Outstanding Boats - A Special Selection of Unusual and Noteworthy Boats I Find

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by SoundOfSilence

My favorite so far is the Bowman 44. It just looks to be in superb condition, just as if it was brand new! And the action sailing pictures makes it look even better!

Yes, it is an OUTSTANDING boat and very pleasing to my eyes too.

And, I think ALL sale listings should include at least one photo of the boat sailing (not motoring). The two sailing photos of that boat are exemplary too, and made me wish I was the person on the helm.

A few years ago I looked at many photos of a Bowman 57. It really captured my attention and seemed so perfect for a great Voyaging yacht. I still remember how impressed I was with the layout, deck, cockpit, and interior. And, one has done the Nortwest Passage (years ago) and much more cruising in high latitudes. So, it was a boat built for ocean voyages. A "Blue Water" boat.

[Steadman Uhlich]

Up above is posted a Bowman 44.
And I mentioned I was impressed by a Bowman 57.

Here is a link to that boat, and the sailor who impressed me so much. Roger Swanson was a very intrepid sailor who logged over 217,000 miles doing many things that others never attempt. Read about him if you don't already know. He was a great example of a cruiser.

Here is an excerpt from the linked article. I will include a few more photos of Bowman 57 boats. His boat was sold to a family missionary in Hawaii (I read). I would have loved to taken her (the boat) and continue voyaging with her.
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A Conversation with Roger Swanson - Sail Magazine

" Roger Swanson at the helm, a position he mastered during his thousands of offshore miles.

Rare is the sailing resume that boasts 217,928 miles, three circumnavigations, multiple voyages through the Arctic and Antarctic and the first east-west crossing of the Northwest Passage by an American-flagged sailboat. Pretty impressive for a Midwestern-born pig farmer-cum-electrical engineer-cum-entrepreneur, but no one ever accused Roger Swanson, of Dunnell, Minnesota, of mediocrity.

Swanson, who sadly passed away at the age of 81 on December 25, 2012 after a battle with cancer, became enamored with oceans during his three-year stint as a Navy officer; afterward, he raced Midwestern scows and began chartering in the Caribbean. In 1976 he bought a CSY 44 and five years later upgraded to Cloud Nine, a 1975 Bowman 57 cutter-rigged ketch. Swanson sailed 207,428 miles aboard Cloud Nine, including 80,000-plus miles with Gaynelle Templin, his second wife and consummate first mate. SAIL spoke with him shortly before his passing, and we extend our deepest condolences to his many friends and family.

What were the hardest miles you’ve sailed?
My second trip to Antarctica…the goal was to cross the Antarctic Circle, and we got hammered on our way back, with a constant 35-75 knots on our nose. We were trying to re-enter the Antarctic Archipelago, but the high winds and constant ice forced us to remain hove-to for three days before the winds
subsided.

Have you ever been scared?
In an emergency, I never had time to be scared. One time we were sailing in about 35 knots, 250 miles from Land’s End, England, and at 0400 hours, we lost steerage—we had broken the quadrant casting. We struggled to fix it, but the winds increased to 55 to 60-plus knots. A rogue wave hit us and dropped us on our port side, shattering our portholes. We were at close to 90 degrees, and we took on 500 gallons of water before she righted herself. We used cabin locker covers, a hand drill and sheet-metal screws to cover the opening, drilling right into the fiberglass. Hypothermia was a problem, but in the morning we fixed the steering and continued on.

You were run down by a freighter while at anchor, no?

It was at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The incoming freighter failed to drop a stern anchor and couldn’t stop. She ran over our anchor rodes and dismasted us. It was a tangled mess, but we jury-rigged the boat—turning her into a schooner—and sailed 2,000 miles to New Zealand. We got a lot of interesting comments as we entered various ports en route!"

[SoundOfSilence]

This thread got completely silent now, because everybody are reading about Roger Swanson...

