SAILBOAT
OWNERS & BUILDERS:
Update - JUNE 2014

VOYAGER 495

On behalf of the ship owner and the captain s / s Malbork warmly welcome all those who appreciate luxury and safety of cruises
  on the new (May 2014) yacht Voyager 495

http://sy.malbork.pl

SPRAY 22 OWNER - Seeking extra information.

Hi Bruce and Andrew,

Thanks very much for the information and plans you attached. I'm astounded by such a rapid and comprehensive response!   Have a good Easter, Jim

ROBERTS Offshore 44

ROBERTS 434 ( UPDATED DESIGN )

Good day,  My wife and I sailed a Roberts 44 offshore for 9 1/2 years in the So pacific and are now Living on Hawaii. The boat is a D model and done in AIREX foam which made our boat 5/9 degrees cooler than the rest of the fleet.

Our trip started out in Washington State down the west coast into Mexico then out into the So Pacific. What I came to realize was that the Roberts 44 design was a outstanding design with features that one could only truly appreciated in heavy weather and during times when mechanical problems occasionally arise.  

Ease of getting to shaft packing's and access to the engine compartment were no problem. That was a real plus as other production boats had everything hidden so they gave you a big boat feel. That was great until you got into heavy seas and you found that the spacious bathroom was liking the feel of a handball in handball court and that to reach that leaking shaft seal you had to move the refrigerator unit. ETC..

I am now building a 1/2 inch to the foot Half Hull model of my "VERITAS" and have used the small plans that you provided me while we were boating in Australia.  

Thanks for your effort and Aloha  Tony Keeling   "Veritas43@aol.com"  

NEW YORK 46

Hi Bruce,
I am friends with Ray Crake of Western Australia who built a Roberts New York 46’which he named ‘Kome’ova’. I must say I am very impressed with the outcome and have been out on Komeóva in some pretty strong conditions.

The boat felt extremely strong and sure-footed in a following 5-6 meter swell on the journey from Dunsborough to Rottnest Island then Rottnest Island to Fremantle the following day.  Kind regards, PAUL DURKIN – BSc (UWA)

ROBERTS 44

Thank you very much for the information.  I want you to know that she is getting a new life and I will be solo sailing the Atlantic on her from West Palm to Greenock Scotland, a plan I have had since I was 12 years old( now 57)  and read the book Tinkerbell.  Thanks for designing such a wonderful boat and all the best. Kind regards Mike

ROBERTS 58 
Good day, Bruce., Thank you for your attention, care and interest. Now we finished our boatbuilding project and received all legal documents  in state structures. The yacht  is beauty. We called her "Diana"

Regulary, we take part in yacht competitions, and win in most of them.  Also the yacht accomplish cruise along famous place of  Baikal.  Our guests  take  possibility to know how is wonderful Baikal and yachting and also receive unforgettable emotions, during swimming etc. With kind regards Anna Belozerova

Good afternoon, Bruce. How are you? It is fulfilled the 10th anniversary of our yacht project in this year. A project, which started from an idea and ended with the construction of the remarkable yacht called "Diana". Today she is a jewel of Baikal and Irkutsk  yacht club.

We plan to celebrate a tenth birthday of our yacht in the beginning of June 2014. We would like to invite you  with your family at this event. You can see the yacht and the beauty of Baikal with your eyes.  Anna Belozerova  Irkutsk

ROBERTS 434

HELLO BRUCE,
 
MOST LIKELY YOU WILL NOT REMEMBER ME, BUT BACK IN 1985 I BOUGHT THE PLANS OF THE NEWLY DESIGNED BR 434 AND THE PLANS CAME TO RIO GRANDE /BRAZIL BY SHIP WITH ONE OF THE CAPTAINS WHO RECEIVED THEM THRU THE NEW YORK AGENT. 
I STARTED TO BUILD THE "JAMALUCE II"" IN MAY/86 AT OUR CONTAINER REPAIR YARD. THE BOAT WAS ACTUALLY BUILD ONLY AT NIGHT FROM 18 TO 21 HRS WHENEVER THE WEATHER WAS FINE (BUILD OUTSIDE) WITH THE HELP OF 3 WELDERS FROM OUR AGENCY MAKING SOME EXTRA MONEY AND MID 1987
THE HULL WAS READY  AND AFTER PAINTING  WAS TAKEN TO THE RIO GRANDE YACHT CLUB WERE I , WITH THE AID OF A CARPENTER , FINISHED THE BOAT BY END 1989. 

AS I WAS TRANSFERRED FROM RIO GRANDE TO PORTO ALEGRE, I STARTED TO LIVE ON THE BOAT SINCE 1ST JANUARY 1992 AND CONTINUE LIVING ON THE BOAT SINCE THAT DAY. IN 1996 I SOLD MY SHARE OF THER FIRM AND SINCE MARCH 1996 I AM ONLY SAILING ALONG THER COAST OF BRAZIL BETWEEN PORTO ALEGRE AND FERNANDO DE NORONHA. IN OUR SUMMER I AM ALWAYS IN SOUTH BRAZIL AND AS FROM APRIL I START SAILING NORTHWARDS AND USUALLY STAY THE WINTER MONTHS OF JUNE /JULY/AUGUST IN BAHIA AND SEPTEMBER OCTOBER IN RECIFE WHERE I NORMALLY PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE TO FERNANDO DE NORONHA . 

