Fisher (yachts)

The Fisher line of motorsailing yachts is a line of fiberglass yachts in sizes from 25 ft to 46 ft. Currently completely build from scratch to finished product by Northshore Shipyard in Itchenor near Chichester, England

Short history

The first Fisher yachts were built in the 1970's and today the yachts can still be ordered, but only the most required models 25, 34 and 37 ft long are available. During the earlier years the fiberglass hulls were moulded by "Fairways Marine" and several companies completed the hull to complete ships. Currently the shipyard does all work themselves.

Design

The Fisher line is easy recognizable: the professional looking wheelhouse and a hull resembling (Danish) fishing ships with rounded stern and high water displacement. The double masts with Ketch sailplan is another distinctive feature of the line.

Models

Over the years the following models have been produced. The number refers to the length of the yacht in feet.Unless stated otherwise all details taken from website of [http://www.fisherclub.com Dutch Fisher owners assoc.] visited on June 11, 2008] [except numbers yachts produced (where mentioned). These figures provided by website of [http://www.northshore.co.uk/Default.htm shipyard] visited on June 11, 2008]
* Fisher 25: The smallest member and only type with straigh stern (aprox. 250 made)
* Fisher 30: For several years the most popular model
* Fisher 31: The intended successor of the 30, but not a commercial success
* Fisher 34: Currently one of the most wanted models (over 100 produced)
* Fisher 37: The larger version of the 34 (140)
* Fisher 46: The longest model. Only a few ships built

Beside these standard models some other types were available based on the Fisher design:
*Potter 25: seen as a full member of the Fisher family: a Fisher 25 without the raised main cabin resulting in a larger work deck directly in front of the wheelhouse. Has only one small mast; misses the main mast.
*Northeaster 30: (discontinued) based on the Fisher 30 but with longer and different design of wheelhouse. Has also an aft cabin but no open cockpit.
*Caribbean 30: (discontinued) Another Fisher 30 based yacht, but instead of larger wheelhouse: no wheelhouse at all. Sailing and steering is done from the protected open cockpit.
*Trawler: Based on the hull and wheelhouse design pure motorships.
*Holterman Fisher 46: After the accident (fire) with the last Northshore built 46 the moulds and drawings were sold and the Dutch shipyard "Holterman" in Meppel, The Netherlands offers it as the "HOLTERMAN 46 FISHER" [Photo's and specifications on [http://www.holtermanyachting.nl/nl/h46f/start.html Holterman's] website visited on June 11, 2008]
*The Barlow 32: a Australian built yacht inspired by the Fisher line. Designed by Malcom Barlow from Australia

Owners around the world

As the Fisher is designed for cruising all waters you can find the yachts all around the world. In England, The Netherlands (incl. German members) and Canada there are active owners associations. [website [http://www.fisherowners.co.uk/ UK Fishers Owners Association] visited on June 11, 2008]

References