Lovers of the Oyster 406 and other centre cockpit concepts will know that the style has largely died out among smaller and mid-size yachts. Yet it remains very popular in…
boat review
Comparing the Sadler 34 and 9 other designs
During the 1970s and 1980s, Sadler Yachts was one of the UK’s best-known boatbuilders, producing a range of serious sea boats that remain popular as cruising yachts today, including the…
Clive’s Boats: comparing two Smacks Boats
In my quest to find the perfect trailer-sailer I’ve owned two Smacks Boats – one was fast, the other more comfortable. I’ve loved both, and purchasing the same model twice…
How I started my small-boat collection with an Invicta 12
There’s only the Invicta 12 to blame for getting me into collecting small boats. New Zealand is one of the better places to go boating but I was not based…
Why the Laser 16 is a “proper trailer sailer”
At last, a proper trailer sailer, says Wendy Fitzpatrick of the Laser 16 cruising dinghy, in a review for the December 1987 issue of Practical Boat Owner
How to get started with a trailer-sailer: Everything you need to know
Ever considered getting a trailer-sailer? Some think they might just be for pottering around harbours, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Over the years PBO has met owners who’ve sailed thousands…
The best 27 foot boats: the Hunter Ranger 265 + 5 other models
From the mid-1980s onwards, Hunter Boats in Essex produced a succession of popular and comfortable 26 to 27 foot boat designs that sail well and offer modern, bright and spacious…
Comparing the Westerly Typhoon 37 and 6 other designs
Rupert Holmes looks at the the Westerly Typhoon 37, his favourite Westerly model of all time, and other alternative boats you might want to consider
Best centre cockpit sailboat designs: the Moody 34 and 346 + 5 alternative yachts
The Moody 34 and 346 were the smallest and best-selling of Moody’s centre cockpit sailboat models in the 1980s. Rupert Holmes weighs in on their merits and offers 5 alternative
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 + 8 alternative yachts: which is the best 31/32 ft boat?
Rupert Holmes compares the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 32 with 8 other 31ft and 32ft used boat designs from the late 1990s and early 2000s
Corribee Mk2 vs Silhouette Mk3: which is the best pocket cruiser?
In his latest used boat review, Clive Marsh compares two of the best small sailboats for sale. The Silhouette Mk3 and the Corribee Mk2 are classic pocket cruisers, both designed…
Three pilothouse boats: Bella 703, Orkney Day Angler 20 and Drago Sunday Fishing
Three small, multi-purpose motorboats with simple accommodation tested. What's best, an inboard or outboard engine, a planing or displacement hull?
The Allures 45: crawl up creeks and dry out or cruise offshore
Peter K Poland takes the helm of the French-built, aluminium-hulled cruising Allures 45 yacht: a variable-draught aluminium-hulled blue water cruiser
Garcia Exploration 45: the ultimate go-anywhere 45ft yacht?
The aluminium-hulled Garcia Exploration 45 is the ultimate ‘go anywhere’ 45-footer, says Peter K Poland. With panoramic views onto the outside world.
Westons Point 27: the head-turning gentleman’s launch
A semi-bespoke gentleman’s launch in cedar strip construction, the Westons Point 27 is a real head-turner that oozes traditional craftsmanship, as David Harding reports
Seascape 24 vs Seascape 27: Is a planing cruiser really practical?
Bowling effortessly downwind at 15 knots can be fun, but what are the compromises? David Harding sails the Seascape 24 and Seascape 27 to find out
Elan Impression 43: a spacious interior & satisfying sailing performance
High, wide and thoroughly modern, Elan’s new Impression 43 offers a remarkably roomy interior and more performance than you might expect, as David Harding discovers
Bavaria 34: find out why this boat was a sell out success
Rupert Holmes revisits this popular high volume cruiser from the late 1990s and early 2000s and looks at the alternatives
Elizabethan 31: the solid offshore cruiser
Her reputation as an able passage-maker makes the Elizabethan 31 highly sought after by cruising folk, but she’s also a spirited performer, says David Harding
Vita Power Seal and Sea Dog: the new electric RIBS which can run at 6-8 knots for 10-25 hours
With a reputation for ‘plug and play’ electric propulsion, Vita Power has launched electric RIBs of its own design. Jake Frith drives them to see how they handle