Experience owning an Aleutka 29 by John letcher

[Privateid]

I’m looking at purchasing an Aleutka 29 by John Letcher. Anyone have experience with these or know of them.

Thanks

[Celestialsailor]

First, welcome to the forum.
Not sure if you have seen this...
https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/aleutka-29

[Jim Cate]

IIRC, in his book "Self steering for sailing boats" (approximate) John describes some of his voyaging in his Aleutka, with emphasis on how he got her to self steer with a sheet to tiller rig. It has been years since I read the book, but that's how I remember it.

Jim

[Privateid]

Thank you, Yes I have seen that site, and been reading that online book. It’s very interesting. I really become attached on getting the vessel. It’s very unique and the designers stories are pretty incredible.

[ggray]

It's been a long time since I read about Aleutka, but IIRC, the bilge keel design was because John's plan was to haul her and leave her for periods of times along his travels, and he had tired of building cradles for his previous boat, just to leave them behind.

That makes a lot of sense, if that's your plan, but if not, perhaps the bilge keels should be dispensed with.