Watkins 36C For A Circumnav

[WnC]

If you're reading this than thank you for your time and consideration for reading my post.


I am torn between some nice Tayanas and Hans Christians in the 50-100k Price range or a super crappy but structurally sound Watkins 36C for 25k for our upcoming circumnav. We will be leaving from Florida and hitting the Caribbean first. The cheaper price point will allow us to put money into the boat and learn the ins and outs as we perform a refit. The more expensive boats are mostly ready to go.


Does anybody have a hot take or experience on the Watkins?

[jjernigan1972]

I can't help you much with the Watkins. Except a quick search show the Sail Area to Displacement is 12.83, if that is correct I wouldn't expect it to sail much in lighter winds. To give you an idea a Westsail 32 is around 16. Unless you love the project of rehabbing a boat, I would suggest buying a boat someone else outfitted for a circumnav, and never went. I believe a lot of dreams are lost in the refitting stage.
Best of luck,
Jason

[gonesail]

apparently this guy rounded Cape Horn in a Watkins 36.


https://www.cruisingworld.com/story/...-for-survival/

[Cheechako]

The Hans are super built, but you pay for that as they wallow trying to go through a chop and can be a bear to get moving. I swear the Bronze I beam traveler on mine must have weighed 80 lbs!

The Tayana aren't built as well as a Hans but probably a bit lighter due to that.

I only have looked at one Watkins and it's been a while. I left feeling it was a fairly strong boat for more of a production built boat.

Dont underestimate upgrading time and $ though! Get something near your "acceptable" level and it will still be a "fixer"! Watch out for buried tanks and rudders etc. on old boats.

Another nicely built boat along the lines of what you are talking is the Passport 37, which has a bit more modern underbody than the Hans or Tayana. Still not cheap though. Limited production/availability on those though.

Many people want to "sail around the world" but in reality never do. After they leave they find the cruising is good without doing that. A little soul searching about how likely you are to dor that is good. Sailing the Caribe is great and can be done in many boats just fine. Sailing all around is another thing....

[WnC]

Originally Posted by gonesail

apparently this guy rounded Cape Horn in a Watkins 36.


https://www.cruisingworld.com/story/...-for-survival/

Well if that's not a boat seller I don't know what is. Their Watkins went through a whole lot and kept on floating.

[AiniA]

Think you have lots of other options in that price range that would be better. Time to broaden your search.

[dennismenace111]

Originally Posted by WnC

If you're reading this than thank you for your time and consideration for reading my post.


I am torn between some nice Tayanas and Hans Christians in the 50-100k Price range or a super crappy but structurally sound Watkins 36C for 25k for our upcoming circumnav. We will be leaving from Florida and hitting the Caribbean first. The cheaper price point will allow us to put money into the boat and learn the ins and outs as we perform a refit. The more expensive boats are mostly ready to go.


Does anybody have a hot take or experience on the Watkins?

I owned a Watkins 29 for a few years. The boat is built like a tank. Oversized rigging everywhere and easy to access chain plates and knees.

The boat didnt point all that well, and wasnt very fast, and seemed to be a bit tender. Understand that most of my sailing experience was on a DuFour 35 which wasnt tender at all.

Things too look out for are few... the keels are encapsulated concrete and steel. Many of the 29 and 30 footers have reported water intrusion into the keels which could be problematic.

I cant speak for the W36 but the W29 decks were plywood cored.. so watch for wet cores..

My biggest issue was superficial gel coat crazing..I had lots of stress crazing on the coach roof and in the cockpit that I had to repair and paint.

Theyre very comfortable boats and strong. Cant speak for a 36, but I motored a lot,.,.,,

[majnun]

Originally Posted by gonesail

apparently this guy rounded Cape Horn in a Watkins 36.


https://www.cruisingworld.com/story/...-for-survival/

A very inspiring story. It gave me more insight into PTSD. Taylor and Stephen showed so much grit and determination, it made feel less alone and isolated in my efforts to swim upstream in a society with an unquenchable thirst for human souls. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

[gonesail]

for me the HC 33 is a boat worth considering. without teak decks and original tanks would be better. but an awesome design and probably rare on the market as all good boats are.

[OldManMirage]

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade and I certainly would not discount the circumnavigation - but I never really thought of Watkins as world cruisers.

I am not an expert, but I don't think they were built with this in mind.

Of course that never stops a lot of people.

[Island Time O25]

One can modify a Ford Escort enough to take one through some bush land but why bother when one can get a 60s-70s Toyota FJ to begin with.

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by Island Time O25

One can modify a Ford Escort enough to take one through some bush land but why bother when one can get a 60s-70s Toyota FJ to begin with.

or better yet .. a Ford Pinto

[sv_Eden]

As an owner of a Watkins 36CC - I have some real world insight. My last boat(s) - a Pearson Vanguard, Ranger 23, Sunfish, Flying Scot.

Have crewed on C&C, Morgan, Hardin, Formosa, Beneteau, Hunter (50), Tayana... etc mainly sail in Southern Waters - Gulf and lower East Coast

Every boat is a compromise in some way - we all know that...

Is she fast - compared to what? Vanguard - yes... Interestingly - it is actually same Length to Beam ratio Tripp studied under Phil Rhodes. Fst as a Flying Scot on a plane - no...
Is she comfortable in weather - when green water is coming all the way back to the doghouse? - Yes
Are the doors below a little too narrow - you turn sideways - behavior on the water beats creature ease... (see notes on beam ... and capsize)
Is she comfortable though with all amenities?- yes...
Big Galley - no a cruising galley with a deep wide fridge, 3 burner stove w/oven and a sink - amidships
Are they well built? - one of the best if not the best hull deck joints in the industry - heavy hand laid glass, complete access to all components and all oversized.
... and at 45' mast height above DWL - she goes under bridges easily.

Easy to single hand - crosby mainsail config, furling headsail with ASYM spin... so - Yes
Draws 4.5 so gets in close enough....

Am I in a hurry? - no... not any more
Is this a boat for everyone - NO - but suits me just fine... Some boats are more than just specs...

Just my $0.02... and no they didn't pay me for this endorsement. I passed on a Cabot 36 for this boat.

Fair winds....