Leeward 18

[flounder_al]

I have done a search on here and read some of the comments about this boat.

Is there anyone that actually owns one and can give me a run down on what they are like to use? I love the shape of them. They aint like all the rest of the boats which is cool. Also the mags gave them a good write up but there again they normally do.

Thanks in advance.

[phil dublin]

hi..at the small boats comp in Cork this year a group of lads brought their leeward 18 over,,,they are an interesting boat,large deck space high free board and this was well able to travel around 28-30 knots,,only prob i heard was it slams like mad due to the concave shape of the front hull section,,but i must admit we remarked several times on its mini charter boat type look it has because of large deck space with room to fish 4 or 5 with out a problem.......:boat:

[solehunter]

I have done a search on here and read some of the comments about this boat.

Is there anyone that actually owns one and can give me a run down on what they are like to use? I love the shape of them. They aint like all the rest of the boats which is cool. Also the mags gave them a good write up but there again they normally do.

Thanks in advance.
Hi, my mate worked for leeward in their small units on the iow till the company got into trouble. he also designed some of there moulds.
I`ll see if he will come around and do a post for you:)

[flounder_al]

I`ll see if he will come around and do a post for you:)

Cheers mate :notworthy

[poppajoe]

Flounder Al,I own one and its awesome,however I may be looking to sell her at the end of the summer, If your interested come back to me :)

Hi,

I'd love one - is she inboard or outboard? if she's inboard please let me know when you are selling cos If I am in the position to, I would buy one at the right price.

Poppajoe....

[poppajoe]

Outoard sorry,90hp evinrude ficht.

Believe me you don't want an inboard Leeward,the weight of the engine coupled to the fact that it does not have the outboard pod fitted(less bouyency) makes them a very stern heavy craft.

This comment came from the guy that used to build them before the moulds were sold to Amble marine who now manufacture.

Kinwife, Thanks for the tip, if their no good with inboards then I don't want one as I am done with expensive troublesome outboards - shame, their such a nice boat too! I thought the mercruiser 1.7 would have been a good match for the craft?

Cheers anyay:schmoll:

[KevD]

been out on mates leeward 18 1.7 derv a couple or few times not impressed boat very heavey at back and slams very hard not for me thanks v hulls are much more civalised

[flounder_al]

Cheers for the replies guys. I am not yet in the position financially to buy one but i habve in some ways set my eyes on either one of these or a day angler. The Leward 18 to me is different so would stand out from the crowd and also the reports on her are good.
Just wanted to hear from people that actually owned one. Shame the inboard isn't as good though as i like inboards on boats.

[poppajoe]

been out on mates leeward 18 1.7 derv a couple or few times not impressed boat very heavey at back and slams very hard not for me thanks v hulls are much more civalised

I have seen a Leeward 18 with twin 120 mercs, now surely they are as near as heavy as a single 1.7 mercruiser +outdrive or shaft?

And they are hung further back?

After all, the 1.7td is a pretty small unit is it not?:g:

[KevD]

hi poppajoe weight of merc 1.7=296kg merc 120 x 2=340kg not alot of weight differance but twice as much power. the deisel engine is very good and cheap as chips torun but in my opion a little heavey at the back. Boat is very fast 35knts I just find it uncomfortble when there is a good chop compared to other craft ive been on

[poppajoe]

hi poppajoe weight of merc 1.7=296kg merc 120 x 2=340kg not alot of weight differance but twice as much power. the deisel engine is very good and cheap as chips torun but in my opion a little heavey at the back. Boat is very fast 35knts I just find it uncomfortble when there is a good chop compared to other craft ive been on

Hi KevD,
It must mean they are slammy anyway then as the weight of the 2 x outboards is more - yes?
either ways, I have a dory now and I put up with a little slamming for 40mph with 60hp for an 18ft boat! and the stabilty is great, no roll whatsoever at anchor.

I have to say I still like the leeward and will definatly try and get a test drive in an inboard model if at all possible - the problem is they are so rare and then I suppose you have to ask - if they are that good why not so many around - maybe cost?

[KevD]

hi again poppajoe the build quality is excellent and built like a brick **** house u wont be dissapointed m8 takes his up to sixtey miles off shore weather permitting and uses 20 quids of red cheap

[poppajoe]

hi again poppajoe the build quality is excellent and built like a brick **** house u wont be dissapointed m8 takes his up to sixtey miles off shore weather permitting and uses 20 quids of red cheap

That's the ticket - just waht I am after, something to get me to Ireland from west wales for a weeks fishing off Kilmore, at that rate it would be cheaper than the ferry and boat hire, and much more fun..:) :boat:

[flounder_al]

Cheers for the advice peeps.

Going to seriously look into getting one when i can.

Woulod still love a Warrior 195 or Orkney Dayangler though

[TomBettle]

A certain boat test journalist whose name has been mentioned in this threa and who is known to publish "nice things" about many boats actually said to me whilst fishing with me (and incidentally testing my boat whch is another brand & style altogether) that in it's own class, the Warrior is the best on the market.

I would go for a Warrior over the Leeward, I take the point about looks, they are pretty and look different, but ask yourself why there are so many Warriors against similarly priced other makes. They far surpass most other brands of "Open Cuddy" builders in terms of quality, they ride well, bags of space and will sell easily in the future.