IN OCTOBER STARTING GOING SOUTH AGAIN TO MEET THE FAMILY IN PORTO ALEGRE FOR XMAS AND NEW YEAR.  IN JANUARY TO APRIL I SAIL ON THE LAGOON "LAGOA DOS PATOS" AND LAKE "LAGOA MIRIM" THIS I AM NOW ALREADY DOING FOR MORE THAN 16 YEARS SO ALL THESE YEARS I MADE ABOUT 100.000 MILES ON THIS COAST AND 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME SINGLEHANDED.
 
I HAVE CHANGED YOUR PLAN A LITTLE IN ORDER OBTAIN MAX. LIVING SPACE IN THE BOAT.  BUT AFTER SO MANY MILES SAILED, MANOUVERED IN SO MANY CLUBS, ANCHORAGES , RUN AGROUND ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS,  ETC. , I  CAN TRULY SAY THAT FOR ME ITS THE BEST BOAT I EVER HAVE SEEN.

ALSO BECAUSE OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN WHICH GAVE THE BOAT AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF LIVING SPACE WHICH MANY SAILORS WHO CAME ABOARD DURING ALL THESE YEARS WOULD NEVER HAVE EXPECTED.!  THE BOAT HAS ACTUALLY 2 LIVING ROOMS, (PILOTHOUSE AND FORWARD) AND 2 DOUBLE BERTH CABINS AND ONE CABIN WITH 2 BUNKS ALL AFT AND ONLY ONE TOILET/SHOWER.
 
I HAVE INCLUDED SOME PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE INTERIOR AND ALONG THE QUAY WHERE I ALWAYS PAINT THE BOAT ONCE A YEAR DURING LOW TIDE (AT ITAPARICA IN BAHIA AND WELL KNOWN AMONG  MOST OF THE EUROPEAN CRUISERS).
 
SO ONCE AGAIN, CONGRATULATIONS   FOR THIS WONDERFUL DESIGN AND ESPECIALLY THE DRAFT OF ONLY 5 FT WHICH MAKES IT AN EXCELLENT SAILING BOAT HERE ON THIS COAST OF BRAZIL.  BEST REGARDS JAN LUDWIG ENGELS 

Roberts 64 

Hi Bruce,  thank you for the great and quick answer.  With your perfect support it´s a really great.

I will next week meet the seller of this boat and i hope i can make the business perfect.  Thank You very much  Erik

VOYAGER 495

Hi Bruce - finally launched our Roberts V495 'DreamCatcher'. Picture attached - she is a head turning beauty that attracts attention and comments everywhere we go. Moves well under power (Perkins Sabre M90), even nicer under sail.

I would like to know her immersion rate. 

Norm Facey Campbell River BC Canada

We sent Norm the requested information and see his response below !!!

LOL -  couple hour response time with data, right from the top -14 years after sale!  Bruce you are awesome.  Norm

If you are interested in seeing some photos of Norm's Voyager 495 then Email Bruce with your request.

ROBERTS 39

My name is Ricardo Lloveras and I'm living in a Bruce Roberts 39 metal @ Fajardo PR.

I have it for the past ten years and I love it its strong, roomy and sails like a bird.  In the picture you can appreciate my back yard - My boat was constructed in 1985 in Toronto Canada  and I'm going to be hauling out  very soon for painting.

I'll appreciated very much your advice and very glad to meet you I'm also an Architect and working from my Bruce Roberts 39, its also an office !

Thank you very much for your attention.

Sincerely   Ricardo

 ARCHITECTS    
Ricardo Lloveras San Miguel. AIA, CAAPPR
Po box. 253 Puerto Real Fajardo PR. 00740  r_lloveras@yahoo.com   787-383-5011

Roberts 370 

1. The BR 370 is a multi chine hull. As told it is of 4,5 mm steel. The stern has been modified for 10 years ago and made appr 5 feet longer compared to the original.

Mr Kärkkäinen has been sailing with his BR yacht three last years in the Arctic. In 2008 he circumnavigated the Svalbard island and last summer he sailed from Norway to Greenland (Scoresbysund, lat 70  degrees north) and Iceland.

The problem for North East Passage was to get a permission from the Russian authorities. And they need some documents concernig the strenght and resistance of the yacht in icy conditions.  Esko Lehtonen 

Lena was Qaqortoq to the beach to spend the winter, and the crew has returned to Finland and Russia. Luck was back in the ointment this year, the crew and the boat remained in good condition and the North Pole to circumvent managed without much difficulty. 

1. Also ... The Coaster 36 project is in progress, the cutting of frames are going on. Unfortunately there are no photos available still but will send you later on.

