1981 Kent Class Motor Sailer

CONSTRUCTION: GRP

YEAR: 1981, but unused

DIMENSIONS: LOA 27′ 0″ (8.2m), BEAM 8′ 6″ (2.6m), DRAFT 3′ 6″ (1.1m)

KEEL TYPE: Long keel

COLOUR: Red with white superstructure

INTERIOR: 5 berths plus galley and separate heads

ENGINE: Reconditioned BMC 1.5 diesel (with a new cooling system) driving through a new Hurth gearbox

RIG TYPE: Bermudan Sloop

MAST/SPARS: Alloy mast, wooden boom

SAILS: Main, genoa, working jib and storm jib

EQUIPMENT: Internal: The boat has a good cockpit with seating and lockers to each side and across the transom, and her (wheel) steering position to port. The companionway leads down into the main cabin where there is a quarter berth to starboard, opposite which is a dinette (converts to a double berth). There is some storage under the seats of this, but one also contains the water tank, whilst the other gives access to the engine compartment. The galley area is to starboard and provides a cooker, stainless steel sink unit (with manually pumped cold water), worktop and storage cupboards. Going forward, a louvered door closes off the heads area which has a sea-toilet (with diverter valve and small holding tank) and storage area to port, whilst to starboard there is a hand basin with manually pumped cold water. Forward again, a further louvered door opens onto the forecabin which has two full-length single berths, storage access to the chain locker and a glazed escape hatch. The boat’s décor is in varnished pine with brown woven upholstery. Headroom is about 6′ and the boat is light and airy. Navigation equipment includes: Seafarer echosounder. External: The boat has a pulpit and pushpit, though these are not yet fitted. She has a 7.5 kg Bruce anchor, fire extinguisher and a lifebuoy.

REMARKS: This boat was built about 20 years ago but, due to her owner being posted abroad since then, has been stored in a dry barn ever since. Her engine, which was reconditioned, has been unused since. As such she is a new – at least “unused” – boat which only needs a fairly small amount of work to get her ready for sea, most significant of which is the provision of her standing rigging.

OUR OPINION: A nice example of these popular motor-sailers, and one that will more than repay the work needed to complete her.