We crossed the Channel several times and cruised most of the south and east coasts. Melinda was towed to Greece and Croatia by my parents when they retired; and I remember a lovely holiday on the boat in the Sporades with my wife.” Twenty miles per hour isn’t actually all that slow when compared to most electric boats on the market today, to be fair. Is it a lot slower than traditional combustible engines that use gasoline? Absolutely. Her two settee/quarter berths and V-berth forepeak provide sleeping space for four while a simple galley looks after catering. There is a double berth in the forepeak (with a WC under) and two berths in the saloon, along with a galley unit and small dining table.

LOA: 17 ft. • Beam: 5 ft. 1 in. • Transom Deadrise: 4 deg. • Draft: 4-5 in. • Dry Weight: 370 lb. (tiller) or 415 lb. (side console) • Max Power: 30 hp Courtesy East Cape The rudder blade lifts vertically in a transom mounted ‘box’, making it removable for trailing or drying out. Next year, British sailor Andrew Bedwell hopes to break Vihlen’s 30-year record. As a sailmaker and experienced sailor, he knows exactly what he is getting into. Bedwell has previously sailed a Mini 6.50 to the Arctic and been round Britain in a Class 40. With all our equipment, and the unnecessary items our two guests brought out with them, it was quite a character-building event… Still, that was the last rain we saw for 17 weeks.” Lifting keel system

Key Features

The field is wide and sometimes confusing. What’s more, some boats represent better value for money than others. The Sailfish UK Class Association offers advice galore on maintenance and often sources spare parts – should you ignore his advice and crunch the keel. The Rydgeway Marine-built and Proctor-designed Pirate or Express Pirate (17ft 3in LOA) is of similar size but very different in character.

After considering a Hawk 21, Drascombe Longboat, Shrimper and small Beneteau, Charles bought the Cape Cutter, saying: “We chose it because it looks very handsome, can sleep all four of us (I didn’t think this would be possible until I saw inside one) and handles really well. It’s also excellent value for money.” On a YBW.com forum, Ashwin added: “Accommodation in a little boat is never going to be palatial, but on the above trip I lived on her for three months without any great suffering. Far more comfortable than a bivvi on a hilltop somewhere!”With a motor that ranges from 30 to 50 HP, a micro skiff is energy-efficient. It is also efficient because it won’t require too much energy on the part of the user. It is just slightly bigger than a paddleboard but has the capabilities you will find in a small fishing boat. Cons 1. Minimal Space Weighing only 80 pounds, it is ultra-lightweight. You can carry in on rough terrains and long distances without a problem. 3.Bote Rover