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ilenart · 28-06-2009, 06:56

Hi GIlo. I own a Roberts 45 Classic, which is the long keel / bowsprit version of the Roberts 45. Have owned the boat for the past three years with the longest trip being an 800NM trip up the coast recently, plus I have done some shorter trips up and down the WA coast.

Good points of the boat include:

very stable in choppy / rough weather. The boat has a very comfortable motion
a dry boat. In a recent closed hauled trip in 20-30 knots and choppy seas we were lucky to get the occasional spray over he decks. In contrast some friends in a Van De Stradt 34 5NM behind us described the experience as "submarining" given the amount of green water they had over the decks
plenty of room below decks, I have five in my family and for the three week trip had no problems finding enough space. Have had 9 sleep onboard for a weekend trip.
boat heaves too very well (have the ketch rig so just use the mizzen)
tracks very well; in most conditions can balance the boat with the sails and require very little helm
is a nice looking boat (however I am probably biased) .

Bad points include:

pointing is not good at all, would be lucky to get closer than 40 degrees apparent. I have the ketch / long keel version so this certainly does not help. If you are looking at a sloop rig / separate keel / skeg it should be a bit better. The majority of people with these type of boats tend to motor sail if they are going into the breeze. My boat has a 98HP which helps; I would suggest at least a 70HP for this size boat so you can make meaningful progress to windward
reversing is always an interesting exercise, however it is typical of a full keeler.
maintenance on an old boat is a constant issue (mine was built in 1979) however it is no better or worse than similar aged boats.

Like you said a good survey is essential. A lot of these boats were home built however some were also professionally built (mine was professionally built in Melbourne). You have'nt mentioned if you are looking at steel or fibreglass, mine is the fibreglass version.

PM me if you have any other queries.

Ilenart

28-06-2009, 06:56	#4
ilenart Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: West Australia Boat: Roberts Classic 45 Posts: 3	Hi GIlo. I own a Roberts 45 Classic, which is the long keel / bowsprit version of the Roberts 45. Have owned the boat for the past three years with the longest trip being an 800NM trip up the coast recently, plus I have done some shorter trips up and down the WA coast. Good points of the boat include: very stable in choppy / rough weather. The boat has a very comfortable motion a dry boat. In a recent closed hauled trip in 20-30 knots and choppy seas we were lucky to get the occasional spray over he decks. In contrast some friends in a Van De Stradt 34 5NM behind us described the experience as "submarining" given the amount of green water they had over the decks plenty of room below decks, I have five in my family and for the three week trip had no problems finding enough space. Have had 9 sleep onboard for a weekend trip. boat heaves too very well (have the ketch rig so just use the mizzen) tracks very well; in most conditions can balance the boat with the sails and require very little helm is a nice looking boat (however I am probably biased) . Bad points include: pointing is not good at all, would be lucky to get closer than 40 degrees apparent. I have the ketch / long keel version so this certainly does not help. If you are looking at a sloop rig / separate keel / skeg it should be a bit better. The majority of people with these type of boats tend to motor sail if they are going into the breeze. My boat has a 98HP which helps; I would suggest at least a 70HP for this size boat so you can make meaningful progress to windward reversing is always an interesting exercise, however it is typical of a full keeler. maintenance on an old boat is a constant issue (mine was built in 1979) however it is no better or worse than similar aged boats. Like you said a good survey is essential. A lot of these boats were home built however some were also professionally built (mine was professionally built in Melbourne). You have'nt mentioned if you are looking at steel or fibreglass, mine is the fibreglass version. PM me if you have any other queries. Ilenart