Hi all!
I'm interested in buying a sailboat. I've got my eye on an Adams Mottle 820. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of boat and know if it's a good model, and good for a learner? I'm also wondering if anyone who lives in Cairns and has experience with this boat would be able to check it out for me?? I live in Sydney and it would be good to know if it's worth the trip up there.
Thank you!!
I would suggest concentrating on the local market for your first boat. Nothing wrong with the Mottle 820 though it is an older design and is actually a small 27 footer. I would prefer if you sailed with a local for a bit and got some first-hand experience to get an idea of what really suits you. Just be aware that since Covid the prices asked for some boats has got a bit ridiculous.
What made you pick the Adams Mottle 820?? You are better off looking at what is available in your area.
Hi EGalanis,
I'm thinking the boat you are talking about is the one in the attached photos. It was advertised for sale about a year ago in Nelly Bay on Magnetic island. At that time it was a livaboard and was being offered at a fire sale price. I thought about buying it as a holiday house there but it sold while I dithered. It has been on the market again since September as it made its way up the coast. Last time I saw it was on Gumtree in March at Mission Beach but now I see it on facebook marketplace in Cairns.
As for it's suitability for a learner and being "good" I have no opinion, seems to have travelled well from Magnetic island and is well equipped for living on the boat. I suspect you are not looking to bring it back to Sydney but to use it up there, I kind of like that idea, good luck it may work for you, set your expectations accordingly.

Hi all!
I'm interested in buying a sailboat. I've got my eye on an Adams Mottle 820. Does anyone have any experience with this sort of boat and know if it's a good model, and good for a learner? I'm also wondering if anyone who lives in Cairns and has experience with this boat would be able to check it out for me?? I live in Sydney and it would be good to know if it's worth the trip up there.
Thank you!!
if it is vantage ,it was in good condition a few years ago,it travelled part the way up the coast with us in very heavy weather,it would be worth looking at if you are after a small coastal cruiser.