Hello! I don't know if you guys remember me, but this is Gus, from North Carolina. Back home I still have my beloved Chrysler 22. I'm currently in Iraq, and I'm saving money like there's no tomorrow, and of course, I'm thinking in the next boat. What do you guys think of the Flicka 20? I want a small, and sturdy boat that I can sail alone, trailer if needed, and one day, maybe go around the world, or long trips by myself.
Gus
Hi Gus,
I've always liked the look of the Flicka, and ended up buying my Cape Dory 25D, sometimes called the East-Coast Flicka, because I couldn't find one of those lovely Pacific Seacraft boats in the East for a resonable price.
That said, they are notoriously slow, having lots of weight and a short waterline. There used to be a Flicka in the same harbor where I keep my CD25D, and it was much slower than my boat--which is also very slow.
Still, I think the Flicka is a great choice for a SB/LD sailor, especially if you're going to make your trips alone or with a crew of one.
--Joe
Slow, in how slow? 4 knots? My current boat its kinda slow too, I mean, I went sailing with some big boys, and I made it last (and I was doing 6 knots) I was also looking into some bots a bit bigger, like the Person Triton, and I saw a Pearson Vanguard for sale, but it was a bit step (20K or so) I want something with those lovely traditional lines that I like so much, and of course, seaworthiness.
Thanks for the reply!
Dang, I just realized that I posted this in the wrong place... I meant to post it in the Boat Discussion.
Gus, think Ariel ;) You can find some good deals though often they need a little work. But with that work, you can make a very seaworthy beautiful boat. Of course I AM just a little prejudiced. :)
Of course the Ariel, or my Meridian, or even a Triton, isn't gonna be any faster than a Flicka, given enough dacron in the air.
Take a look at waterline length and hull speeds for the four boats-
Flicka- wl 18.1, Hull speed - 5.7 knots
Ariel - wl 18.5, Hull speed - 5.7 knots
Meridian- wl 17.5, hull speed - 5.6 knots
Triton - wl 20.7, hull speed - 6.1 knots
One half knot difference in hull speed between the longest and shortest waterlines. 5 nautical miles difference in 20 hours.
On passage, that Flicka will hold it's own against the other three- I can't figure why folks consider it all that slow. In the open ocean, 4 knots is a darned good speed made good for a boat it's size. And it's heavy enough to be comfortable in a seaway.
Would be an excellent choice
Oh- and on the Pearson Vanguard- we just launched a Vanguard I'd been working on rerigging for the owner. It has some design features that I consider serious drawbacks for a seaboat. The main thing is that both cockpit lockers AND the lazerette open directly into the cabin. The cockpit locker over the quarter berths and the laz directly to the bilge. If you should lose one of those hatch covers, the boat is subject to filling- and sinking. No thanks. My boat has cockpit lockers totally sealed from the main part of the cabin.
Thanks Charlie! :)
After sailing one I can say they are a very 'stout' boat. If you want small,easy to handle,seaworthy and barely trailerable...they fit. High build quality and over sized rigging give a feeling of confidence.They hate to be pinched....but fall off a few degrees and they will surprize you.They like wind.Light air sails are needed.They have a huge fore triangle and a one fifty is a big sail.I would put a nine.nine HP OB on and keep the room inside for stores. Judy loved the lil boat. http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=470.40 Pic is from Bahamas
Two summers ago I overhauled a Flicka in my CD 25D; I admit I was in tweak mode, while they seemed to be taking it easy with just the staysail. But it seemed to me the leeward edge of the transom was submerged, and they were dragging a hole. I wished I'd been closer to see better. We got within waving distance but that was all.
Frank, did you ever notice if the transom submerged at all when heeled about 15?
Not overly? If you view a Flicka from an angle looking aft it is suprizing how much the hull shape swings upward toward the stern in the quarters. They may well drag a bit but I honestly never noticed . You can kinda see what I mean in this pic.
Well, PSC boats are expensive!!! I saw another one that I like, the Dana 24... one sold last year for 61K, and the Flicka 20 that I want (enclosed head, teak trim all around, inboard diesel, and trailer) 43K in Oriental, NC. I guess I'm gonna sit and wait, and keep using the Chrysler 'till its broke, or sunk, whatever happen first :)
Also, I'm 6'1, how much head space does the Flicka 20 has? Can I stand up, at least to cook?
Thanks!
