Devon Coaster Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Devon Coaster utilizes a versatile ketch rig, typically featuring a gaff-headed or gunter-rigged mainsail, a jib, and a small mizzen. This configuration, often paired with tan sails and wooden Sitka spruce spars, allows for exceptional balance; the boat can be sailed under jib and mizzen alone in heavy weather, a trait noted for providing a sense of security in coastal conditions. According to technical specifications provided by Honnor Marine, the boat has a displacement of approximately 550 kg (1,213 lbs) and a shallow draft of just 0.30 meters with the centerplate raised, making it a premier choice for "gunkhole" exploring and beaching.

The handling characteristics are defined by the boat’s "loose-footed" mainsail, which eliminates the danger of a heavy boom swinging across the cockpit—a design priority for Watkinson to ensure family safety. While the Coaster is not a high-performance racing machine, editorial assessments in Practical Boat Owner highlight its remarkable sea-kindliness and ability to "punch above its weight" in choppy coastal waters. The boat's hull, inspired by traditional North Sea fishing craft, features a hard turn to the bilge that provides high initial stability and a dry ride even when pressed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike its open siblings, the Coaster features a fully enclosed cabin (or "cuddy") that transforms it from a day-sailer into a capable coastal cruiser. The interior provides two full-length berths, space for a portable toilet, and basic cooking facilities. Honnor Marine notes that with the addition of a cockpit spray hood and a bespoke boat tent, the sleeping capacity can effectively double, allowing four people to stay aboard for "long weekenders."

The cabin layout was a significant improvement over the preceding Cruiser Longboat, offering better ergonomics and more usable storage. The use of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) for the hull and deck ensures durability, while the interior is trimmed with high-quality hardwoods to maintain the boat's traditional aesthetic. Variations of this hull include the Longboat (an entirely open version) and the earlier Cruiser Longboat, which featured a different cabin profile and a boomed mainsail before being phased out in favor of the Coaster's superior layout.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Devon Coaster benefits from the broader cultural legacy of the Drascombe name. The range became world-famous through the voyages of sailors like David Pyle, who sailed a Lugger from England to Australia, and Webb Chiles, who completed significant ocean passages in these small craft. While the Coaster is more luxury-oriented than those open-boat legends, it is often cited in the Drascombe Association literature as the "small boat that can," capable of crossing the English Channel or exploring the Scottish Hebrides with a degree of comfort those earlier pioneers lacked.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas specific to the Honnor Marine builds and the Watkinson design:

• Buoyancy Integrity: Boats built prior to 1997 were not always compliant with the modern Recreational Craft Directive (RCD). Honnor Marine offers buoyancy upgrades for these older models, as original foam can break down or be insufficient if the hull is fully swamped.
• Centerboard Trunk: Older models have been known to ship water through the top of the centerplate case during heavy weather or if the boat is heavily loaded. Ensuring the winch mechanism is well-maintained and the trunk is clear of marine growth is vital.
• Outboard Well: The motor is housed in a well at the stern. This area can be a source of turbulence or water ingress if the seals or the "plug" (if used) are not fitting correctly.
• Rudder Hardware: The galvanised "kick-up" rudder and its bronze pintles should be checked for corrosion or play, which can affect tracking under power.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for owners is the Drascombe Association, a highly active technical and social organization that maintains a deep archive of rigging guides and historical data. In the Netherlands, the Association of Dutch Drascombe Owners (NKDE) provides extensive resources for those sailing the Devon range in European waters.

The Verdict

The Devon Coaster is a masterclass in "less is more," offering a bridge between the simplicity of a dinghy and the utility of a cruising yacht.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and seaworthiness for its size.
• Easily trailed and launched by a standard family car.
• Timeless, traditional aesthetic with low maintenance GRP construction.
• Balanced ketch rig is highly forgiving for solo or family sailing.

Cons:

• Limited headroom and living space for extended cruising.
• Not a fast boat to windward compared to modern fractional-rigged cruisers.
• Early models may require buoyancy and centerboard trunk modifications.