[JPA Cate]

For Sale: PRICE REDUCED 48' Aluminium Bluewater Custom Built Yacht For Sale (Multi-page thread 1 2 3)
noelex 77

Check out the above, here on CF.

Ann

[Scout 30]

I found this on Craigslist & thought it might fit in. Certainly interesting. I don't have Steady's knack for pictures but this link should work:

https://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/5842397515.html

[Scout 30]

Here's a boat from one of America's greatest yacht designers that I've been lusting after since I first saw the listing a couple of months ago. If I was looking for a world cruiser I'd take a long hard look at this one. Beautiful classic lines & a great pedigree.

https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bod/5834319755.html

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

I found this on Craigslist & thought it might fit in. Certainly interesting. I don't have Steady's knack for pictures but this link should work:

https://daytona.craigslist.org/boa/5842397515.html

That is an outstanding or unusual boat, because of its rig.

Here is more information on this boat, which is owned by a CF member.

Notable features:
1. Square Rig on a Brigantine Staysail Schooner
2. LONG bowsprit (see photo)

CT-54

70' Length Overall; 54' On Deck; WORLD'S ONLY CT-54 Fiberglass Brigantine Staysail Schooner converted from a ketch rig circa 2007-2008 to a Modern Square Rig; All Teak Interior; 2001 John Deere diesel; all aluminum masts, booms, bow sprit; all stainless rigging; fiberglass decks; much more to tell ...some work required

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Here's a boat from one of America's greatest yacht designers that I've been lusting after since I first saw the listing a couple of months ago. If I was looking for a world cruiser I'd take a long hard look at this one. Beautiful classic lines & a great pedigree.

https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bod/5834319755.html

She's a big handful, both to sail and to maintain.

But, lovely lines.

Ann

[Steadman Uhlich]

Originally Posted by Scout 30

Here's a boat from one of America's greatest yacht designers that I've been lusting after since I first saw the listing a couple of months ago. If I was looking for a world cruiser I'd take a long hard look at this one. Beautiful classic lines & a great pedigree.

https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bod/5834319755.html

SCOUT,
You and I have some similar tastes.

I have had my eye on that boat for a long time too. I think it has been on the market for over a year.

I happen to like Herreshoff designs, and that particular boat looks like a diamond in the rough to me. Not too rough either.

IF I took care of her as owner, I would modify that forward part of the main cabin, put some very nice vintage details on her, have some very nice boom sun awnings and canvas and trim (cushions, etc.) made for her, and enjoy lounging in that cockpit or on the cabin top (on cushions) while at anchor in the Bahamas or other islands. I think it deserves some nice vintage touches and would make for a beautiful boat in any anchorage. Just needs some polish and varnish and some details to make it sparkle as a vintage design boat. Of course I am dreaming...but that is what boats are prone to cause.

Here is some more info on that boat:

________________________

Herreschoff Mobjack (copy) 1987

LOA = 51'
LOD = 46'

Asking Price = $65,000
Location = Florida

Text from the sale listing:
"L. Francis Herreshoff designed some magnificent vessels from day sailors to the famous Mobjack series.

This Mobjack copy was built in 1987 by H.A. Bauer & J.A. Guinn out of fiberglass with an on deck length of 46 feet and an overall length of 51 feet which includes the teak bowsprit. The solid fiberglass hull was built with a full keel and protected rudder weighing about 28,000 pounds and has about half that weight in ballast.

The aft cockpit is very comfortable with a full width bench across the stern, a 44 inch teak wheel and the sheet winches within reach of the helm. The vessel has 4 working sails and a brand new ATN Spinnaker with sock. Both head sails have Hood roller furlings and both the main and mizzen sails have lazy jacks. The SS Rod rigging is in good condition and some of the SS chain plates are external. The cabin top has 4 huge opening hatches and 1 forward bow hatch. The cabin top has 13 opening ports and 10 of them are new SS ports. The boat was built with very high toe rails for safety, easy walk around decks and a step down cockpit with 3 large lockers for access and storage as well as 1 locker for the propane tank. There is also a deck hatch forward of the cockpit that allows great engine access as well as 3 opening doors to the engine from the salon.

