work with Moody Yachts ), was first produced in 1985 and came in two versions. This is the Pioneer Pilot and the bilge keel model with twin helm stations making her a family cruiser with what is considered respectable performance under both...

Westerly Tempest 31

Plymouth, Devon

Westerly Yachts have a reputation for designing and building strong sea-kindly yachts . This Westerly Tempest is no exception. It is clear from the moment you step aboard that she appears to be a well cared for yacht by the current and previous owners. She is looking a little green at the moment having...

Dehler Yachts , built in Germany and now part of the Hanse Group are well known for their performance cruisers. Well built, stylish and always designed to be sailed. Dehlers have a great reputation for German quality The Dehler 29 is described in their advertising as 'agile and adaptable'. She can be easily...

Mirage 2700 BILGE KEEL

Cardiff, South Glamorgan

An ideal cruising yacht of her size. She is easy to handle with good performance. She is a safe family boat and with her bilge keels she can use drying moorings or harbours and can dry out on sandy beaches allowing the children to play. The cockpit is deep, offering safety for the crew. The accommodation...

Moody Excel 34 Sailing Yacht

Fowey, Cornwall

We are at Boatshed Cornwall are delighted to have the opportunity to list this fine example of a Moody Excel 34 sailing yacht for sale . The Bill Dixon updated design of this model made it probably the best in its range of Moodys and this one being a bilge keel version is sought-after too. This Moody Excel...

Jeanneau Fantasia 27

Brighton, Brighton and Hove

Here's an honest little yacht for you, that packs a lot of interior and cockpit space! Her owner bought her to try out bilge keels and found that, as a racer, he'd prefer a fin keel , so she's back with us. She's been recently anti fouled and the engine serviced. She seems to have most things that a larger...

Golden Hind 31 Sailing Yacht

Falmouth, Cornwall

Boatshed Cornwall are pleased to offer this very high specification, well-cared- for Classic Maurice Griffiths designed Golden Hind 31. This Golden Hind was professionally built to a high standard in 1976 by Terry Erskine in Plymouth. She has had only two owners, last changing hands in 1999. It was a...

Moody 31 MkII

Poole, Dorset

Lovely genuine example of the Moody 31 MKII, the Bill Dixon designed yacht known for its excellent performance with cruising comfort. This is the popular bilge keel , providing the ability to explore the shallower reaches. Having been onboard I am sure you will not be disappointed with the general...

Cardinal Sloop Cruiser Classic Wooden Yacht

Essex, East of England

Frequently sailed, this 1959 Cardinal Sloop cruiser defies her age, she needs some attention, time and a little money to bring her up to par but fundamentally appears to be in good condition. Due to the work required the price has been significantly reduced from £14,995 down to £9,995. With her deep keel ...

Leisure 23 Bilge Keel / Sailing yacht

These Leisure 23's are a great pocket family cruising option. One of the designs from Frank Pryor for Cobramould Ltd. This 4/5/berth cruising yacht is a very popular member of the "Leisure" family and is perfect for day, weekend or family cruising. This particular yacht has been in the same ownership for ...

Classic Yachts Mullins Monarch 23

Ramsgate, Kent

Remarks : 1985 Monarch 23 cruiser/racer yacht available in Kent Monarch' is a very stylish and capable bespoke fast cruiser or club racer, designed and built by the highly regarded shipwright and designer John Mullins, designer of the successful Jaguar 21 and 23 yachts , and also responsible for development...

Classic Yachts Classic 50FT steel cutter

Chatham, Medway

Remarks : Classic 50ft steel cutter for sale in Kent: Artic Explorer is a classic 50ft steel cutter that is currently berthed in Chatham Marina. She was built in 1982 as an ocean going steel vessel with a cutter rig to a designed by Alan Mummery. This yacht has undergone an extensive refit over the past 4...

Classic Fred Parker Twin Screw Motor Yacht

Cornwall, South West

Wooden Ships Comments on this Fred Parker Twin Screw Motor Yacht 50 Twin screw motor yacht designed by Fred Parker and built by Port Hamble Ltd in 1965. Designed and built for the CEO of the Mars Corporation, he later sold her and commissioned and similar but larger yacht, also by Fred Parker and Port...