Roberts 370  Dear Bruce,  I  am glad to communiCATAMARANe you in case of the 20-th anniversary of  my HELIOS – Robert's 370 launching - June 22, 1993. It was a great adventure to build myself such a boat, and it is still a great pleasure to sail it. In the past 20 years we had lot of traveling at Adriatic sea and Mediterranean, but didn't realized my initial goal – around the world trip, due to the crazy war in Croatia.

Your design is really GREAT, and I would reccomend it to anyone dreaming to sail !

Included are some photos – from the beginning, up to present days. Would be very glad to offer you a sailing trip around Dalmatiam coast. Many thanks & best wishes to you - on the land and at the sea !

Sincerelly :  Konstantin Kostov, sculptor Sibenska 9j, 23000 Zadar Croatia

VOYAGER 388 -
Sails with icebergs in the Antarctic

SEE Voyager 388 in Antartic !  http://www.syquijote.com/

ROBERTS 25

Thanks you for your prompt response to my inquiry regarding the year of build for my 25 ‘ Adventurer.  In the eighties they were an outstanding design and they have stood the test of time to still be a very desirable all-round yacht of her size in today’s market. 

I wish you and all the rest of your crew at Roberts Yachts a very safe and prosperous future.  Regards       Norman Totman

JULY 2013
Hi Bruce, Thanks to the wonderful customer service I received from your company when I emailed in questions, you have earned a customer for life.  I can't thank you enough and I don't regret for a moment the cost of purchasing the study plans, they were well worth the price for the e-book alone.  I've spent hours looking at your designs and layouts, hours reading the e-book and going over the study plans as well.  Between your helpful answers, the plethora of information you provide, and the research I've done on other designers while looking for plans, I couldn't imagine buying plans from anybody else.  The Roberts 434 or 470 are still my idea of a dream boat and it's still my goal to build one of them.   Thank you, Mark Massingill.

EURO CATAMARAN 2000  'Indio Pacific' built in Brisbane by Bob Rochester.

G'day Bruce, The boat was launched on June 4.  Spent the next 2 months commissioning.

Now at Lady Musgrave lagoon and heading to Cairns. The yacht is well up to expectations and it provides all the security and comfort that we expected

Comfort is superb and cruising range excellent.  I think that she will excel in Ocean work,which we will see this year.  Last year was mainly light conditions where the Ghoster was most used and was carried up to a boat speed of 7 knots and over the deck speed of 12 knots. Higher winds suited the Genoa and Main with boat speeds up to 11 knots.

When motoring the Yanmar 4 JH4-HTE's were comfortable and economical at 2000 revs giving 6 knots. At max revs a speed of 10 knots can be relied on.  In fact many light windward conditions were best handled with engines and main.

Most appreciated features - EchoTEC model 900 AML - 2  Watermaker, Mase 11.1 Generator, 1000 watt of Solar, 24v Alternators on Engines - All of this enables the installation of 230v ac. This provides excellent refrigeration, water supply and generally best use of household appliances..  The other striking feature of Indigo would be spaciousness in the limited number of main cabins.

Preparing to depart for CATAMARANo Island and then North to Swains. Boat is well up to expectations. Have experienced some heavy weather and are impressed by the stable ride especially to windward. Judy can still use the vacuum cleaner at 30 knots +  She is alo impressed by her washing machine and dishwasher not to mention the deep freeze !!

The initial requirement - Comfortable living for 2 persons but limited accommodation for 2 guests and 3 children (so they don't stay too long!!)

- Large Rig but easily handled by 2 persons.

- Good range and 10 knots under power or sail

You have achieved this in all respects Bruce.

Speak to you soon. Best regards, Bob and Judy Rochester-

Roberts 370

Hi Bruce,

Firstly the boat has given us a great deal of pleasure and yes she sails very well. Our first real shake down cruise was a trip accross the gulf in conditions which  were forcast to be 25 to 30 knots.  we very soon after found that the conditions were not as to be expected.  the majority of the trip was in conditions of 35 to 40 knots blowing from the SE on our port stern quarter.

She really powered along with no vices at all.  The depth soon shallowed as expected so were surfing 2.5 to 3 mtr waves.  when we reached our destination it was just to risky to attempt to anchor in the haven we wanted so went back to sea and spent the night riding it out.  Her performance was very impressive. Thank you for a great boat,  Graham and Shirley.

Hi, Bruce!  Our lovely R-38 Ketch - "Donna's Diamond" - has been sold. 

Thanks for helping!  I think her new owner is going to love this boat, as we did.  She is sound and ready to go!  Once again, thanks for your help!    And thanks for one fantastic boat!

Regards  Dennis Fria

OCTOBER 2012 Roberts 53 / 532

Dear Bruce,  I write as a very satisfied customer of yours back in the early 1980's when I purchased your boat plans for the Roberts 53 Steel hull sailboat.

There followed eight years of single-handed construction in Mississippi,USA by yours truly (having taken a welding course at the local college - I am a medical doctor by profession).

I found your full-scale boat plans to be excellent and thoroughly enjoyed building and finally launching her at Biloxi, MS in 1992.

As I am a U.K. citizen as a 'Permanent Resident Alien' in the USA, I had to register her with Lloyds of London under the name 'MLANJE' rather than with the US Coastguard.

