Our exhaustive searches for a desirable motor boat for the retiring yachtsman to move in to, have finally produced a result! Over the past few years I have spoken to many Sadler and Starlight owners, who are seeking, for a variety of reasons, a motor cruiser with the right attributes to provide an attractive and desirable move from a life-time of sailing.

You may have read my previous website notes relating to our attempts to produce the "perfect solution" with the well known designer Nigel Irens. However, excellent though the design concept was, the cost and risk of bringing a brand new boat into the market place was greater than we were prepared to consider at this stage. However, the objectives to produce this perfect boat are still the same. Being yachtsmen ourselves, we are familiar with the desirable criteria, main points being as follows:

§ Conservative styling with relatively low profile and slim shape (quite contrary to the popular notion of how the vast majority of power-boats appear).

§ Modest beam with a moderate power installation, producing reasonable economy.

§ Maximum speed between 15 and 22 knots, dependent upon engine size and boat length.

§ Interior layout to be yacht-style with emphasis on traditional wood finish.

§ Open plan accommodation with good cockpit space and all facilities installed to function properly at sea.

Saga from Norway

Saga have been producing affordable boats for the Norwegian boat owner for many years. They have specialised in long keel powerboats with an easily driven hull. Modest price, economical running and conservative styling, have made their range of boats appealing to Norwegian yachtsmen. We are particularly impressed by their Saga 26 HT and have taken on this boat to sell, as a first step towards introducing the ideal range of boats for the UK yachtsman. Special Dealer arrangements have now been agreed with UK Importers and Distributors Wessex Marine of Poole, to the extent that Mike Lucas Yachting has been appointed West Country dealer for the whole range of Saga boats. More importantly, we have agreed to supply Saga on a direct basis to those existing Sadler/Starlight owners wishing to purchase a motor boat.

Personal reaction

The Saga 26 has a number of endearing features which we have come to appreciate, in driving the boat in a variety of conditions around Poole.

§ Superb directional stability and smooth transition from idling speed to maximum, with a modest size 95 hp Yanmar diesel. Traditional drive, with prop shaft protected by a long keel and skeg mounted rudder.

§ Bow thruster to provide precise manoeuvering. Propeller nicely tucked behind the keel gives positive thrust into the rudder - no problems with lobster pots and quick response for slow speed manoeuvering. How many motor boats steer well in astern? - this one certainly does and with aid from the bowthruster, 'stern-to-mooring' becomes feasible.

§ Fine entry gives minimal 'pounding' into waves and the hull sections provide for a very easy motion at sea. Here is a boat to give you confidence in a seaway - slicing through waves and easy to steer, with the wind and waves on the beam or the quarter, thanks to the long straight keel.

§ Forecabin has a dinette facility which converts into a spacious double berth. There is a roomy stowage locker upforward and a hanging locker, both with louvered doors. Aft of this is a full length quarter berth. The toilet and washbasin has a shower facility with hot and cold water and a holding tank is supplied in the standard spec, with manual pump-out arrangement.

§ Then up two steps into steering accommodation, where seating and small galley lead straight into sumptuously-cushioned cockpit area. For good weather cruising this provides a wonderfully airy open-plan layout. Wet weather protection for the cockpit is provided by an ingenious sprayhood arrangement which completely encloses the cockpit, with zipper options for varying wind and weather. Further enhancement of the fine weather enjoyment is the ability to slide back the roof and indeed remove it completely. This is a soft top, which removes or replaces in only a few minutes, (similar in principle to the old 2 CV Citroen).

§ Stowage - ample provision below cockpit floor and below the seating, in two levels of ingeniously devised stowage accommodation.

§ Low noise levels, thanks to the abundance of sound installation around the engine, underwater exhaust and plenty of wood trim.

§ No problem storing the inflatable dinghy and life-raft under the cockpit sole panel. Boarding from a dinghy? Very easy access through the aft-opening cockpit door - straight in to the cockpit via the transom platform. Alongside boarding is made easy with relatively low topsides and good strong grab rails.

§ Entertaining in the cockpit is an absolute delight, with swivel-base table and close proximity to galley facilities. Two burner stove and 12v fridge fitted as standard with 12v microwave cooker as optional extra.

§ Moving on deck is made safer and easier through well-placed grab rails and a strong bow-rail extending well aft - mid-ship cleats provided for springs (as you would expect).

§ Anchoring is a joy - the efficient Delta anchor is stowed in its own locker up forward, with 6 metres 8mm chain and ample anchor warp. If you are serious about anchoring, we would fit a powered Anchorman windlass with self-stow anchor arrangement.

§ With modern diesel engine reliability we applaud the decision to go for one engine (most fishing boats only have one). With filter arrangements at the fuel tank, primary and secondary filters feeding into the engine and skeg protection for the prop,the chances of diesel engine malfunction are practically nil. We believe this to be the right installation for the boat.

§ Boat handling and general performance characteristics with economy, is better with a single engine and bow-thruster. However, we can deliver more speed if required, by installing a larger engine.

Purchase price

Standard sale price for 2002 is £58,800 plus vat, with the Yanmar 96hp diesel and this includes an abundance of extras built in to the standard UK spec. These include toilet with holding tank, h&c water with en-suite shower and cockpit shower, two-burner stove in galley with 12v fridge, cockpit s.s. frames with acrylic hood and opening sun hatch in wheelhouse, upholstery/c'pit cushions/curtains all colour-matched to choice.

Next step

Already available on our website are some images of this boat and as time progresses, we shall post further detail relating to personal experience and comments from yacht owners. In the meantime, please call Mike (01803 212818) or email saga@mikelucasyachting.co.uk for further information if interested.