SURVEYOR’S REPORT

The working combination of an Andrew Wolstenholme hull shape with an Adam Greenwood design has ensured not only characterful and charming looks but also a seaworthy hull form that is equally adept at both inland cruising or coast-hopping. That semi-displacement design should prove reassuring in a blow and avoid the usual bashing through the chop that flatter planing hull forms tend to suffer from. That tall helm position should also prove ideal for more genteel boating in sheltered harbours or when exploring rivers.

The attention to detail, finish and overall feeling of quality of mouldings and fittings on these craft is well documented but you should still consider the following points before buying one:

Think carefully about your intended boating requirements, not only for the immediate future, but for the longer term. The quality and finish of this boat might make it more expensive than some mass production rivals but should also help retain value over time. The only caveat is that as a niche market craft, resale prices are more prone to variation than most.

If you opt for the Offshore version with the SX outdrive, be aware that outdrive boats tend to wander slightly at slow speeds but come into their own at higher speeds. The less powerful Saildrive 27 will provide you with effortless wafting if you mainly plan to use it inland.

If looking at the offshore version, pay specific attention to any flexing of the hull in the forward sections, hull/ deck radii and windscreen frame joints.

Early examples of the five-cylinder 2.4-litre Volvo D3 engines have been known to suffer issues ranging from cracked turbo inlet manifolds to pulley misalignment and the usual heat exchanger issues. Look for a good service history and ask a Volvo engineer to inspect it and take it on a thorough sea trial prior to purchase.

The covers on these boats are enormous and do make the cockpit useable even on a rainy day, but at a price. They can be a menace in a really strong blow, and with all that flat surface area, seagulls will think their boat’s come in! As a sunny-days boat, the tonneau will be fine.

If you are happy that this style of craft is what you want, then the English Harbour 27 and 29 will be seaworthy and rewarding to own. Just be prepared to be the centre of attention in marinas as her classic lines will always attract admirers.

Chris Olsen, Olsen Marine Surveying

Tel: +44 (0)7971 250105; www.olsenmarine.co.uk