Sadler 290 Vital Statistics (the boat’s, not mine!):
LOA – 29′ 2″ Beam – 10′ 8″ Draft – 4′ 3″ Displacement – 5.3 tons, Ballast – 2.2 tons, AVS > 135 degrees, Displ./W/L length – 269, Sail Area/Displ. – 20.02, Capsize Formula – 1.95 (where < 2.0 is good), Hull speed – 6.85 knots, RCD Category – ‘A’, Comfort Ratio – 26.8, Engine – Yanmar 29 hp ……..
The Sadler 290 is, sadly, no more since the Hillyard Factory burned down after about 50 boats had been built. She is a powerful boat punching well above her size with a greater displacement than many 32 footers and with a healthy 46% ballast ratio.
Designed by Stephen Jones her dart shaped, wide sterned hull bears more than a passing resemblance to those ’round the World’ boats. Over 600 square feet of sail are held upright by over 2 tons of lead antimony carried low on her twin keels and she has been described as being “as stiff as a Church”. I can vouch for that and she goes like a train if I get everything right! I have added a Harken main sheet track, extended bow roller to protect that plumb bow from the sharp 10kg Rocna anchor, and a custom made servo vane self steering gear which takes the place of the stern gate. She also sports teak decks, radar and she is cosy inside. A smart little ship in her skipper’s eyes!
Saloon, Lee Cloth, Galley & Aft Cabin
Forecabin
Saloon Looking Forward, ‘Heads’ Port Side, Forward Cabin Door
Barometer, Stereo, M421 VHF, M-71 Portable VHF (Connects to Emergency Antenna)
Navtex & Clock
Stowed Dinghy, Danbuoy, GPS, Navtex & Wind Vane Steering Gear
Stowed Dinghy and Emergency VHF Antenna Mount
Skipper’s Sailing Seat & the GPS/Radar
Water Rat, a Channel Island 22 
Be sure to stop on the Orwell and say hi
Pete….Sadler 290 number 3 Habebty
Peter,
I have postponed the trip due to an interesting assignment in Qatar that came in at the last minute. Hope to set sail in 2014.
I will update the site
Happy sailing
John Willis
Hi Pete.
you may remember you commented on my Sadler 290 blog site some time ago. I have now set off and am in Weymouth after an interesting Channel crossing.
Hope yopu are still enjoying Habety
Regards
John Willis
Hi John,
Arthritis, Asthma, sounds familiar, ( ex Fire Officer 30 years ) still land locked save for the odd charter, I’ve been perusing for a while now but love the look of the 290, sort of drops in the slot doesn’t it?
I like your additions to A Jay, and I wish you well on your trip, I will endeavour to follow your blog.
Hello to you too Pete, Habebty looks great in your online photos.
Bye for now,
Chris.
Good to get your email Chris
yes the 290 is a fine little boat. That locally fabricated self steering gear is a work of art and very easy to use.
Having now returned from Qatar, I am looking at a little part time work to ensure sufficient funds for the trip, so it may be delayed a little longer, but we will get there.
I hope you don’t stay land locked for too long!
Best wishes
John
Hi Chris,
you commented on my Sadler 290 blog a while back…just to say that I have now set off and am in Weymouth after an interesting crossing from Guernsey
Regards
John Willis
Hi John
Just came across this and appreciate you have sold the Sadler but wondered if you could help with a question. I’ve just become the proud owner of a 290 (hull 21) and want to extend the bow roller. Wondered where you got your one from and was it straightforward to fit? Also, did she have a holding tank and was that from new or did you fit one? All advice gratefully received.
Many thanks
Ron
Hi Ron, I will email you. JMW
Hi John,
If possible details of bow roller extension would be much appreciated.
Hello Ron,
a sound choice of boat if I may say so!
1. I had the bow roller made locally here. It was an extension that bolted onto the original fitting using the holes already in it. I could probably still find the price if that would help.
2. I had no holding tank – I hate the things. I am afraid I removed the toilet and its associated sea cock and replaced it with a composting unit, which I thought was fantastic. Again, if that appeals I could probably still find details.
I did a lot of mods, so do come back to me if anything else comes to your mind. I don’t think you will regret your choice and suspect from my own experience that you will have little trouble selling her on at a good price.
Best wishes
JMW
Thanks much appreciated