Also with regards to Leewards with inboards, the reasons there are so few:
1) Much more expensive
2) Not as good, the boat is designed for an outboard and rides better with an outboard

Just IMHO
Tom



Cheers for the advice peeps.

Going to seriously look into getting one when i can.

Woulod still love a Warrior 195 or Orkney Dayangler though

[poppajoe]

A certain boat test journalist whose name has been mentioned in this threa and who is known to publish "nice things" about many boats actually said to me whilst fishing with me (and incidentally testing my boat whch is another brand & style altogether) that in it's own class, the Warrior is the best on the market.

I would go for a Warrior over the Leeward, I take the point about looks, they are pretty and look different, but ask yourself why there are so many Warriors against similarly priced other makes. They far surpass most other brands of "Open Cuddy" builders in terms of quality, they ride well, bags of space and will sell easily in the future.

Also with regards to Leewards with inboards, the reasons there are so few:
1) Much more expensive
2) Not as good, the boat is designed for an outboard and rides better with an outboard

Just IMHO
Tom

Good points - but 60 miles offshore in an open boat with an outboard, not for me I think?
I would also not consider doing it in a Leeward with a cuddy and combined with an outboard - me thinks!

Each to his own hey?

No contest for me I am afraid, although why are so many Warriors etc sold, well it not always down to there ability, much is acreditted to price, referral, "spoken reputation" etc - my point is "marketting budgets" do play a part.

IMHO of course..

[flounder_al]

Thats what i was looking at. The lockable cabin style gives me that sense of safety.

[maverick]

OK Lets set the record straight here guys.............................

I have owned a Warrior in the past,I now own a Leeward18 outboard version

After this there is only one boat better in my eyes and thats a Cheetah cat...

How anyone can say a Warrior is a better boat amazes me,two people stand on one side of the boat and hey ho watch it lean! tell me I'm wrong!!!

Do this on a Leeward and yes she will lean but nowhere near as much.

As for slamming yes any cathederal hull style boat will slam a little but I know which boat I would rather be out on when a squal picks up!!

Anyone in West Wales who fancies a spin out for me to prove the above is more than welcome..............

Ok rant over!

Cheers:)

Are you comparing the Leeward against a Warrior 165? If so there will obviously be more heel from the smaller 165 as the beam is considerably less. Compare the Leeward against a Warrior 195 however (which I own) and you will find a totally different story. The 195 hardly lists at all even when 3 people are looking over one side when netting fish. The difference will appear when under way with the 195 being far more comfortable a boat than the Leeward, it’s the pointy bit at the front that makes the difference. That aside any small boat will slam if driven hard enough. I would agree with your comments on the Cheetah cat, their brilliant bits of kit

Martin

[CelicaGT]

Ok... I have read all the posts in this thread...... I am in the market for a Leeward 18, currently own a Microplus 17 footer ( anyone want to buy it, shout me).
I love the looks of the Leeward 18 ( cabin version), used cathedral hulls before, very stable fishing platform.
As for an inboard....... NOOOOOO WAYYYYYYYYY........ far too expensive to service and takes up standing room.
According to Amble marine's website, max engine size is 100hp on an outboard, so I am not sure about the comment of twin outboards !

In short, anyone see's one forsale .... PLEASE let me know, they are rarer than rockin horse poop, currently looking at the financing on a new one, but would prefer a secondhand one simply from a cost point of view, closed or open cuddy, not concerned which. And must have a road trailer.

[CelicaGT]

Ok Rob..... expect an email from me........ !! lol

Cheers, Chris n Claire

[smoothound54]

After 25 years land-locked (and now kids have flown) - I am planning to buy an easily trailable/launchable and recoverable boat - compiling a shortlist over summer

everythings a compromise - would like a diesel but not the upfront cost - would like overnighting capability - but that usually means even more cost + sacrficing sea-keeping/ruggedness/fishing space....

the leeward18 lines just ooze sea-keeping - but would it be praticable for reglar trailering - using a large 4 wheeldrive estate car? we are a middle aged couple (but I am a big able guy)? maybe the lewrd18 wheelhouse could be modifiable(just) to allow a couple of simple berths - but no plans on web-site

any perspectives welcome (and sorry for butting in on someonelses thread)

[smoothound54]

Many thanks Kinwife for prompt reply - gues its worth me havin a looksee

cheers

[poppajoe]

If anyone knows of a Leeward with an inboard that can give me a good sea trial then I would gladly travel and pay for the privalage - and a return trip out with me too!

[uptide]

a few years ago dave lewis also said that the strikeliner was the best alround boat .mind you he did own one at the time .strange but true

[TomBettle]

Uptide

That must have been quite a few years ago.
I was with him a week ago last Thursday and revisited a discussion we had the year before when coming back from Alderney in a Force 5 to 6 on the nose.

Back then he claimed that in the smaller "Open Cuddy" styles he felt the Warrior 165 / 175 were the best in their class and of the larger CE Cat B boats up to about 28 feet the Merry Fisher 695 won hands down.
Last Thursday he was of the same opinion.