Day-sail dilemma

n I’m a huge fan of Hunter yachts and currently the very satisfied owner of a 23ft Hunter Duette. It’s enjoyable to sail and perfect for day-sailing on the River Crouch, with iron bilge keels to protect the boat from the mixture of mud and rubble typical of drying moorings where I keep my boat. My very cheap mooring at Up River Yacht Club in Hullbridge is perfect for the budget yachtsman, though subject to a size limitation of 30ft overall.

I want to buy a bigger boat to go further afield on club cruises, but I don’t want to give up my drying mooring or, especially, forego day-sailing fun. The Hunter Horizon range, particularly if I could find a rare 30, might be ideal. I have also looked at the Hunter Ranger 265. They get positive reviews regarding their sailing ability, but the Ranger does look a bit ‘tubby’, which raises a doubt in my mind as to the experience they offer at the helm.

What are the top five 26-30ft bilge-keel yachts that would combine day sailing enjoyment? My budget is up to £20,000.

I always enjoy Peter Poland’s informative articles and share his admiration of yachts designed by David Thomas. n Peter Poland replies:

I am biased… but the Hunter Horizon 26, Horizon 27 (same hull but counter stern), Horizon 272 and 273, Ranger 265 and Channel 27 (upgraded 265) are well ahead of other Brit twin-keelers of similar size. The Horizon 30 is even better – but not many were made, and they go for quite a lot of loot.

The Ranger 265 – despite its slightly tubby looks – sails really well. The Ranger 245 is equally good under sail but is obviously a bit smaller. It might be a good idea to ask a few owners via the Hunter Association website (www.hunterassociation.org.uk).

Other makes? The Sadler 26 and (old) Sadler 29 sail pretty well. The much newer Sadler 290 also sails well, but is expensive.

What else? Some people say the Seawolf 26 twin-keeler sails OK; ditto some of the Cobras. And of course the Westerly Griffon Mk2 is a safe bet, as are the Westerly Merlin and Spirit models – but I have not tried sailing any of these so I cannot vouch for their performance.

As a general rule, the deeper the draught and the better the keels are shaped, the better a twin-keeler sails. Many twinkeelers don’t have enough draught or ‘bite’… so they slide sideways! the existence of any others. When my father became unable to sail any more, he gave Rover 1 to me: I feel very lucky to have had over 51 years of very enjoyable sailing in her.

I have been reading PBO since the 1970s: very many thanks, and congratulations to everyone who contributes to such a good publication.