Watkins 29 info sought

ughmo2000 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-17-2003

Hi all,

Looking at a Watkins 29 but haven''t been able to find much information on them.
Feel free to tell me everything there is to know about everything there is to know concerning these boats!

Many thanks!!

Sailmc · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

Chartered a Watkins 31 once many years ago in Florida. Didn''t go to weather. Didn''t reach either. At least it motored poorly though

ughmo2000 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

Well....that''s everything I wanted to know!!
Thanks Sailmc.

Jeff_H · #4 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

Sailmc, you forgot to mention the mediocre build quality.

Jeff

Sailmc · #5 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

Jeff_H
You''re right. I shouldn''t be so negative.

ughmo2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

Awww come on guys! Tell me what you really think!

Nuff said....Thanks!!

tsenator · #7 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

had a 27 foot Watkins before...

Solid boat and a lot of boat for the money, but I have to agree, pointing high is not its strong point. But it''s a bit overbuilt and solid, but in light winds and trying to go to weather was a chore......But what do you expect !?!? It had a 3''11" modified shoal keel and a very wide beam...

When I think of the Watkins 27 I think of the poor man Island Packet 27. It was made very close to the Island Packet plant (Largo Floroda) Its very similar in design (but obviously not teak woodwork below and other details, build quality, etc), but I would image it sails the same....great on a beam reach and heavier winds/seas don''t bother it.

Every boat is a compromise but this 27'' footer had a lot of space and a very shoal keel and it was not a lot of money, but still very solid. More than one time I was caught in heavy seas when bigger boats turned to go in port and (with the help of my trusty yanmar 2QM15) I never felt unsafe.........

If your looking for the best sailing ultra light wind sailboat....this is not it. If you are looking for a solid, safe, forgiving, inexpensive, roomy 27'' sailboat....I''d say you found it

tsenator · #8 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

had a 27 foot Watkins before...

Solid boat and a lot of boat for the money, but I have to agree, pointing high is not its strong point. But it''s a bit overbuilt and solid, but in light winds and trying to go to weather was a chore......But what do you expect !?!? It had a 3''11" modified shoal keel and a very wide beam...

When I think of the Watkins 27 I think of the poor man Island Packet 27. It was made very close to the Island Packet plant (Largo Floroda) Its very similar in design (but obviously not teak woodwork below and other details, build quality, etc), but I would image it sails the same....great on a beam reach and heavier winds/seas don''t bother it.

Every boat is a compromise but this 27'' footer had a lot of space and a very shoal keel and it was not a lot of money, but still very solid. More than one time I was caught in heavy seas when bigger boats turned to go in port and (with the help of my trusty yanmar 2QM15) I never felt unsafe.........

If your looking for the best sailing ultra light wind sailboat....this is not it. If you are looking for a solid, safe, forgiving, inexpensive, roomy 27'' sailboat....I''d say you found it

tsenator · #9 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

had a 27 foot Watkins before...

Solid boat and a lot of boat for the money, but I have to agree, pointing high is not its strong point. But it''s a bit overbuilt and solid, but in light winds and trying to go to weather was a chore......But what do you expect !?!? It had a 3''11" modified shoal keel and a very wide beam...

When I think of the Watkins 27 I think of the poor man Island Packet 27. It was made very close to the Island Packet plant (Largo Floroda) Its very similar in design (but obviously not teak woodwork below and other details, build quality, etc), but I would image it sails the same....great on a beam reach and heavier winds/seas don''t bother it.

Every boat is a compromise but this 27'' footer had a lot of space and a very shoal keel and it was not a lot of money, but still very solid. More than one time I was caught in heavy seas when bigger boats turned to go in port and (with the help of my trusty yanmar 2QM15) I never felt unsafe.........

If your looking for the best sailing ultra light wind sailboat....this is not it. If you are looking for a solid, safe, forgiving, inexpensive, roomy 27'' sailboat....I''d say you found it

tsenator · #10 (**permalink**) 09-18-2003

had a 27 foot Watkins before...

Solid boat and a lot of boat for the money, but I have to agree, pointing high is not its strong point. But it''s a bit overbuilt and solid, but in light winds and trying to go to weather was a chore......But what do you expect !?!? It had a 3''11" modified shoal keel and a very wide beam...

When I think of the Watkins 27 I think of the poor man Island Packet 27. It was made very close to the Island Packet plant (Largo Floroda) Its very similar in design (but obviously not teak woodwork below and other details, build quality, etc), but I would image it sails the same....great on a beam reach and heavier winds/seas don''t bother it.

Every boat is a compromise but this 27'' footer had a lot of space and a very shoal keel and it was not a lot of money, but still very solid. More than one time I was caught in heavy seas when bigger boats turned to go in port and (with the help of my trusty yanmar 2QM15) I never felt unsafe.........

If your looking for the best sailing ultra light wind sailboat....this is not it. If you are looking for a solid, safe, forgiving, inexpensive, roomy 27'' sailboat....I''d say you found it