A boat for life

Peter Poland examines the 27-30ft twin-keelers that have stood the test of time

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A 27ft to 30ft twin keel cruiser often becomes a boat for life. Having started in dinghies, most sailors tend to graduate to small cruisers. Many then settle on something around 30ft – a sensible size that provides comfort, space, and seagoing ability without breaking the bank. Even if a crew of keen young sailors and their chums make it worth owning something bigger for a while, many owners realise that 27-30ft is an ideal size for coastal pottering and cross-Channel cruises once their youngsters have moved on.

Regrettably, however, you’ll no longer find a new British twin-keeler of any size – either at a UK boat show or elsewhere. Famous UK builders who sold hundreds of twin keelers, such as Westerly, Sadler, Moody, Thames Marine, Jaguar Yachts, Macwester, et al are sadly no longer around. Meanwhile the continental conglomerates such as Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria and Hanse now rarely bother building smaller sailing cruisers.

Your main market places will therefore be regional used boat shows, brokerage listings, classified adverts and – perhaps most important of all – the class association websites.

Budget is often an important factor. Some 27-30ft GRP twin-keel cruisers date from the 1960s, while a few later models were built in the 21st Century. So you can be looking at age differences of up to 50 years – and age affects price.

Some sailors relish the process of restoring an oldie, while others want a yacht that is ready to go. As ever, you ‘pays your money and takes your choice’.

Above all, it’s sensible to find a model that’s supported by an active owners’ association where you’ll find help, support and valuable advice about the make and model you’re considering.