The HUFFLER 10.5m Motor Sailer or Motor Yacht: (34' 5" x 10'
10" x 5' - 3' 3"
with Keel Raised/Lowered)
The Huffler is a true
motor sailer in the old tradition combining the joy, excitement
and grace
of sailing with the comfort & security of a motor vessel.
The Huffler, designed specifically for
Peter Nicholls by the well respected yacht designer Tony Tucker,
is one of a long line
of quality steel boats from Peter Nicholls.
Whether you wish to explore the many and
varied cruising grounds of the British Isles or
intend to venture further afield through, say, the
extensive European Waterway system to the
Mediterranean and beyond, the Huffler does
it all in style and comfort.
The Huffler's shallow draft with keel raised
and self lowered mast allows exploration of
the many and varied shallow creeks, rivers
and canals of Europe. The boat is robustly
constructed from thicker than average steel
plate which is protected by a state of the art
epoxy paint plan. The dual steering position
gives the comfort of a wheelhouse in bad
weather with the advantage of an open air
steering position on a sun deck, under
an awning, when required.
At sea, the Huffler's seakindly hull shape
provides an easy motion in all weathers which
makes her popular with all the crew.
Her sailing performance is surprising
considering her shallow draft and low
aspect rig. Offwind she eats up the
distances with an easy motion and
performs moderately well to
windward for a boat of her type.
Under sail,
easy and safe handling has been the priority using a self tacking,
furling headsail
with a slab reefing mainsail which drops into lazy jacks. Innovation
has not been neglected:
aluminium alloy spars are used to keep weight low, with a specially
designed and built stainless
steel gaff carriage. Despite her seemingly bluff bow, the HUFFLER
does not slam into waves
under sail or power, but lifts and rides over the crest with an
easy motion. She is not designed
and built just for smooth waters, she is a true seagoing ship.
Diesel engines in the 50-60 HP range are
standard, driving through an hydraulic reduction
system to a large diameter propeller.
This arrangement gives the generous thrust
required when driving into short head seas.
In the sailing version, the main engine is set
to one side allowing a 220v AC generator to
be fitted opposite if required. The hydrofoil
shaped rudder provides superb maneuverability.
Down below, the Huffler is a true home from
home designed with serious long range
cruising in mind to a level associated with
much larger vessels. The standard
accommodation features two large self
contained sleeping-cum-day cabins with
spacious toilet and shower facilities en suite.
In line with possible future legislation, toilets
can
be flushed over the side or into the high capacity
holding tank. Galley slaves will be at home in the
well appointed galley whether preparing a quick
snack or a 3 course meal. Electric cooking is a
viable alternative with a 220v AC generator.
Huffler Motor Sailer or
Motor Yacht from Peter Nicholls