ketch rig recommendations

[Lucky Luke 1]

G'day all.

I'm in the very, very early stages of sail boat shopping and have narrowed my search criteria to a Steel hull running a Ketch rig, 37 to 43 ish feet in length with a decent beam.

Tight budget of 50k Aussie (approx 40K American) so an older boat.

My question is, is there a couple of brands that stand out that I should be taking extra notice of that are well known in smaller ketches? I've noticed most ketch rigs are larger sizes.

Cheers in advance.

[DMF Sailing]

G'day, Luke. I'm new, too, so I have no knowledge, but I swear in my lurkings I've seen users with steel Ketches in that size that you can get for your budget... Good luck with your search!

[DMF Sailing]

Boom:

1965 tho

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/196...taine-2948845/

What an incredible-looking vessel

[Lucky Luke 1]

Originally Posted by DMF Sailing

Boom:

1965 tho

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/196...taine-2948845/

What an incredible-looking vessel

Yes they are about but not to many. Id rather not have flush decks and after something more Blue water orientated. (I live in Tasmania)

[DMF Sailing]

Originally Posted by Lucky Luke 1

Yes they are about but not to many. Id rather not have flush decks and after something more Blue water orientated. (I live in Tasmania)

Tasmania! Struth.

I don't mean to inundate you, mate, but check out this Bruce Roberts.

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/199...re-44-3499063/

Maybe I'll snap up that other one; looks suited to my gunkholing.

[markpierce]

Originally Posted by Lucky Luke 1

Yes they are about but not to many. Id rather not have flush decks and after something more Blue water orientated. (I live in Tasmania)

Not bluewater oriented? Then why the tiny cabin windows and suffering the cave-like cabin?

[DMF Sailing]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Not bluewater oriented? Then why the tiny cabin windows and suffering the cave-like cabin?

To my non-bluewater-experienced eye, that looks like an ocean-going boat, but a wet ride with that relatively low freeboard... and a narrower beam than Luke wants.

Small tanks, too.

[Lucky Luke 1]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Not bluewater oriented? Then why the tiny cabin windows and suffering the cave-like cabin?

I'm not hear to argue over what is and isn't a blue water boat especially as ive just joined and have bugger all knowledge. That boat isnt for me.

In fairness it was a side discussion (which is fine and enjoyable) but wasn't an answer to my question.

[Lucky Luke 1]

Bruce Roberts seem to be very popular design and what looks to be some well looked after ones around at good prices.

[Lucky Luke 1]

Beams pretty big on it. Looks like allot of room inside.
To old and not enough protection for me, tis also very, very old.

[DMF Sailing]

Originally Posted by Lucky Luke 1

Bruce Roberts seem to be very popular design and what looks to be some well looked after ones around at good prices.

That thing is a beast. 44,000 lbs. Probably needs to up-horsepower that auxiliary.

I hope someone with actual knowledge of steel ketches joins this discussion.

[Chuckie]

I have a 44 Ganley steel yacht with ketch rig, excellent single handed. However I found it extremely hard when purchasing to locate a more modern steel ketch (mine is 1983) in particular under 40 feet. Many are home built and obviously quality depends on the builder and condition on the owners ability to maintain. Older boats may offer you just as good an option as more modern dependant on the above. I have found sailing solo boats under 40 foot sloop rigged easily handled and easy on the pocket maintenence wise. Above 40 foot, ketch rigged comes into its own for the solo sailer being user friendly with less stress on both the boat and sailor. Good luck with your search.

[Lucky Luke 1]

Originally Posted by Chuckie

I have a 44 Ganley steel yacht with ketch rig, excellent single handed. However I found it extremely hard when purchasing to locate a more modern steel ketch (mine is 1983) in particular under 40 feet. Many are home built and obviously quality depends on the builder and condition on the owners ability to maintain. Older boats may offer you just as good an option as more modern dependant on the above. I have found sailing solo boats under 40 foot sloop rigged easily handled and easy on the pocket maintenence wise. Above 40 foot, ketch rigged comes into its own for the solo sailer being user friendly with less stress on both the boat and sailor. Good luck with your search.

Ganley seem to be very popular in NZ and well priced. This one has caught my eye but unfortunately is not ketch rigged. https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/b...2?bof=fP0Y6y1D

[Chuckie]

Yes excellent price and a fairly quick boat with great stability, will sit on her chine in a good blow and maintain more sail than most without feeling overpowered

[MicHughV]

I built this boat back in the late 70's....launched early 80's....
Its a Roberts 38 ketch...the beam was 11'-3".....displacement around 20,000 lbs., draft around 6' or so...

I had this boat for around 11 years....and sailed it everywhere. It was a surprisingly good sailing boat and a cinch to singlehand. I loved the boat.

It is still around, now on it's 3rd owner...who stripped the inside as he was planing to take the boat to Antartica, but I've lost track of him.

Yachtworld and many other sites have many steel boats for sale.