I sailed her on short trips in the Gulf of Mexico from Biloxi for a few years. I am now retired and living back in the UK.

Kind regards,  Dr Sidney M Sheen

Euro CATAMARAN 2000

G'day Bruce,  I have your email that was forwarded from our previous address. Please note new contact details.

The boat was launched on June 4, in a hurry because  of poor future tides.. Spent the next 2 months commissioning.

Now at Lady Musgrave lagoon and heading to Cairns.

The yacht is well up to expectations and it provides all the security and comfort that we expected

I don't know how to attach photos to email , but when we get to Cairns , you can be sure of copies.

The plan is to stay on the boat for the next 2 years and then to hand over to our Son.  Speak to you soon. Best regards, Bob and Judy Rochester--

~S.V INDIGO PACIFIC~

JULY 2012 - ROBERTS 310

Hi Bruce, as promised some time ago that I'll let you know when we have one
of your 310's, she is on twin fins as per your drawings and rig as per boat plans. Sailing performance is superb,  better than expected. We had the pleasure for 2 days of
sailing here with Dick Durham (Yachting monthly news editor). She is to be featured in August issue. We managed to sustain 8.5 kts running beam to wind in 17 kts of wind. I think this proves that you know how to design an excellent smallish steel yacht. Jill and myself and Duncan Mason would just like to say thanks for an excellent design. She is a great talking piece in our local marina in Cearnarfon north Wales. Ive enclosed a pic of here under sail on the test day. If you would like any other pics please let me know and ill send some. Best regards Duncan & Jill. We think that the magazine feature will put it in better words than we ever can.

Hi Anja & Bruce,

Thank you and all at your organization for the fantastic, efficient service.

You guys really do run a professional operation, it is no wonder there are so many Bruce Roberts yachts sailing the world!

Many thanks, Kind Regards  Shane Smith, Director / Principal

Roberts NEW YORK 65 

January 2012

Hi Buce, Surfing a Bruce Roberts designed "Carol Lee" down some 12-14 occasional 16+ foot / 5 m seas. Winds were sustained 35 knots gusting higher. The Carol Lee is a steel 65 foot long cutter rigged sloop. This video was taken shortly after sunrise just south of Cape Mendocino. The Coast Pilot describes Cape Mendocino as a place of "great climactic change" I concur! Super fun!

Bruce, video of one of your designs  surfing down waves.  That's me on the helm. Andrew  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6y9pb4Z2jc&feature=youtu.be

Hi Bruce, Andrew Bermel, my ex-USCG delivery captain sent u a link to the Carol Lee.  The original name was Melon Eye, so now u know: she actually is the New York 65 on ur website. Second owner bought her in Coose Bay, OR sailed her to Ilwaco and put her in the boat yard 3 years ago

You designed a beautiful, very fast ocean runner: She starts surfing beyond hull-speed and can do a steady 14-17 knots, top speed so-far was 20.5 knots!

I'll send some pics later on,  Best Regards, Hans Duetz

JANUARY 2012
Voyager DS 440 STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES supplied by Bruce Robeerts.

Hi Bruce,

Just a quick email to let you know that the steel and the paper boat plans arrived yesterday - coincidentally at exactly the same time!

Very pleased with everything so far. Next job is to stack it all correctly and check off the parts. It will be a very long project and I do not anticipate a launch date for a few years !  Regards Julian Aldridge

Roberts 36
Ron Llewellyn's Solo Circumnavigation

Ron departed Australia in August 1999. His path was Christmas Island - Cocos Keeling - Rodrigues - Mauritius - Reunion - South Africa - St. Helena - Brazil - Windward and Leeward Antilles - Trinidad - Venezuela - Columbia - Panama Canal - Marquesas - Tuamoto Achipelago - Tahiti - Society Islands - Tonga Fiji - and returning to Australia November 2002

LOYAL CUSTOMER !

Hi Bruce, Can  I please have the steel list for the Voyager DS 440. I need now to make sure I can afford the steel for this.

Its been a few yrs since I built your Roberts 345 radius chine.

It is many years since I built the Roberts 34ft In England

And 32 years since I built the Roberts 25 after down in Brisbane often visiting your place at Gumdale in Australia.

Any way Could you please E mail me Materials list for all the steel so I can start getting some quotes in...I will be ready to purchase the boat plans in two weeks time. Regards, Mark Bridgwood

Voyager 495

Dear Bruce,  we have just bought Voyager 495 from Karel Navara from Brno, Czech Republic. Our first sailing experience is excellent and we are excited about the speed and boats behavior.

We are planning to convert the boat into the expedition one, for ocean expeditions, as we are planning to explorer Chilean fjords and sail to Antarctica, where we have been several times, but not with our own boat;  I would like to consult some of them with you, if possible. Libor Mertl   ( Bruce says YES I will be happy to consult with the new owner of this beautiful boat.)

VOYAGER 765 

Hi Bruce,  I received the files you sent in good order. They look great. Thank you very much. Kind regards,  Piet Vos

SPRAY 22   Hi Bruce,

I completed the construction of Spray 22. Very satisfied. Thanks for a great project and expert advice.

