Thanks for an excellent post Tony. Having sailed smaller boats with positive
flotation for years, and seen firsthand many times the benefits, I can't
imagine why there aren't more big cruising boats (especially passagemakers)
designed with positive flotation. Maybe it's the 'little boat' stigma?

Fresh Breezes- Doug King


"Ellie" wrote...
I am interested in ANY opinions on these boats.
Particularly any aspects to do with the foam filled hull,


Sarah & Tony Boas wrote:
I've currently got a Sadler 34... (snip for brevity)

.... In summary:
The PLUS points:
- Unsinkability
- Lack of internal condensation and a completely dry bilge
- Insulation - warmer in winter
- Shock absorbing - the lack of slamming was particularly noticeable on
my 26 footer which had bilge keels.

The MINUS points:
- If the hull is damaged, repair is more difficult and expensive as one
would have to cut back to remove any damaged or waterlogged foam
(luckily I do not speak from experience!)
- Some relatively slight loss of internal volume and stowage space due
to the thickness of the two skins plus foam.

Tony Boas
Sadler 34 - Bold Warrior