The current owner had started to rebuild the interior, and had the 62hp Perkins completely rebuilt now showing only 10 hours. New cushions were purchased and the project continues. Southwind is in sail away condition still needing some interior finishing."

[Steadman Uhlich]

This is a boat I have suggested before, when someone states they have a few children and want a roomy boat for cruising, but they don't have a large budget and cannot afford a newer boat that is costly or over $100K in asking price.

I have mentioned this one because I like the Pilothouse style, the inside steering position, the raised saloon table (in the pilothouse) the double berth in the aft cabin (for use in a liveaboard situation) and the TWO twin cabins in the middle of the boat, where one cabin (that has twin bunks) could be assigned to girls and one to boys.

So, for a family that has a mix of boys and girls or younger and teens, who may not want to share a V berth or quarter berth, I think this allows them to have a Private cabin in a comfortable location on the boat, and allows the parents to have some privacy in the aft end of the boat. I think THAT has some value too.

My favorite feature?
I really like the raised saloon with the table (where I would work on my art) and the visibility there and "light." That is something I value as an artist as I tend to paint while in natural light, when possible.

Anyway, this is a boat I like. It is more than I need, but it may fit someone's need if they have more than a couple to carry on their cruise.
_____________

Dufour 12000CT

LOA = 45'

Notable Features:
Interior Layout
Pilothouse (inside steering)
Large tankage for water and fuel.

Here is an article about a cruising family (CF members at one time) who bought a 12000CT and painted and decorated the interior, then took off cruising with two young kids. Take a look at how cheerful or colorful the interior can be.

Tiny Floating Homes: Terrapin

Terrapin Blog: Sailing with Terrapin: The Boat

Data on Boat:
DUFOUR 12000 CT sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

Howdy Sailors!

If you have read some of my other threads I have started on CF, you will have seen that I have posted many boats which I believe fit the needs of many CF members. Those boat threads are:

Boats Less Than $30K - Noteworthy Recent Finds
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ds-147098.html

Boats with Shallow Draft for Bahamas Florida and Chesapeake
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ke-174548.html

Trailer Sailor and Pocket Cruiser Boats Tips Advice Examples
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...es-175115.html

Boats with Free Standing Masts
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ts-150283.html

My goodness gobily gracious...with all that verbiage about what boat for fit the needs of other, you should be finding a boat for yourself soon Steady.

[Steadman Uhlich]

More photos of a Dufour 12000CT. See the previous post in this thread for my note and comments on this model of boat.

This one is for sale now and appears to be in excellent condition.

Dufour 12000CT
1979
Asking Price = $89,000
Location = Croatia

1979 Dufour 12000CT Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[IdoraKeeper]

Originally Posted by Steady Hand

John Negus Bermudan Ketch 40' 1997 WOOD

Asking Price = $87,000
Location = Cornwall, England, UK

LOA = 45'
Draft = 6'

From the November 3 2016 sale listing:
1997 John Negus Bermudan Ketch Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

"Designed and built by John Negus in 1997 as one of the largest in his range of comfortable and spacious cruising yachts. Built for a gentleman who wanted to cruise alone, she sailed around the North Sea and Scandinavia in his ownership before being bought and hugely upgraded by the present owner. Iroko strip plank hull, teak on ply decks with Iroko superstructure. Spacious below decks with 6 berths in 2 sleeping cabins, inside and outside helm position, heating throughout and 2 heads. New Beta 90hp diesel in 2012. Very smart and well maintained yacht, ideal for small or large crew."
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Steady's NOTES:

My View of Wood Boats:
As you will see if you follow this thread, I will be posting numerous wood boats. That is because I like them, admire them, study them, draw and paint them, and love them. So, you will see me post them in this thread.

