i own an old merlin Proctor XII and i sail it mainly of open waters with fairly strongs winds. F3-4 minimum usually, except for the odd summer day. after seeing other merlins in the same area and the ease at which they cope with the conditions, i realise that my merlin quite clearly isnt the right design. i have been looking at the design guide for what would be a better boat for me but i have been confused with so many variations. my usual combined crew weight is around 22stone. After looking i think the NSM4 would quite suit me...am i correct? or could someone else please reccommened another design for me.

Thanks.

Depending on your budget and given the all up weight of 22st you would be best suited to either, as you suggest, an NSM4 or Caterbury Tales. Both designs have a max beam of 2.2m giving maximum sitting out power in a blow. There are a couple of NSM4's & CT's for sale which are well priced which might be worth a look. 

The boat you currently have is ideally suited to restricted water and river sailing being narrow where taking on a 'sixpence' is a essential.

I have recently upgraded from an NSM2 to a CTales and the performance difference is second to none so a CT would be my recommendation. 

Cheers

What is a sixpence?

How much money have you got to spend?

If you want good open water boat that is easier to handle in windier conditions , then you need a Canterbury Tales with a carbon rig.
I note that 3486 which is a John Turner FRP is for sale on the second hand boat list which would suit your requirments perfectly if you don't want to fork out for a newer Winder etc.

Well at the moment i dont have the money for one, i am seriously considerin changing and my idea was to find out what model would be best suited to my needs, tidy up my current merlin, sell her and during this time keep my eyes open for the merlin most suitable for where i sail.

Thanks everyone who has replied, thats been a good help.

Given where you sail, as you are on a budget and can't afford a tales, you want to look for anything with a raking rig, so you can depower as the wind gets up. NSM2, NSM 4 etc

If your only going to sail/race at your local club and there aren't to many newer Merlins ask your sailing sec if he happy to let you race off the class adjusted numbers (see year book) If so designs like smokers,NSM,etc if brought up to date good sails,well rigged and well sailed are very competative in the average club handicap fleet. The other good news is that many of these appear in the class S/hand list at sub 1K price tags. If your any good at woodwork check out the Thin Ice at £500, If it was nearer etc etc I'd grab it with both hands! Hope you find something regards Barry.

A Summer Wine or Gnome might be quite useful too. Wines can be relatively cheap, but if possible get one with a low tank (after 3200)

I have Summer Wine 3377 and I love it. You can't go far wrong with one, especially if its set up well. They go quite cheaply as well. I paid £1100 for mine back in '02 and with the new spinnaker and the work I've done on her, I think she's worth about £1500 now.

Chris B