Following a modest success with
the Coaster, Drascombe launched
a purpose-built pocket cruiser
for two, the Drifter, in 1982. She
retained the hallmark gunter
yawl rig but had a full-length,
shoal-draught keel and an inboard
engine. The accommodation
was much more spacious than
the Coaster, but the cockpit was
smaller and she was signifi cantly
heavier for trailing. Production
ceased in 1986 but has since been
revived by Churchouse Boats, which commissioned Paul Fisher to revise
John Watkinson’s original design. Churchouse’s Drifters are much more
lavishly equipped than their predecessors and sell for about £30,000.

LOA 6.55m (21ft 6in) LWL 5.59m (18ft 4in) Beam 2.21m (7ft 3in) Draught 0.61m (2ft)
Displacement 1,020kg (2,240lb) Class association www.drascombe-association.org.uk
*price quoted for pre-1986 boats