Swan 38 (Ship Killer)

[thomm225]

So this book Ship Killer by Justin Scot was the final thing that pushed me toward wanting to buy a sailboat one day. (my son recently found the book under the seat of one of the old jeeps I gave him)

I read it while in Yuma, Arizona of all places in the late 1970's.

If anyone needs a bit of motivation to sail this is the book for you (as recommended by a 22 year old that had never sailed at the time)

Regardless here is the sailboat featured in the book.

A Swan 38 (1974) designed by Sparkman & Stephens

https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/swan-38-ss

https://www.amazon.com/Shipkiller-No.../dp/1605984655

[mcarthur]

Oh wow, I remember that book! First time I ever heard about a Swan - sounded fantastic. While I've gone to the dark(er) side, I fondly remember the writing that was so influential to my head space...

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by mcarthur

Oh wow, I remember that book! First time I ever heard about a Swan - sounded fantastic. While I've gone to the dark(er) side, I fondly remember the writing that was so influential to my head space...

Yeah, the book is a bit far fetched at times but I have enjoyed it (maybe 3X) over the years. And our hero Dr Hardin even showed us a bit about checking out a boat since he did the tap test for like an entire day on that Swan before he purchased it

Btw, that old boat has a PHRF of 120. Not bad for an old 38'er. It also has that 6.3' deep keel going for it and maybe 29' of waterline

[Roniszoro]

I have a friend who owned a Swan 38 for years. He did 5 transatlantic passages with her and swore by her.

[Ken Pole]

At the risk of setting off an avalance of recommended reading try Those in Peril by Wilbur Smith and Overboard by Hank Searls.

[Lodbrog1]

While we are on the periphery of Sea Faring literature and asides from my ample library; "The Voyage" by Phil Caputo is a stand-out.

[hamburking]

In 2010 I crossed the Atlantic on a Swan 48. So now I MUST read Ship Killer. Thanks for the info.

[sailingchiro]

Just read Voyage for Madmen by Nichols. Good read.

[HiAndDri]

I'd forgotten all about this book, must have read it 40 years ago. Didn't he end up on a trimaran?

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by HiAndDri

I'd forgotten all about this book, must have read it 40 years ago. Didn't he end up on a trimaran?

Yes!

This time he had even more speed!

Then he went after the tanker again..........

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Lodbrog1

While we are on the periphery of Sea Faring literature and asides from my ample library; "The Voyage" by Phil Caputo is a stand-out.

I'll check it out and I believe they made his book a Rumor of War into a movie back in the 1970's.

[Group9]

I read that book a really long time ago.

I also was friends with a married couple that bought a Swan 38. They had read the book, too.

[Kiwi.]

They've released a 35th anniversary edition of Ship Killer. Hope they put out a Kindle Edition, I've got too many paper books on the boat already!

[gonesail]

Originally Posted by sailingchiro

Just read Voyage for Madmen by Nichols. Good read.

also check out At the Mercy of the Sea by John Kretschmer.

[Taipe]

Why was the book titled "Ship Killer"?