Head room is about five ft ten.A couple inchs more under the closed hatch.You neck would be bent over somewhat.The dana is more....six ft I think.
Thanks again! Great photos in the Bahamas by the way.
May have been just my point of view, coming up from leeward... or it might have been the mount of 'stuff' hanging off the pushpit. They sure look like they can stand up to pretty much everything. I surveyed a non-PS Flicka years ago that I was thinking of buying, and sure liked the shape.
A few years ago, I decided that a Flicka or Dana was the right boat for my future needs....until I checked out the prices! I started looking for something with similar characteristics. I found a website.... http://image-ination.com/sailcalc.html that allows comparison of hundreds of different sailboats. I decided that the Bristol 24 was a good substitute for the qualities I wanted. I found a diesel powered Bristol 24 for a very reasonable price and built a trailer for it. I'm not afraid to sail the Bristol anywhere, and don't feel like I gave up much compared to a Dana, or Flicka, as far as sailing performance or comfort. A few modifications to the Bristol could bring it up to par with the other boats, for MUCH less money.
Wow, thanks for the info, I will see if I can find some info in the Bristol 24.
Gus
Good to see you planning for when you return.
I love my C-26 but I am looking for the same type of bluewater boat here in Ohio. I am not sure the c-26 would handle the ugly stuff.
I think the "Flicka" is the nices of them all, high up on my list of favorit boats! But no one in sweden, and to expensive for me. It looks like the Swedish "Havsfidra" but whitout the headroom...
That Havsfidra looks like a beauty, built for the open ocean!
How long is she?
She reminds me a lot of the Frances 26 by Morris Yachts. There's one of these lovelies moored near me on Buzzards Bay. There are two of these gems listed on the Morris brokerage website--for a mere $49,000! I guess I'll stick with my Cape Dory 25D.
--Joe
BOLO (Be On The Look Out) for a friend of mine. Dennis, aboard 'FairWinds' a blue Flicka left from Bradenton FL. He was going to sail around FL and leave from Key West for the Berrys and Exumas.
This is a great guy, he is the one who helped me finish getting Faith ready when I had my surgery shortly before I left.
(He finished installing my foredeck hatch in 100F+ wx while I was on the mend).
If anyone sees him, approach with caution, give him frosty beverage, and contact me for further instructions. ;D
Quote from: Oldrig on March 13, 2009, 12:12:15 PM
That Havsfidra looks like a beauty, built for the open ocean!
How long is she?
She reminds me a lot of the Frances 26 by Morris Yachts. There's one of these lovelies moored near me on Buzzards Bay. There are two of these gems listed on the Morris brokerage website--for a mere $49,000! I guess I'll stick with my Cape Dory 25D.
--Joe
Havsfidra is 20 feet long and she has a bi sister 'Storfidra' that is 25 feet with 1,85 m standing headroom IIRC
There's a Storfidra for sale (http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1973/Storfidra-25%27-1711895/S-Spain/Spain) in Spain, $21k USD
I think the boat in the US is a halman or nordic 20
http://www.nordicaboats.com (http://www.nordicaboats.com)
Quote from: Amgine on March 13, 2009, 06:17:19 PM
There's a Storfidra for sale (http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1973/Storfidra-25%27-1711895/S-Spain/Spain) in Spain, $21k USD
Approx. twice the price they sell for around here. Maybe you guys (interested) should make a group trip charter kinda thing to shop for suitable boats in Sweden. ;D
Teh good'ole boats from the seventies are not that sought after from the weekend warriors anymore. They want space bekow decks and conveniences.... Quite a bit of smaller/older boats get exported across the Baltic Sea to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as we could see during last summers cruising in that area...
Just had a look at the add of the one in Spain. Good value for the money, outfitted well above average.
The price for a Havsfidra in Swe is about: 3500-7000 USD. It's a Fantastic little "koster", I actulaly own one " Cov Haven" (my avatar) It was an old one, and not strong enough for the open sea! I found a Vega today for as cheap as: 3000USD Think they're quite expensive in US?!
Wow, I guess it would pay to fly to Sweden, buy a boat and sail it back to the USA, if one had the time. The dollar is high right now, although the economy is in the bilge.