I am now interested in the idea of ​​building a yacht with engine. I am interested in the project Coastworker 28. Variant with a large cabin and stern-drive.

SOLD.

SOLD ... Bruce, "Clarity" is sold and my wife is happily investing the proceeds in our new home! "Clarity" will winter-over in Deale, MD; then she will sail to her new home in Muskegon, Michigan.

Please remove from your website, or mark it sold if you prefer. I want to thank you for your consistent responsive support throughout both the building and more recently, the process of finding her a new home. The entire adventure has been fun, rewarding, and fulfilling for me. I am and will remain a true advoCATAMARANe of your designs, your service to your
followers, and of you, Bruce.

If I can ever return the many favors, perhaps in the way of an experienced advoCATAMARANe, I would consider it an honor and privilege. Also if you and yours ever travel through western North Carolina, Teresa and I would feel honored to have you here for a layover.. Happy sailing always! Bill Russell

VOYAGER 495
STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES or boat plans & Cutting Files

FROM: Voyager 495 builder in Australia.

Message from Rick :   Bruce - some idea of how the Voyager 495  sails - I'm extremely pleased with the performance. I've been through the 55 kt thing in the open sea as well as 60 kts from a cyclone in Mackay Harbour. I've bumped this and that ... but she's as tough as nails, and very comfortable to live aboard. We are in Newcastle at the moment and hope to be in Sydney for the start of Sydney to Hobart and New Years. We'll then head back to the warmer climate early next year (we have a trip back to Bundaberg before Xmas, yet) ! Gotta go
 

ROBERTS 53 / Roberts 532

ANOTHER ROBERTS 53 ( R 532) SAILS AROUND THE WORLD - TWICE +  SO FAR !

Hello Mr. Roberts,  We own a 53' Steel ketch of your design built by Perry Smith of Milwaukee Wisconsin. She started to be built by Mr. Smith, a retired navy welder in 1981

Lisa Marie was renamed "Jump up" and was sailed around the world by John Flannigan an his family . She was then sold to Chuck and Dianne Osgood and was again sailed around the world, completing her second circumnavigation June 2010. They Renamed her "Bear".

We purchased her last October in Maryland and brought her to Florida. We set Sail May 20, f 2010 for Bermuda, then a straight sail to Ireland. Upon arrival, we met John, who built a Spray in the Middle East. He said that you lived locally. Please let me know if you are not to busy to get to get together to show you
"Bear" Thank you.  We have a beautifully designed boat of yours. She is really well made.   Mark Clarke S/V Bear

FEBRUARY 2011  Hi Bruce, Ok, thank so much for the help I've been telling everyone I know who wants to build a boat to contact you you have been such a big help Regards, Mike Sent from my BlackBerry® powered by Virgin Mobile.

Voyager 495 - Reply from builder in Australia when I asked how his boatbuilding project was going !  No more boatbuilding !!!  All sailing now … I’ve clocked up over 3,000 nm in Epicurus now and the yacht has performed just great… I’ll attach some photos later Paul Grainger !

NEW BOWSPRIT FOR TOM THUMB 24
Many, many thanks for such a swift and comprehensive reply. I will keep you posted on how Seerauber looks following surgery!  Regards Tony   

ROBERTS 434

Hi Bruce, Thanks for replying so quickly.  I confirm Sifu is a multi chine steel hulled Roberts 434 with centre cockpit and ketch rig. She is at present on a mooring in Fornells, Menorca. We are sorry to be selling her after 19 years (14 years living onboard) and close to 45,000 miles sailing. I attach some photos of 'SIFU', it seems a while ago when you were onboard in Annapolis. We had a good crossing Norfolk - Bermuda - Azores - Scilly - Bristol in 1998 averaging 141.7 miles per day and only used 40 gallons of diesel. In 2000 we sailed to northern Norway, 68 degrees north inside the Arctic circle, a fantastic experience. The 44 may be one of your older designs but certainly lives up to her 'offshore' name, safe and very seaworthy, a mid Atlantic tropical storm with 70 knots+ proof of my statement. We would love a copy of your book and the drawings.  Best Regards John & Sarah
 

VOYAGER DS 440

ROBERTS 410

SEPTEMBER 2010 -
VOYAGER DS 440 LAUNCHED.
 

SAILBOAT STUDY PLAN CLIENT

Hi Bruce,  Thank you for this wealth of information you have sent me. And thank you for those STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES prices, again very important info.  I will obviously need some time to digest all this information properly, but I am very keen to make my selection and move on with my boatbuilding project. Now that I am back home in Sydney, I’ve got the best conditions to do that. I also purchased your book “Choosing for Cruising” and I will read it with interest and purpose.

I wish to say that I am positively impressed with your attention and support even at this very early, informative stage of my project. With this, you are rapidly gaining my interest and trust, both key decision factors in selecting the best design for my Dream Boat. As we move on, I hope we can build further on this two-way cooperation.

