Nantucket 33 - Experience with 1960s Aluminum ?

[Billy Higgins]

I am seriously looking at a Nantucket 33 - an aluminum sloop designed to the CCA rule by Alan Gurney and built by Royal Huisman (Netherlands) in the late 1960s. She is 33 LOA x 26 LWL x 10.2 B x 5.5 Draft.

Does anyone have experience or sea time on this boat? Perhaps even more helpful would be comments about aluminum yacht hulls of that era?

The one thing that worries me the most is that the 1960 Dutch alloy may not be 100% compatible with today's more devoped ones, such as 5086T series plate - which could lead to poor welds and sketchy modifications and repairs.

[Cheechako]

Wow.... I used to dream of owning one of those! I've never seen one in the flesh. If there are no aluminum issues by now... "fuggettaboudit" BTW: Some of todays alloys have not worked out that well! Be sure to get a surveyor who knows metal boats. Is this boat in Seattle? Best surveyors on the planet (IMHO!) are Reisner, Mchewen (sp?)and Harris...

[Billy Higgins]

I am very happy to have found this one; she needs a lot of cosmetics, and the survey is not done yet. But thanks for the tips on surveyors: McHewen is new to me; Reisner is Ron Reisner, I believe?

Instead, I have lined up Alison Mazon in Portland, OR to take a look; I heard a great presentation she did at a meeting of the Metal Boat Society a few years ago. She's a real specialist in the metal boat survey market - www.alisonmazon.com. The boat is in the Bay Area, and under offer; so unfortuantely I have a logistics problem.

[Cheechako]

Sounds like you found somebody good. I checked on line and I'm not sure Matt Harris is still with Reisner etc.... I really like Matt, especially knowledgeable for Taiwan boats etc.. Matthew Harris
Might be more economical for you to get a SF surveyor...? Gotta be some good ones down there.

The ones I used to dream about were fiberglass. Like this: http://www.yachtminder.com/Listings/...ifications.htm

BIG boat for a 33.

[NeptunesTrident]

Originally Posted by Billy Higgins

The one thing that worries me the most is that the 1960 Dutch alloy may not be 100% compatible with today's more devoped ones, such as 5086T series plate - which could lead to poor welds and sketchy modifications and repairs.

For the most part, one can use 5083, 5356 or 5556 for welded repairs. If your removing are replacing metal, I would not recommend 5083 if the parent metal is unknown. 5083 I would use only for 5083 plate. The structural members will more than likely be 6061 in a T-6 temper. 5356 is a good filler metal for welding 6061 to a 5xxxx series aluminum. My choice over all would be 5356. But that's just me.

[Cheechako]

As I remember, the Dutch were noted for their knowledge of aluminum boatbuilding back then. Over here, even Boeing had trouble with the modern alloys on their Hydrofoils........

[Nantucket33]

Hi Billy,

Quite surprised to find your posting, as there aren't many around.
I have one, not the Alu version, but GRP, and been in touch with Huisman to get more insight, but only limited cooperation.
Maybe we could exchange, if you're still interested?

Further down this posting, i see ref. to a GRP version, but it's nothing like mine, and is (possibly) a different design(er).

Cheers

Marc,
S/V Tutti
The Netherlands

Originally Posted by Billy Higgins

I am seriously looking at a Nantucket 33 - an aluminum sloop designed to the CCA rule by Alan Gurney and built by Royal Huisman (Netherlands) in the late 1960s. She is 33 LOA x 26 LWL x 10.2 B x 5.5 Draft.

Does anyone have experience or sea time on this boat? Perhaps even more helpful would be comments about aluminum yacht hulls of that era?

The one thing that worries me the most is that the 1960 Dutch alloy may not be 100% compatible with today's more devoped ones, such as 5086T series plate - which could lead to poor welds and sketchy modifications and repairs.

[edboat]

There were 2 or 3 of the Nantucket 33's over here in the states that raced in the SORC. One was owned by Joe Kennicott and another by Don Flitman IIRC correctly. They were quick boats and handled well.

[noelex 77]

5083 and 5086 are the best alloys. They are the most common for aluminium boats built without considering cost. You will not have any problems with repairs / modifications.

[Billy Higgins]

Thanks for the comments on the Nantucket 33. Several weeks ago I wrote Royal Huisman about the alloys in use, but have received no reply. In any event, the boat is in the SF Bay Area, and we are in Seattle. With the plethora of used boats in all areas at very reasonable prices, we have decided to quit searching outside Puget Sound as the shipping or delivery charges for a Bay Area boat simply would not be cost effective. The boat is still listed at Norpac Yacht and Ship Brokerage for $19,250.

[epicures]

I have been sailing a Huisman Nantucket 33 for 17 years now.The yacht was build in 1971 so it is now (2018) 47 years of age.The hull is in perfect condition.
It has been based in Holland and sailed the Noordzee. Huisman has build 6 of them and 4 of them where shipped to US. right away, the other 2 stayed in Holland owned by German in the first place.
Conclusion the aluminum Huisman used must have been the right choice .
Excuse my Englisch writing.

Claus.