Nonsuch 30 - A very special boat  |
| Interior Classic is the top photo. |
Before buying our Bayfield 36 LADY M, we had a Nonsuch 30. Rummaging through an old photo album this week, I revisited this boat we have owned for six years and we just loved it.
We lived in Halifax in 1998 and we kept our Tanzer 29 (Fantasy) to Squadron, abbreviation for Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron, which incidentally, is one of the finest Yacht Clubs we have known.
John Roy, the broker of the place, was keen exposing our Tanzer 29 to boat show and as it was not for sale had suggested asking price too high and not to accept an offer for a lower price. Three days later we had a firm offer at the asking price with a deposit of $ 2,000.00. We were stuck because we were not ready to buy our next boat. The Nonsuch
leave no one indifferent. Whether you find them very ugly, or as in my case, very nice and I dreamed of having a Nonsuch. I had read everything written on this boat and I wanted one. The problem was that they were expensive. Finally, expensive for my means at that time.
John suggested I go to a club nearby Nonsuch, the Armdale Yacht Club. This boat was sold two years ago but had not sold and the owner had decided to keep it. It was a Classic model 1980 with a 2-cylinder engine Volvo Sail Drive (Stand Motor), which made it much less desirable on the market and, therefore, much cheaper.
We contacted the owner, reviewed the boat and having had a long conversation with my mechanic who also maintained that boat, I decided to make an offer that was accepted. It was (the owner) wall as they say. We then decided to do a complete renovation beginning with a new paint. Following the recommendation of the mechanic, I decided to keep the old engine and its replacement budget that would soon signs of fatigue.
During the six years that followed, we sailed the coast of Nova Scotia, including a return ticket from Halifax to Cape Breton, Lake Ontario and the 1000 Islands and the Nonsuch far exceeded our expectations. It is fast and comfortable while being easy to handle and maintain. It is difficult to find a boat that offers more for every dollar invested.
Interior Classic which is not very popular because it has no room. But we think it offers much comfort. The rear bunks (one double and one single) are comfortable. The lounge at the front is large and can easily open and close. The space includes a bathroom shower not separate but easy to use and the water heater to propane is very effective.
Storage spaces are huge, easy access, and superior to most modern boats of 35 feet. The cockpit is very large, the bridge totally clear and the cab has no fewer than 11 openings to provide ventilation.
Nonsuch does not look modern but its shell is modern and fast. If his average speed is around, he easily outpace most other boats of 36 feet or less in any other gaits.
The photo shows the stability cons of this design.
We sold our Nonsuch to buy LADY M because we intended to cross the Atlantic and we wanted a full keel. If you go through the Marina Valleyfield next season take a moment to greet and admire ASTROCAT.
It is always with the same engine Volvo MD11.