Now, I’ll go to do my homework. It is a critical and inevitably a time-consuming process, yet I will most certainly come back to you as I make some progress. Thank you very much. 
Yours, Alan Rusyak  Sydney Australia
 

AUGUST 2010 ... ROBERTS 58

Bruce,  Thanks I have submitted the order, looking forward now to get started. Should be interesting I will do the construction on my small farm in rural Oklahoma which may sound crazy, but I'm less than 50 miles from the port of CATAMARANoosa on the Kerr Mc Clellan Navigation channel the furthest port capable of reaching the Ocean. Thanks again ...  Bruce you run a 1st class operation.!!   John M. Newell

With SE winds on the nose on way home – sailed easily at 30 degrees into the wind with full headsail and 130% genoa – 20-25kts wind, should have reefed the main to correct the heel but decided not to and just kept going – not uncomfortable. Paul Grainger

AUGUST 2010 -
ROBERTS 341

Hi Bruce, I've attached a picture of Aries Tor anchored in the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean. We left Lake Ontario three years ago aboard this 341 built in Montreal in the early nineties. She has been an excellent passage maker, quite surprisingly keeping up with the bigger boats most of the time. She secured a place in my heart early on when she brought me safely through a Gulf stream storm between Halifax and Bermuda. Our bow continues to point west for the time being. Thanks for an excellent design! Best Regards, Rob Lang
 

WHAT A TRIP IN A ROBERTS 36

Hello Bruce, I was contacting you nearly 2 years ago asking about rigging improvements for Southern ocean circumnavigation on Roberts 36. It was OK until my first rollover. It did not take the water impact. 

I nearly made it around, single-handed. From NZ directly to Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetlands, Falklands, circumnavigating South Georgia, South Sandwich, Cape Town, Crozets, Kerguelen.

Following your advice I was extremely careful around ice. Heavy seas deformed the hull a bit but she is safe. I capsized on my way to Hobart - 900 miles to go, dismasted. I made it on jury rig to Portland Victoria after 26 days.
 

Could you tell me how long mast I actually need please? It is on the bottom on 46 south°, too far to measure it. I'd prefer the shortest reasonable mast possible. I have an ambition to make a mast which would survive a roll over (not that I want to try again).

My former aluminum mast (proper size) broke in tabernacle (it stayed on two pins, I won't make this again). I have got a wooden mast from a smaller boat which I am going to use now. I will make it longer. Thank you Daniel Petrasek SY Waterbird

SOLD

SPRAY
 OWNERS & BUILDERS:
Update - JUNE 2014

SPRAY 40

Hi Bruce,  Sorry for the delay, I was really busy at work.  Quijote is a beautiful sailboat! You probably already know, but here in Argentina you have many admirers.

I know two other projects in Argentina similars to Quijote. Both are BR340. One is the www.antarktikos.com.ar conducted by a group of Argentine friends. They are also sailing in the Antarctic region.

The other one is the ypake.blogspot.com. A beautiful family, sailing  around the world. Including a dog.

I'll send you pictures of my experiment shortly. Regards,  Alberto

SPRAY 36

"Did you know that the first Brazilian sailor to complete the globe circumnavigation on solitaire did it in a Bruce Roberts 36 Sailboat ? His name is Aleixo Belov in 1982 . The boat was the "Tres Marias" built for himself. And he completed two more laps to the world with the same boat." 

Luiz Carlos S. Silva   Campinas(SP) - Brasil .

I was involved in a discussion a while back on this site with regard to the sailing abilities etc of Bruce Roberts Spray's.
I had purchased a Gaff Cutter in Greenwich and intended to bring her to Greece where I live. Well..I did just that. I had her trucked to Marseille..to Port Napoleon. This was by far the most professional and well run yard that I have ever seen. Then to Corsica..had a damper plate failure..fixed it..then to Sicily...on to Methoni.

The boat was absolutely superb. She handled bad weather..which we encountered most of the time..very well and I stayed dry without a dodger. She seemed to shoulder the waves out of the way!. We averaged 5 knots on 1200 miles and at one point were surfing in the high 8's. She also pointed reasonably well for a shoal draft boat. The sails needed to be trimmed just right and when I found the best set up she sailed herself. You need to be alert for weather changes as the gaff rig can be a handfull when short handed.
So..anyone thinking these boats are slow slouches...well they are most definately not. Of course it depends on the set up and all but I am so pleased with mine. She looks good... Has loads of space...very comfortable..and I got her for an amazing price.

Now comes the fun part..I am setting up a charter business here in Methoni. Talk about sailing into a storm. Greek beaurocracy is just appalling...Any tips on this one welcome...I am getting there but very slowly.
Cheers

SPRAY 38

Dear Bruce,  This email is 28 years overdue. In 1985 we purchased your blueprints for the 38' steel spray and the next year and a half we spent all our time and energy building her in San Diego, Ca. At that time I , Jules, was 35 and my wife, Suzie, was 22. My wife learned how to weld for the project and so she did all of the welding. I did all of the cutting, grinding and general encouragement. It took us another 5 years to equip the boat and save the funds before we left in 1992 for Hawaii.

