I know the weight range for this design but can someone tell me how good this boat would be for open sea sailing.  Is it stable like an NSM 1 or is it to be avoided and left for those sailing in rivers or lakes?

Hi, i owned a smokers satisfaction sail no. 2905 until earlier this year. i had mine out on the firth of forth and found no major problems even in lumpy conditions. They also go very well in light conditions, even with over 30 stone on board. like all merlins its not the most stable as its very wide beam and narrow hull do make it tippy as its a heavy weight boat, but then arent all merlins tippy. definatly a boat i would reccomend as i loved sailing mine as it was a joy to sail. these dont come up very often and are said to be one of the best all round desings built. hope that helps

Peter,

I sail a Smokers in the estuary conditions of Southampton Water  - and it's great. 15st at the back of the boat does hold it back a bit, but far less than it would do in many other boats. Even when sailing down by Calshot and in the open waters of the Solent, it still gives a good, safe ride so as a 'classic' boat - it's well worth looking at!

David
3025

What number boat Peter sure some past owners will have some comments Cheers