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Old 02-11-2013, 22:34   #1
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Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

Considering two 70's vintage tri's, would like to hear thoughts from anyone who has experience with either model.

Both are lightweight boats, quality build, in need of refit but structurally very sound, with low (by modern standards) volume amas and centerboard/daggerboard. The Kraken is ply/epoxy and the Val is glass/airex.

The Kraken "feels" to me like a faster boat, that I could take to sea, while I initially I feel like I might be reluctant to take the val offshore under the same conditions... But I have heard Val's (even with wing deck) are solid and fast! The Cabins on both feel small, the val smaller. Obviously the fixed wing on the val should theoretically slow her down a little due to weight. Both boats have their quirks.

I would be adding a modern rotating 3/4 rig eventually and strip down the boat for racing and minimal costal cruising.

Any thoughts / input greatly appreciated
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Old 03-11-2013, 06:24   #2
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

I wouldn't say the Val is slower necessarily. Many of these were purpose built ocean racers and are extremely fast. And as the saying goes, 'Dick Newick never designed a slow boat'! The Kraken is fast, too. Decisions, decisions.

History of Newick and the Vals are on page 7.
http://www.stevencallahan.net/images...ck-dec2010.pdf
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Old 03-11-2013, 09:02   #3
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

I saw the Kraken 33 in NC, it could be bought for a great price and I am aware of the 2 Newicks for sale up north, both boats are compromises due to their size and amas, I think they are all fun boats so I would go with the best built one. Were any built by Damian? DMC yachts. I have owned a 40 Kraken and a 38' Newick
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Old 03-11-2013, 10:44   #4
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

Go with the Kraken.
Much more dramatic.

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Old 04-11-2013, 11:45   #5
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

Multihuller, or anyone else...

Care to elaborate on your experiences with the Kraken 40? (Anything to look out for, wet ride, ama attachment points, durability of rudder, board and trunk as designed?)

And any comments on the 33 if you have seen her in person? (all of the above points, quality of build, light med or heavy build, etc).

Thank you
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Old 04-11-2013, 12:13   #6
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

Sand Crab I am aware that Val's are fast and were built to race. Or at least many of them were raced. Including some val "wing" boats. The Val III (open wing, latest incarnation) is probably what you are thinking of.
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Old 04-11-2013, 14:29   #7
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

I think the Vals were always designed to be serious ocean going racers and it was the first Val that took 2nd place in the 1976 OSTAR. They are truly badass for a 31' boat. Did you read that link?
The Kraken is cool, too.
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Old 04-11-2013, 18:42   #8
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

I'm probably going to get flamed here but imho the Vals are not the most attractive of Newicks designs.
I think they look spindly, wet and fragile, the massive crossbeam seams disproportionate to the fine hulls.
I see the Kraken as an infinitely more useable boat, particularly the cabin and cockpit.
But ! I have no experience with either ! So an armchair opinion.
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Old 04-11-2013, 19:59   #9
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Re: Newick Val 31 wing vs Crowther Kraken 33

I will be back in NC in a couple of weeks. The K33 was foam core,very small interior, as a sailboat she will be fun, but not so much as a liveaboard, I think she has a gorgeous set of sails. the amas are small though. When I knew her 25 years ago in Lake Champlain she was well loved and I haven't seen her in a year or so. I used to hate Newick's and after owning one love them,love them, they are so much fun to sail. My Crowther Buccaneer was much larger inside but the Kraken is probably just as much fun to sail
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