The next 20 years we sailed between 45 south and 55 north in the Pacific ocean. She has been our full time home ever since. She is very comfortable and a safe cruiser during the gales and storms of high latitudes. We even went unsCATAMARANhed during Hurricane Iniki in Hawaii 1992. We would like to thank you for the fine design for which we have received many compliments over the years. Picture included. We recently posted 3 clips of her on UTUBE called The voyage of Emerald Steel. You might be interested in viewing them. Thank You again, Julius and Suzie Hanak  S/V Emerald Steel San Diego, Ca. U.S.A

SPRAY 40

Hi Bruce,  My wife, Pat knew that I needed to be on the water and found a Spray 40 built in Vancouver, BC.  She convinced me to spend the extra revenue that I received from working too many hours on the Gitane Des Mers (47’ LOA. 40’ LOD, 14’6” beam).  When friends ask how I convinced my wife to let me buy the boat, I simply reply, I broke down and let my first mate talk me in to buying the boat.  I realize the bad humor, yet it applies.  J

Although I am still learning the boat, our Spray 40 performs well, we have a Volvo 6 cylinder diesel that we use for marina ingress-egress and have found that even the sloop configuration sails well (although I still prefer the junk schooner rig).  We averaged 6.5 knots for a few hours and 7.2 knots for about a half hour until I reduced sail to enter our protected winter moorage.  The Spray is everything that I had read and heard from other owners.  Although we will not win races, it is a heavy smooth sailing and comfortable sailboat—exactly what we want.   Regards Gene

CENTENNIAL SPRAY 45

Dear Sirs,  We purchased your project of Centeniel Spray 45 about 10 years ago.   According to this project, my friend - Zihni Butuner, built the beautiful Melissa1 in his factory - Tire Profil in Izmir Turkey. (attached some photos). She was finished and launced in 2007 and since then she is sailing in the Eagean and he is very happy with her. She is now in Teos Marina - Turkey. Now he is interested in your project of Voyager 600 and we found that type in wood epoxy.  Thank you, Gideon Tur

SPRAY 36

Bruce,  Thank you for your quick reply. I've been having some paint problems and this information will be of great help!!

I built " Tequila Mockingbird " in my backyard in Denver, Colorado USA. over a 10 year period. We trucked the boat to San Carlos, Mexico in 2007 and launched her. We've been living aboard full time since then. I chose the pilothouse version and have been very happy with the choice. We've been through 2 hurricanes and have never been worried about the boat handling any conditions we've encountered. 

I've attached a couple of pictures, the first was taken as Tequila Mockingbird being craned out of the back yard , the start of it's trip to Mexico. The other picture was taken in Agua Verde which is on the Baja Penisula here in Mexico.

Thanks again for the zinc info'   Ed Kennedy

 Spray 370 B See SAILING PHOTOS

Hi Bruce, Yes we finally got her ready for sea.  We took her out last Saturday.   In about 7-9 knot winds, we were making 3.7 to 4 knots close hauled and 4.5 knots running downwind wing and wing.  What really made me happy was that once the sails were trimmed to her course, she steered herself, keeping within 5 degrees of a base course.  I sat there for 15 minutes and never had to touch the wheel. 
 

She heels just enough to let you know the sails are drawing but otherwise sat very upright and steady, no hobby horsing in the waves and riding the swells very well.   We are looking forward to heading north from Newport, OR up to the Anacortes, WA area early next month.  Let me if there is anything else you would like to know about "Icanaho."
 

SPRAY 28

Aluminum version built by Robert Millikin 

Hi Bruce,  I just wanted to advise you of a change that I have made to my SPRAY 28 web site.  You currently have a link to it under your Spray 28 page.  The new link http://public.fotki.com/robtm373     

It's been two years since we launched SILVERADO.  We have logged around 2500 miles in the sea of Cortez....the boat is amazing!

I am attaching one of my favorite underway photos of SILVERADO.  In the past two years I have experienced virtually all sailing conditions one will see in the Sea of Cortez.  The boat is extremely comfortable in all conditions especially when it gets rough.  It is not a fast boat but it does fine in anything over 8kts.  I have just launched a new web site which is dediCATAMARANed to SILVERADO and our travels in her.  The link is: http://web.me.com/sv.silverado/sv.silverado/Home.html

Thanks again for your timely responses.

Robert Millikin Tucson,  AZ

Roberts Spray 40 - Around the World !

Departed Port Renfrew Vancouver Island July 2nd 2005 , Direct for Hiva oa Arrived August 19th (Autona) my second longest passage). I stopped many places in the Pacific and left the boat in N.Z. for 2 months then sailed to New Plymouth for my starting point for Australia. Direct to Gladstone then I passed north of Australia and around The cape of Good Hope. I sailed direct from Cape Town to Trinidad , departed Cape town October 4th 2006 and arrived Chagaramas Trinidad November 25th 2006. A 52 day passage my longest as expected as the trades had not filled in. I left my boat in Trinidad till November 8th 2007 and sailed direct to Panama. It took about a week to get thought the Panama canal once I arrived, things were a bit intense as I had had no reverse gear since Australia. I anchored one night in the Pacific off Panama City then sailed for Hawaii, giving up 19 days later and anchoring at Port Angel Mexico to wait for the trades. Departed for Hillo on Dec 28th 2007 and crossed my out bound track on January 19th 2008 at approximately N 21degrees 22 min. by W130 degrees 42 min . or 1275 miles east of Hawaii, log states "Could use some wind". Arrived Radio Bay January 31st 2008. Departed for Canada Feb 28th 2008 arrived back at Port Renfrew March 22nd 2008 after the toughest passage I have experienced to date.

