Tamarisk 19 Information, Review, Specs

The model is part of a broader family of traditional cruisers, including the larger Tamarisk 24 and the Tamarisk 29, which share the same design language of long keels and gaff rigs. While the 19-foot version is the entry-level cabin boat in the range, it remains a rare find on the secondary market compared to its primary competitor, the Cornish Shrimper 19, which Feltham also influenced. The boat’s design allows it to be towed behind a standard vehicle, though its displacement makes it one of the heavier 19-footers to launch and recover.

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Tamarisk 19 is a steady, predictable performer that excels in coastal hopping and estuary cruising. Its gaff rig provides a significant amount of sail area low down, which translates to excellent stability in a breeze. The inclusion of a bowsprit allows for a versatile head-sail arrangement, often featuring a staysail and a jib, which enables the helm to fine-tune the boat’s balance and minimize weather helm.

The hull typically features a long central keel, often supplemented by bilge plates or a shallow-draft configuration, allowing the boat to take the ground upright in tidal harbors. This design ensures that the boat tracks exceptionally well, requiring less constant attention to the tiller than a fin-keel vessel of similar size. According to historical technical reviews in Practical Boat Owner, the weight of the vessel—often exceeding 1,200kg—gives it a "big boat" feel, allowing it to punch through chop where lighter trailer-sailers might be stopped in their tracks. However, the trade-off for this displacement is a lack of agility in light winds; the Tamarisk 19 requires a decent breeze to overcome its wetted surface area and reach its hull speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its modest length, the Tamarisk 19 offers a functional, albeit compact, enclosed cabin that makes overnighting feasible for two adults. The interior layout is typically straightforward, featuring two full-length settee berths that extend forward into a V-berth configuration. Headroom is restricted by the boat's low profile, so most activities below deck are conducted seated.

Variations in the interior often depend on the original owner’s specifications, as many of these boats were finished to a high standard with teak or mahogany trim to complement their traditional exteriors. Most models include a dedicated space for a chemical toilet (Porta Potti) tucked under the forward bunk and a rudimentary galley area suitable for a single-burner spirit stove. While there are no major "sibling" variants built on the exact same 19-foot hull, the boat’s internal volume is notably larger than the open-cockpit "dayboat" versions of similar traditional designs, providing a dry sanctuary during inclement weather.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Tamarisk 19 with a focus on its traditional wood-and-GRP hybrid construction. While the hull is robust, the maintenance of the wooden components is critical to the boat's longevity.

• Spars and Rigging: The mast, boom, and gaff are typically made of Spruce or Douglas Fir. Inspect these for "shakes" (longitudinal cracks) or soft spots, particularly around the hounds and the foot of the mast where water can collect.
• Bowsprit Integrity: The bowsprit is subject to significant stress and constant exposure to salt spray. Check the mounting bits and the wood itself for rot or compression damage.
• Chainplates and Deck Fittings: Ensure that the chainplates, which take the load of the gaff rig’s shrouds, are securely bedded. Leaks here can lead to moisture ingress into the deck core or interior bulkheads.
• Keel Attachment: For models equipped with bilge plates, inspect the junction between the plates and the hull for signs of "weeping" or rust, which may indicate the need for re-sealing or new keel bolts.
• Osmosis: As with many GRP boats from the 1980s and 90s, check the hull below the waterline for osmotic blistering, although the heavy lay-up of the Tamarisk generally resists this well.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Tamarisk 19 often find community within broader traditional sailing organizations. The Old Gaffers Association (OGA) is the primary resource for technical advice on maintaining gaff rigs and traditional wooden spars. While there is no longer a dedicated factory support system due to the age of the model, the Cornish Crabbers community often shares technical crossover, as the boats share a designer and many hardware components.

The Verdict

The Tamarisk 19 is an ideal vessel for the traditionalist who desires the soul of a classic boat without the maintenance burden of a full wooden hull. It is a seaworthy, sturdy cruiser that provides a sense of security and style rarely found in the 19-foot category.

Pros:

• Exquisite traditional aesthetics with high-quality GRP construction.
• Exceptional stability and tracking for a boat of its size.
• Trailerable, allowing for a wide range of cruising grounds.
• Capable of taking the ground in tidal estuaries.

Cons:

• Heavy displacement makes it slow in light air and more difficult to trailer than modern equivalents.
• Wooden spars and trim require regular varnishing and maintenance.
• Very limited interior headroom and storage for extended cruising.