Snapdragon 747 Information, Review, Specs

Designed by Thames Structural Plastics, the in-house design team for Thames Marine, the Snapdragon 747 embodies the builder's philosophy of creating family-friendly cruising yachts that are both practical and durable.

History and Design

The Snapdragon 747 began its production run in 1964. It was conceived as an upgraded iteration of the popular Snapdragon 24, incorporating a slightly modified rig and a redesigned rudder and skeg to enhance its performance and handling characteristics. Thames Marine, initially known as Thames Structural Plastics, leveraged its expertise in fiberglass manufacturing to construct these vessels. Their ethos during this era centered on producing sturdy, reliable yachts capable of navigating the often-shallow waters around the UK, a trait reflected in the 747's design.

A defining feature of many Thames Marine designs, including the Snapdragon 747, was the availability of twin or bilge keels, which provided excellent shallow-draft capabilities, allowing the boat to take the ground safely in tidal berths. The 747 was produced in both bilge and standard keel configurations, offering versatility to owners depending on their sailing grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While not designed as a high-performance racer, the Snapdragon 747, equipped with a masthead sloop rig, offers a balance of manageable handling and adequate performance for a family cruiser of its size. Owners have described the boat as having an "interesting" performance, though "no rocket," suggesting a steady rather than exhilarating pace. The masthead rig, a common choice for cruisers, contributes to its simplicity and allows for a substantial sail area.

Anecdotal reports suggest that while a good solid boat with decent accommodation, the bilge keeled version may not perform exceptionally well to windward. However, its robust build and stability contribute to a comfortable motion in various sea states, making it a reassuring vessel for coastal cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 24.5 feet, the Snapdragon 747 is renowned for its remarkably spacious interior, a feature frequently highlighted by owners. It typically offers a well-thought-out layout with up to five berths in two cabins. The main cabin often features L-shaped seating around a dinette, which can convert into a double berth, complemented by a single berth on the starboard side.

Owners praise the boat for having a "full-size heads compartment". The interior often features polished mahogany and mahogany-faced plywood, contributing to a classic marine finish. Standing headroom is a notable characteristic, making the interior feel larger and more comfortable than one might expect for a boat of this size. The generous interior volume also allows for a good size water tank, often around 17 gallons, which is beneficial for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Snapdragon 747 frequently commend its impressive interior volume and comfortable accommodations for a boat of its size. The ability to take the ground safely with its bilge keel configuration is a significant advantage for many, particularly in tidal areas.

However, some common issues have been noted. Recurring maintenance concerns include rudder delamination, which can necessitate rebuilding, and potential problems with the toilet pan mounting due to cracked fiberglass. Owners also suggest checking for play in the rudder stock. Despite these potential issues, the Snapdragon 747 is generally considered a solid and reliable boat, with many still actively sailing today, supported by a strong community through associations like the Snapdragon Mirage and Invaders Association.