Classic 45' W. H. Thomas Gaff Yawl

Devon, South West

Wooden Ships Comments on this 45 W. H. Thomas Gaff Yawl 45 Gaff Yawl built by W.H. Thomas of Falmouth in 1906. Built as a private yacht, she was found in a neglected state in Glasgow in 1998. She had a major rebuild in Suffolk and was re-launched in 2001. It is believed that she was one the first yachts in ...

Classic Harrison Butler Z4 Sloop

Wooden Ships Comments on this Harrison Butler Z4 Sloop Harrison Butler Z4 Tonner with raised topsides. Built by Alfred Lockhart Marine of Brentford in 1939. One of the 50 or so Boats built to the Zyklon design by Dr T. Harrison Butler between 1938 and 1939. Approximately 6 were built to this slightly...

Classic 8 Ton Hillyard Sloop

Wooden Ships Comments on this 8 Ton Hillyard Sloop 28 6 8 ton Hillyard, designed and built by Hillyards in 1967. She was built for the present owners father but sadly he passed away the year after she was launched, so the current owner has had the boat since 1968. Sadly health issues mean a new custodian...

Classic Yachts Dutch Barge - Tjalk Pavilion Dutch Sailing Barge

Gillingham, Norfolk

Remarks : 1896 Tjalk Pavilion Dutch Sailing Barge Vertrouwen is fully equipped and is ready to sail the coastlines and cruise the rivers or would make an ideal liveaboard. She offers a life of adventure with cosy and practical accommodation 7 berths, heating, large fully equipped galley, and sea toilet...

Classic Max Oertz Bermudan Cutter

Wooden Ships comments on this Max Oertz Bermudan Cutter 44 bermudan cutter for sale designed by Max Oertz and built by Hans Heidtmann, Hamburg in 1925. Max Oertz was the Kaisers naval architect and was responsible for the Kaisers own yachts , Meteor IV and Meteor V, as well as numerous 10m rule yachts and...

Classic West Solent One Design

Wooden Ships Comments on this West Solent One Design West Solent One Design designed and built by the Berthon Boat Co. Ltd in 1927. Yacht No. W22. This 35 bermudan sloop class was designed by H. Jacobs and H.G. May of Berthons as a cost effective cruiser racer for the Royal Lymington Yacht Club. At the...

KingFisher 30

Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire

The Kingfisher 30 is a robustly built twin keel centre cockpit cruiser. These modestly priced yachts have achieved some remarkable voyages, though the modest draft makes them equally suitable for coastal and estuary exploration. "Penultimate" has been well cared for over the years. Viewing by appointment...

Classic Peter Brett Dee 25

Wooden Ships Comments on this Peter Brett Dee 25 31 Dee 25 designed by Peter Brett and built by Allanson & Son, Lancashire in 1960. Peter Brett is best known as the designer of the famous Rival yachts , and he evolved the lines of the Dee 25 into his Rival 31 which was largely the same boat but with a...

Hallberg-Rassy 94 Kutter

Southampton, Hampshire

OSTARA is a delightful motor sailor in excellent condition. She is a very comfortable yacht in all sea states and is ideal for exploring coastal regions and leisurely days out on the water this summer. The Hallberg-Rassy Kutter 94 is a classic canoe stern design with a large engine for her size. She has a...

Classic 40' McGruer Bermudan Yawl

Wooden Ships Comments on this 40 McGruer Bermudan Yawl 40 McGruer Yawl designed and built by McGruer and Co. In 1962. She was built for a serial owner of McGruer yachts , and in the words of James McGruer, she was designed to be a healthy, easily handled, comfortable cruising yacht of handsome appearance....

John Ley Powell 37 ft Motor Yacht 1956-2018

In MARY ISLAY, John E. Powell - Aeromarine s highly proficient in -house yacht designer, who subsequently became better known as an alloy spar maker - perfected a highly attractive and purposeful fusion of workboat type with yacht styling and construction standards. Dubbed a fishing yacht on launch, this...

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