I am not unaware that they pose a challenge to the owners, especially today in the USA. And after studying them for years, I think it is safe to say that they are not for everyone and not recommended for everyone.

While the market for wood boats has shrunk in the last 60 years, there are still many fine wood boats on the used market. Many wood boats are passed over or neglected. I won't get into reasons why wood boats are not the first choice of sailors today, because that is not the purpose of this thread. There are many threads that discuss the negative aspects (e.g. Maintenance, costs, lack of haul out facilities, skilled labor, etc.) of wood boat ownership, so you may find plenty of opinions and experienced advice about their care, costs, pitfalls, weaknesses, and issues. That is not what this thread is about. This thread is about what boats are outstanding or extraordinary or appealing (at least to me, the curator of this exhibition).

Just before posting this boat, I posted another wood boat the Woodnutts 1938. That boat is admitedly an "old woodie." And I know that while some sailors may love the looks of an old wood boat, they may have some doubts about the condition of older boats, older wiring, older plumbing, older mechanical systems, and older rigging or spars.

______________

Steady's NOTES on this boat:

This Nagus boat is a relatively new woodie (1997). One might say "young" for a woodie.

It is a pilot house boat. I happen to like pilot house boats. I think they would be very practical in many places I would want to live. I look for them and look carefully at how their pilot house is constructed, designed, how the visibility may be from inside, how the windscreen portlights (windows in front) are built, how the helm position is situated, how the helm seat is designed, how a navigation station may be designed, and if a second person can sit facing out and forward. I look for those things. Not many pilot house boats have all of those things, and I am used to seeing many that look small and poorly designed. Most have many compromises.

This boat's pilothouse looks like a very nice pilothouse design. Check out the nice inside helm station and the matching "captain's chairs" for the helmsman and another person (e.g. admiral). I will let the photos tell the rest of the story.

This boat has traditional "wood boat" design elements and construction, because it is a wood boat. But, I happen to like that. Look at the deck hardware! Check out those chocks! Look at that aft cockpit! Notice the Dorade vents and cowls. Overall, every detail of this boat looks fitting or appropriate and well chosen. It looks "timeless" despite its relatively recent build date.

I also like the tan bark sails. Visual appeal is important to me. I like the look.

Then look at the engine compartment. At a glance it looks well kept, and well designed, with room to get around the engine and a good raw water strainer. That engine space and condition is a plus.

Overall, this is a very nice looking boat, a relatively new wood boat, and a boat that has features and size and accommodations (two heads, multiple berths) that would make her a comfortable cruiser for a family. IF I lived in the UK or Europe, or PNW (yes, it would require a long delivery) this would be a boat I would put near the top of my list to see.

Just warning you that if you fall in love with a woody like this one it will change your life.

[Steadman Uhlich]

McGruer Sloop 34' 1975. WOOD

Asking Price = $68,000
LOA = 34'
Location = UK

1975 McGruer sloop Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com
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Steady's NOTES:
I am posting this one as an Outstanding Boat because one doesn't see boats like this very often. It has a "varnished" clear coat over the wood hull, showing the beauty of the wood. This is sure to turn heads in any harbor or anchorage.

The beauty of the wood continues on deck and below decks, as the interior is finely finished with very nice joinery. She looks very comfortable with the warm wood finish and nice soft cushions. I can imagine a pleasant day's sail ending with a nice glass of wine and a nice night spent with a loved one aboard this boat.

This is a yacht for someone who really appreciates the beauty of a wood boat. I do. And if I could, I would take this wonderful woodie and sail her proudly. Would you?

[Scout 30]

A great source of classic wooden boats for sale is Classic Boat Magazine. Their "Buy A Classic" section is free online & always filled with amazing boats. My favorite listing is a Luke Powell, Isle of Scilly Pilot Cutter. A great example of a classic design.

Isles of Scilly Pilot Cutter - Classic Boat Magazine

Buy a Classic Boat - Classic Boat Magazine