Cornish Coble Information, Review, Specs

The Cornish Coble's production history spans from 1976 to 2001, making it a long-standing model within the Cornish Crabbers fleet. Designed by Roger Dongray, the Coble embodies the design philosophy of Cornish Crabbers: creating "modern classics" that evoke the spirit of traditional working vessels from the West Country. Dongray's designs are known for their robustness and seaworthiness, traits well-suited to the often-challenging conditions of British waters. The company's transition from plywood to fiberglass construction allowed for the series production of traditionally styled boats like the Coble, making them accessible to a broader market. The Cornish Coble itself is characterized by its clinker-built design, combining character and tradition with modern construction methods.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall (LOA) of 19 feet and a waterline length (LWL) of 13.25 feet, the Cornish Coble is a compact and manageable sailboat. Its beam of 6 feet contributes to its notable stability, making it well-suited for family outings and picnic cruises. The Coble features a centerboard keel, allowing for a variable draft from a shallow 0.98 feet to 3.51 feet when fully lowered. This design offers excellent versatility, providing access to shallow waters, creeks, and estuaries, while the deeper draft improves upwind performance and stability when sailing. Its standing lug rig with a reported sail area of 131 square feet (98 sq ft main, 33 sq ft jib) contributes to its ease of handling and traditional sailing experience. Owners often describe sailing the Coble as pure pleasure, praising its stable hull and good handling characteristics in light winds. It is often cited as a great cruising boat, frequently participating in club cruises.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the Cornish Coble primarily serves as a day sailer, and as such, interior accommodations are limited. While specific details on the internal layout are sparse in available resources, boats of this size and design typically offer a simple, open cockpit arrangement for seating and essential storage. The emphasis is on open-air enjoyment rather than extensive cabin facilities. The generous width of the hull provides ample space in the cockpit, making it comfortable for taking a family on a picnic cruise. It often features an outboard well for its single engine, which contributes to a clean transom and allows for easy access and maintenance of the propulsion unit.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cornish Coble frequently praise its stable and forgiving nature, making it a popular choice for leisure sailing and light fishing. The West Wittering Sailing Club, for instance, boasts a fleet of 14 Cobles, indicating their popularity for both cruising and club activities. Sailors appreciate the combination of traditional character and modern construction, resulting in a versatile day sailer that offers both fun and safety. The ability to access shallow waters thanks to its centerboard is a consistent strong point. While information on common problems is not extensively detailed, the overall sentiment points towards a well-regarded and enjoyable boat, especially for those seeking a connected and authentic sailing experience.