Van-De-Stadt - best mono hull ever built.

[nicholas_isaac]

I have a 1964 Van de Stadt Rebel 41. To me, she is the quintessential "boat". If you asked me, draw a boat, I'd draw her lines. If I had to be in a storm, I know she'd look after me. I know, objectively, there are boats that are more commodious, more modern, prettier woodwork, etc., but I wouldn't trade her for another.

That said, I appreciate other people have their "boats", and their reasons for loving them. But if you don't look back at your boat every time as you row ashore with a smile and a sense of contentment, you're missing something essential, and magical about the whole purpose of having one.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ture35841.html

[Katapult Mike]

Originally Posted by nicholas_isaac

I have a 1964 Van de Stadt Rebel 41. To me, she is the quintessential "boat". If you asked me, draw a boat, I'd draw her lines. If I had to be in a storm, I know she'd look after me. I know, objectively, there are boats that are more commodious, more modern, prettier woodwork, etc., but I wouldn't trade her for another.

That said, I appreciate other people have their "boats", and their reasons for loving them. But if you don't look back at your boat every time as you row ashore with a smile and a sense of contentment, you're missing something essential, and magical about the whole purpose of having one.

https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ture35841.html

Nicholas, very nice! I have not come across that one before, but really like the lines. Kind of remnds me of a Columbia 50, which I have always admired.

[flyingnut40]

I'm in!!! Where is the group? We have a VDS Seal 36 and would love to connect with other VDS owners and enthusiasts! We are preparing to escape from eastern Canada next summer.
I can say this..... The more I see the struggles of others with osmosis, soft decks, loose keels, poor engine access, fire risk, chain plate issues, leaky cabin tops, chewed up rudders etc. the more we are content with our choice of a boat that is more capable than we are!

[fairwindgirl]

Hands down Van de Stadt is my favorite yacht designer. My uncle commissioned one of the Ocean 71s in 1971, took delivery in 1973 and of course I was completely spoiled for any other vessel. I'm sailing vessels half that size now and haven't found the right Van de Stadt for me, but I look at what's for sale now and again and dream.

[OceanJewel]

I do agree.... My Van de Stadt Ocean 75 is an extremely comfortable ocean going yacht. Cheers, John

[ben2go]

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

I've been following the YouTube adventures of Barry of the "Old Sea Dog" since he started.
He's spent years meandering around the planet in a steel Van DeStadt sloop.
I'm not so sure he would agree with the "world's greatest vessel" moniker.
I get the idea that he might call that statement a bit daft.

I been following Barry since the beginning. I can't understand why his boat is so slow and hard to get moving in anything under 20 knots. Then he says it doesn't balance out properly. I can't see where he's doing anything wrong but I'm a novice compared to most around here. I don't knock Van de Stadt boats, but something it up with his.

[mindsofman]

Rassey 31 Monsun ✓✓✓✓

I had a VDS ,,Great boat but I prefer my Rassey..
6 Atlantic's plus 1000s of miles on top of that..
AND ,,,,NO Rust...

[Noahr]

Originally Posted by ben2go

I been following Barry since the beginning. I can't understand why his boat is so slow and hard to get moving in anything under 20 knots. Then he says it doesn't balance out properly. I can't see where he's doing anything wrong but I'm a novice compared to most around here. I don't knock Van de Stadt boats, but something it up with his.

Barry sails very conservatively, but I agree his boat seems veeery slow for its length.

[Gianfranco]

I built a Vita 30 ft. I no longer have it but, was a great sailboat.
I have pictures of building it .. if anyone is interested I can dig them out.
send the email.
amazing it sat right at the designed waterline.
It was fast in spite of being made of steel.

[DShant]

Nice boat Oceanjewel what year is that. I like the older styling.

[merrydolphin]

Originally Posted by Bowdrie

I've been following the YouTube adventures of Barry of the "Old Sea Dog" since he started.
He's spent years meandering around the planet in a steel Van DeStadt sloop.
I'm not so sure he would agree with the "world's greatest vessel" moniker.
I get the idea that he might call that statement a bit daft.

Yes, either he is the world’s worst sailor or that is one dog of a boat.
He has had terrible passage times. I find a minimum size to make steel practical is around 50’. It’s pretty heavy needs waterline and lot’s of sail area.

Don’t know why else Barry has such a terrible time making passages. Based on this, and general knowledge of smaller steel boats, can’t say it’s the best. If I had to name a preferred boat building materiel, I would have to say aluminum. A properly built aluminum boat is about as maintenance free as you can get and is strong and light. I captained a Morelli and Melvin 68’ cat for a couple of yrs. Wonderful vessel.



van 68’ boat for a couple of years. An amazing vessel. And NO PAINT. Sweet.

[Hoodsail]

Oceanjewel, pretty boat, but 75FT! holy cow...she better cross oceans well and keep you safe ..same can be said for my 1978 Bristol 35.5, but she's less than half your length. Have the Bristol designers, Dieter Empacher/Halsey Herresoff/ted hood designed some of the prettiest monohulls around? Heck yes! If you don't believe it, just ask me... As for VDS, hey, I'm Dutch too, so will give him a thumbs up even without any teak on deck.. merry Christmas to ya

[gulfislandfred]

I thought my Sirius 21 was a Vandestadt design, and indeed it is. Built by Vandestadt and McGruer, in Canada, designed by the grandson (I think) of the Dutch designer of the same name.
I hope that adds some entertainment

[LostinFrance]

Well I’d have to agree if course, I launched my VDS 34 nearly fifteen years ago ( don’t ask how long it took to build!) and it’s a wonderful sea boat, stiff and strong, spent several years racing her but now just the cruising. Cedar strip plank with epoxy. Van de Stadt drawings were excellent.
Pete

[flyingnut40]

Is THIS the chat group for the VDS enthusiasts or is it yet to be set up? I would be willing to work as a moderator or whatever is required to make this work. I may just go ahead and start a Facebook group, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel. I think there is a need for such a group. This topic did diverge very quickly to a metal boat thread and one that focuses on VDS would be welcome, in my mind at least!! There are other places like Metal Boat Society and others for general discussions..... LMK your thoughts. :+)