Rehabilitating the Traditional Motorsailer

Discussion in 'Motorsailers' started by Laminar Flow, Jun 22, 2025.

  1. Laminar Flow
    Joined: Jun 2025
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 3, Points: 3
    Location: B.C., Canada

    Laminar Flow Junior Member

    Dear Forum,
    I'm new to this forum and I would like to take the opportunity to introduce our boat, a Colvic Watson 31.5 which we have owned since 2010 and to which, over time, we have made considerable modifications to improver her handling and sailing abilities.

    Over the years, we have cruised her throughout Northern Europe, including the Baltic, UK, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Shetland, Orkney, Scotland Ireland and the Northern Coasts of France.
    She has proven herself to be a surprisingly fast sailer (with the mods that is), seaworthy and comfortable; a roomy cruiser, capable of taking on the often inclement climes and seas of the northern waters.

    In June 2022, Practical Boat Owner magazine published an article I wrote on the modifications I made to turn a somewhat lackluster performing motorsailer into a proper sailing boat.
    Subsequently, I made a more detailed Youtube video which includes sailing sequences to demonstrate the transformation of a type not exactly known for it's sailing abilities.


    Colvic Watson 32, Rehabilitating the Traditional Motorsailer
     
    Laminar Flow, Jun 22, 2025
    #1
    bajansailor, montero and fallguy like this.
  2. skaraborgcraft
    Joined: Dec 2020
    Posts: 769
    Likes: 247, Points: 43
    Location: sweden

    skaraborgcraft Senior Member

    The Watson 28, was similary improved in performance with some rig updates. I believe PBO also did a article on that model too. Good burdsome boats.
    I see i responded to your video a year ago!
     
    skaraborgcraft, Jun 24, 2025
    #2
  3. Laminar Flow
    Joined: Jun 2025
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 3, Points: 3
    Location: B.C., Canada

    Laminar Flow Junior Member

    Hi Skaraborgcraft,
    Thank you for your response, I would be very much interested if you still had access to that PBO article on the CW 28.

    All said, the key to any improvements to the brand are the modifications to the remarkably unsophisticated steering end. Without these there is not much hope really for any significant gains by improving the rig or increasing SA, as the original rudder setup immediately stalls out at the slightest load.

    Best, A.
     
    Laminar Flow, Jun 24, 2025
    #3
  4. skaraborgcraft
    Joined: Dec 2020
    Posts: 769
    Likes: 247, Points: 43
    Location: sweden

    skaraborgcraft Senior Member

    I have found PBOs search function for back issues somewhat dire. I have been searching for the renovation articles i had published many years ago. If i find it, i will post it here.
     
    skaraborgcraft, Jun 24, 2025
    #4
  5. Laminar Flow
    Joined: Jun 2025
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 3, Points: 3
    Location: B.C., Canada

    Laminar Flow Junior Member

    Thank you, A.
     
    Laminar Flow, Jun 24, 2025
    #5

  7. Laminar Flow
    Joined: Jun 2025
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 3, Points: 3
    Location: B.C., Canada

    Laminar Flow Junior Member

    Hi everyone,
    Attached the PBO article, introducing our boat.
    Enjoy, A.
     

    Attached Files:

    Laminar Flow, Jun 25, 2025 at 7:24 PM
    #6
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.