--Joe
dollar is high right now... Yes and the Swedish krona is almost worthless
Quote from: s/v Faith on March 13, 2009, 12:21:02 PM
BOLO (Be On The Look Out) for a friend of mine. Dennis, aboard 'FairWinds' a blue Flicka left from Bradenton FL. He was going to sail around FL and leave from Key West for the Berrys and Exumas.
This is a great guy, he is the one who helped me finish getting Faith ready when I had my surgery shortly before I left.
Dennis is a great guy. He was 3 slips away from me at Regatta Point (Florida) until he left for the Islands. Beautiful boat.
He did get the windmill installed and working. I hope he is having a great cruise.
Quote from: Shipscarver on April 09, 2009, 10:44:51 PM
Quote from: s/v Faith on March 13, 2009, 12:21:02 PM
BOLO (Be On The Look Out) for a friend of mine. Dennis, aboard 'FairWinds' a blue Flicka left from Bradenton FL. He was going to sail around FL and leave from Key West for the Berrys and Exumas.
This is a great guy, he is the one who helped me finish getting Faith ready when I had my surgery shortly before I left.
Dennis is a great guy. He was 3 slips away from me at Regatta Point (Florida) until he left for the Islands. Beautiful boat.
He did get the windmill installed and working. I hope he is having a great cruise.
Dennis is back, and sitting here in my livingroom as I type this.
He says thanks for the kind words, and hopes everyone is able to get out there soon.
The winds were tough in the Bahamas this year, one cold front after another... hope everyone else has great wx.
Thanks,
Flicka group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Flicka20/
must read book
Flicka Book
Author: Charles S Dewell
Title: "Kawabunga's South Seas Adventures"
Synopsis Charlie and Margaret Dewell spent a year sailing from California to the Marquesas, Tahiti,Bora Bora and back to the United States via Hawaii in their Flicka Kawabunga.
ISBN-10: 0966647203
ISBN-13: 978-0966647204
Yacht: Kawabunga
Publisher: South Sea Publishing (Jan 1999)
Read carefully the part on ocean voyaging. After reading this I bought my MacGregor 26M and stayed coastal.
Ahoy folks
I've been out of touch for a while. Just back from Japan a couple or so weeks ago. Plus a lot of stuff to do before leaving. Now getting back into the Big sail mode. I checked into some off-Shore training with a experienced Captain and her group. But that is not what this post is about...
I have a new p/t job finally (some work) It is an Asst Harbor master at one of the largest Marina and Boat Yard here in the By area. I'm hoping for some good discount on my haul out work. One of my jobs is to walk the dock in the mornings when I come in. One of the things I noticed is a large amount of Flicka here. 5 in the water 2 on land.
I chatted a bit with one of the owners and he let me take a look on-board. Nice lil setup. I bit small for my taste in an ocean vessel, but do-able.
If anyone is looking to buy one. I believe there at least two that can be brought...
I've allways fancy those Flickas!!! Think it's one of the best looking boat in the world :P Sturdy little offshore cruiser! Never seen one in Sweden, is there any? Found some halvready in South Africa, where the moulds are right now I gues?!
Thanks for showing!
Couldn't resist ;D
Ah Zen,
Those pictures have started my craving for a Flicka again!
After a nearly fruitless search for one on the East Coast (I found a few, but all were overpriced), I ended up with my lovely Cape Dory 25D, dubbed by somebody as the "East Coast Flicka."
Yes, I know that Flickas are very slow sailors (even slower than my 25D), and they lack standing headroom, but they have that salty look that still gets my heart a-poundin'.
The other boat that does that, and perhaps even more so, is the Chuck Paine-designed Morris Frances 25 (with deck house). There's one of those beautiful double-enders moored along the fairway I pass through to get to open water. But, being a Morris, even one that's been out of production for years and years, those lovelies are completely out of reach of mere mortals like me.
So, I'm stickin' with my Alberg-designed little lovely...
But it doesn't hurt to look at pictures of Flickas.
(Don't worry, honey, I'm only looking ...")
--Joe
Just me, but when I gaze at the lines of a Flicka, it does not inspire. Undeniably a stout little boat, but the same caption could underline a photo of Rosie O'Donnell in a muu-muu. If I were to be tempted into the confines of a micro-cruiser, the Nordica 20 might be the bait to make this old man take up yoga...delicious lines...definitely not a "Rosie", more like a "Brigitte". ~Sigh~ I'm already taken, fell in love with the fiberglass "girl next door" :^)
On reflection, "Rosie O'Donnell in a muu-muu" was just too harsh on the noble Flicka...I retract the comparison. "Kelly Clarkson in sweats"...there, that's better.
