Camper and Nicholson

[Vertor]

Hi all, I am in the market for a new cruising yacht and have a liking for Nicholson. Just come off the phone with a broker in the UK who tells me they are renowned for being riddled with osmosis...I appreciate most older GRP hulls will probably suffer from the same, but do Nicholson really have such a reputation?

[sestina]

They have the reputation of being built like a brick outhouse. Now rather old fashioned, ie; not much accommodation relative to overall length. No more osmosis prone than any other boat. Dealing with osmosis is pretty cookbook these days. You pays your money and takes your choice ...

[Vertor]

Thanks. The build characteristics you outline and the fact they are not in fashion rather attract me. I guess the broker didn't have any C&N on his books.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Vertor

Hi all, I am in the market for a new cruising yacht and have a liking for Nicholson. Just come off the phone with a broker in the UK who tells me they are renowned for being riddled with osmosis...I appreciate most older GRP hulls will probably suffer from the same, but do Nicholson really have such a reputation?

Howdy and Welcome Aboard CF!

Broker's have one POV.

It is always a good idea to get a professional yacht survey, so consider contacting surveyors in your area and ask them about the osmosis issue.

Here is a thread related to osmosis in one of these CN boats, with comments from owners and possible solutions discussed.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...-a-170583.html

Good luck with your boat search.

[barnakiel]

I have seen a handful and none showed osmosis. I always have a look at them when I spot one in a boatyard.

I am considering their 35, if I find one locally. The one I found cheap was unfortunately in Texas. It is probably still there.

I think their 31 and 35 models are pretty awesome bang.

Cheers,
b.

[Nicholson58]

We drive C&N 1984 58 foot ketch 0007. The rudder was goop requiring a total rebuild. The hull had lots of tiny gel blisters revealed by sand blast. There were 7 largish blisters requiring excavation. We did the entire job as an aggressive six week attack. All was easily done using US Composites 635 thin resin. Epoxy :Â*Epoxy Resins and Hardeners

The rudder was a winter job. See my photos Nicholson58

We do not regret the boat or work. Other comments spot on regarding Old School layout and designs. Our boat is 40 tons, low performance compared to racing sleds. We did the Salty Dawg last year and made Hampton, Va to Virgin Gorda in 7.5 days. We had a two day 500+ mile run. 9.5 up waves, 12 down.

Sorry about the IPAD upside down stuff. Not keen on Apple, another topic.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Vertor

Hi all, I am in the market for a new cruising yacht and have a liking for Nicholson. Just come off the phone with a broker in the UK who tells me they are renowned for being riddled with osmosis...I appreciate most older GRP hulls will probably suffer from the same, but do Nicholson really have such a reputation?

I disagree with this. Campers and Nicolsons plus Halmatic worked together over many years producing high quality yachts, motorboats and small warships for the RN. This wasn't some back street construction but a big operation with a large number of employees. So the symptoms of poor quality control plus low quality materials which are thought to help osmosis develop were not present.

The C&N yachts really have that look back feel as you row away, but please be aware that many are now old, they were old when I sailed them in the early 1980s so layouts may or may not be workable.

[meirriba]

I did survey of an old c@n. No osmosis but some non dangerous blisters that were easily treated. I do not consider blisters as osmosis that in my vocabulary is liquid inside and between the grp layers. External blisters are easy to remedy.
A surveyor with proper experience and equipment should be able to discern deep moisture i.e. osmosis. Bliters you will see by yourself.

[Pilou]

My friend's Camper and Nicholson 63' Motor Vessel. Naval architect GL Watson.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Vertor.