Macwester Rowan Crown Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Macwester Rowan Crown's lineage traces back to the Rowan 22, which evolved into the Rowan Crown in 1978. Production of the Macwester Rowan Crown officially commenced around 1980, following the acquisition of Macwester Marine by Trident Marine in 1979. Under Trident's ownership, the production of popular Macwester designs, including the Rowan Crown, continued.

C.S.J. Roy, the sole designer behind the entire Macwester range, imbued the Rowan Crown with his characteristic design philosophy. He prioritized practicality, comfort, and seaworthiness for family cruising, rather than high-performance racing. A defining feature of the Macwester brand, prominently seen in the Rowan Crown, is the widespread adoption of twin bilge keels. This design choice provides immense practical benefits, allowing the boats to stand upright on drying tidal moorings, a highly valued characteristic for many British sailors. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, contributing to its reputation for durability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While the exact total sail area for the Macwester Rowan Crown is not consistently reported in available specifications, her design characteristics provide a clear picture of her sailing performance. With a displacement of over 5,300 pounds for her 19.5-foot waterline, the Rowan Crown is a heavy displacement boat for her size, which contributes significantly to a comfortable and steady motion, particularly in choppy seas. Her twin keel configuration enhances directional stability and allows for easy drying out, a key advantage for coastal cruising in areas with significant tidal ranges.

Owners frequently describe the Macwester Rowan Crown as a "solid and reliable" vessel that "went along steadily". She is not known for being a fast boat but is consistently praised for being a "good seaboat," capable of handling various conditions with confidence. The masthead sloop rig offers simplicity and ease of handling, aligning with the boat's design as a forgiving family cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact 24-foot length, the Macwester Rowan Crown is noted for offering a surprisingly spacious interior for its size and era. While specific detailed interior layouts vary and are not extensively documented in broad reviews, the design prioritizes livability for coastal cruising. Reviews suggest a "comfortable" interior design, contributing to a pleasant onboard experience.

Given its design as a family cruiser, a typical layout would likely include a forward V-berth, a compact galley area, and a saloon space, often convertible for additional sleeping. The boat's generous 55-gallon water capacity and 12-gallon fuel capacity indicate a design intended for self-sufficiency on extended coastal voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Macwester Rowan Crown consistently laud its robust construction, dependability, and inherent stability 6, 7, Builder Article. Many appreciate its forgiving nature, making it an excellent choice for new sailors or those seeking a relaxed cruising experience. The practicality of the twin bilge keels is a frequently highlighted strength, allowing owners to access tidal moorings and explore shallow anchorages that would be inaccessible to deeper keeled vessels. Owners often express a strong attachment to their vessels, with many "tending to keep them for years and years".

While not celebrated for speed, owners understand and accept that the Rowan Crown prioritizes stability and comfort over blistering performance. The layout, though described by some as "antediluvian" in comparison to more modern designs, is generally considered functional and "roomy" for its length. Common maintenance themes for these enduring vessels often revolve around the routine upkeep expected of any boat of its vintage.