Quote from: Oldrig on June 01, 2010, 09:48:13 AM
The other boat that does that, and perhaps even more so, is the Chuck Paine-designed Morris Frances 25 (with deck house). There's one of those beautiful double-enders moored along the fairway I pass through to get to open water. But, being a Morris, even one that's been out of production for years and years, those lovelies are completely out of reach of mere mortals like me.
You do know that
Rachel, one of the Morris-built Frances' is for sale currently, right? Yachtworld listing and everything. And yes, those are lovely boats. Hard to resist.
Tom:
Wish you hadn't told me about Rachel being for sale.
On second thought, I couldn't afford a new boat right now anyway.
Oh, before I forget, the Frances is a 26-foot sailboat.
--Joe
interesting discussion. i have looked at 3 flickas in california, 2 of which were nice boats. one had been through the canal and cruised half the world. by looking, i mean looking. spent darn near 4 hours on one i particularly liked and went over it stem to stern and back again. as much as my mind tried to make it work, i just couldnt do it. i think its about 4 feet too short. not trying to make like im getting 2 foot itis, cause i recently looked at an alberg 30 that i thought was HUGE. darn good boats to be sure, just dont think i fit in one.
about the nordica. i saw a halman listed in maryland. i think(????) they are pretty much the same hull. nice looking boats and look pretty much bomb proof themselves. this one was on a trailer, and appeared to be in most excellent condition. im starting to think fairly seriously about trailering. it does open up a lot of venues. not quite ready to fly accross the country just yet though ;D. regards, j,d,
The Halman is very close to the same boat as the Nordica... slightly different cut to the keel, about 6" longer LOA, the Nordica is beamier by a few inches... but more or less the same.
Lovely little boats.
I have been drooling over that Halman listing too.
The Rob Roy's and Nimbles out there also seem to have nice lines.
I have to admit that I really like the lines of the double-enders/canoe sterned boats. And now being boatless (I did the good thing and made new-home arrangements for my poor little Bristol), I keep dreaming, and struggling to pin down what I want, what I expect, and what I need in a boat - all to be balanced against some future income, I'm afraid.
There is a Flicka on eBay that seems as if it might be one of the ones the OP is talking about.
thanks for the info tom, wasnt real sure if it was or not. the one im talking about looks like a very nice one. clean in and out.
about the nimbles. there was one for sale in searchlight, maybe 70 miles or so from me. by the time i saw the listing it was already sold. good price on it and the ex owner said it was in very nice condition. i like quite a few of ted brewers boats. i read an article about a guy who sailed a nimble 20 down the mississippi, i think it was, then over to florida and was waiting for a weather window to go to the bahamas. never did get the window, so sailed it up the east coast. quite a cruise. said the boat held up very well. regards, j.d.
There's a Nimble 24 listed out in Arizona (sailingTexas) that just dropped the price down to a very reasonable-looking amount. Hull and topsides look a little dull, but it includes the trailer too.
Still out of my reach at the moment.
Tom:
That Arizona sun probably did a job on the gelcoat. That's probably why it looks kind of dull.
I was interested in Nimbles, too. But they're pretty scarce.
Good luck,
--Joe
Quote from: Oldrig on June 04, 2010, 12:48:31 PM
Tom:
That Arizona sun probably did a job on the gelcoat. That's probably why it looks kind of dull.
I was interested in Nimbles, too. But they're pretty scarce.
Good luck,
--Joe
That makes sense. I think this one is one of the "elite" rather than standard versions of the N24, so it would be well worth the money even if you had to spruce it up a bit. However, I'm a good ways away from having any money at this point, and will be relocating myself inland to stay with family. 2 years of near-unemployment/part-time work have done a number on me. I'll recoup, reorganize and find a boat that suits. Not sure if I want a trailer-sailer or something heavier. It may depend on what I can find, and Nordica, Halman and Nimble all seem fairly scarce.
Thanks for the well-wishes. At least it's fun to look, and I'll make contact with the local sailing club to see about doing some crewing. Maybe with more experience under my belt, I'll find myself on some othercrew lists too.
Tom
Posting a link to the Fairwinds Flicka add page (http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php/topic,2861.msg31672.html#new) for lots of pictures that might be of interest to future readers of this thread.