My boat is a Roberts Spray built by Frank Thiessen at Whistler B.C. and trucked to the ocean. Frank died in a freak accident in the far east before he achieved his goal which was to sail the world in DrifterWay. I bought her from his sisters. Many times when things got rough out there and DrifterWay stood to and brought me out of it I would say out loud "Frank you built a good boat" Maybe he kept me out of trouble as much as Slocum and the "Spray"

The roughest water for me was off South Africa bound for Richards bay and meeting 30 -40ft almost vertical walled waves in the Agullhas current as I neared port. Another tough time although of short duration was staring at water dripping off the welds on the bow of a freighter off the coast of Venesuala (I must have missed it by 20ft at 0100hr on a very rainy night.

Major Path of Voyage:

Vancouver departure, Marquesas, Cook Islands, Nuie, Tonga, NewZeaLand, Australia, Maritius, South Africa, Trinidad, Panama, Mexico, Hawaii and then back to Vancouver.

 Spray 55   

Thank you for the boat plans for my spray 55,which is very close to completion.

Please note attachments. recently I have been approached to build another of your boats, namely a PCF 40, I am not sure which format I would like to follow regarding the building of this vessel, lines boat plans or cutting files.

I have always used lines boat plans, or a table of offsets, so I am not offay with other methods, however I have read a lot about dx files and STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES, it seems to be the logical way forward. Regards Neil Hunter.

Spray 370 cutting files.
Thank you Bruce,  I understood everything.  Very nice to do business with you. Sincerely, Igor. 

THIS EMAIL IS FROM A CLIENT IN RUSSIA WHO ORDERED THE SPRAY 370 CUTTING FILES ... WE ANSWER EMAILS WITHIN 24 HOURS OR LESS - CUSTOMERS LIKE THAT SERVICE !
 

SPRAY 370 B - See photos
Built by Rod & Dee Palanca

We have launched in Newport, OR. Some boat plans have changed.  We have lots to do on the boat like masts and sails and inside work. We also plan to travel to see family and friends as well as go fishing and crabbing and just have fun.

SPRAY 33 - March 2010

Hi Bruce,  My name is Chris Davis, I have just acquired a 33 foot steel hull spray.  I have been looking at boats for 35 years and I thought it was unusual looking when I first see it. But now I own it and have looked around it for three weeks and started work on it I have now realised it probably one of the prettiest 33 foot boats I have ever seen. (especially as it is built in steel). From the shape of the stern to the beam to the bow spite. It’s probably a boat that any serious long distance sailor needs. It’s not too big it’s not too small. It’s my little steel tug. Its massively over built as any excellent sea boat should be. I’m so pleased I have found this boat and cannot wait to go sailing in rough weather and keep it forever, I do not need to look at any other boats!!  Many thanks  Regards Chris Davis

If you are in Europe:
Try out a Spray before building one for yourself .. Contact:  http://www.spray-charter.com/
 

ALUMINUM SPRAY 22

Hi,  Here are some of the pictures from the weekend , We had a slip for 5 days and made the most of it. We did raise the mast up and a jib and we took her sailing, it handle really well. the winds must of been around 20 kmh  and we had good speed ... The little engine pushes her at 10 kmh . it is vary quick to respond whether it be under sail or power. I couldn't be more please. everything worked as it should and for a small boat its vary stable. lots of good comments  from other boat owners. Unfortunately we had to take her back out. That was a little depressing. We are going to paint her up now and finish all the rigging and hardware.  Georges Leduc

CENTENNIAL SPRAY 38
Hi Bruce, We finally, we have taken time off doing the interior jobs to do a sailing sea trial! A sedate and gentle sail of around 40 nm over 2 days, and our yacht performed wonderfully. In a steady 20 knots, we didn't bother to run the mizzen and and even partly furled the main, just to "get a feel" for how she handles. Just off the breeze we were easily able to achieve 6 knots, even making 7 knots and better at times. We had the full main set for an hour or so, and our yacht was well balanced and sailing with very little heel just off the breeze. Regards Rob McGill and Nina Morissette

POWER BOAT
OWNERS & BUILDERS:
Update - JUNE  2014

TY485 NEW PHOTOS

See great selection of interior photos of this well proven trawler.

TY 470 FIBERGLASS

Hi Bruce, Thank you for interest!   Construction of TY 47 goes slowly forward Sending attachments as recent photos Windows and exterior plastering.

Still a fantastic boat building project that you have drawn for us and everything is going according to plan.
 
Expect to remove the plastic housing around 15.07/2014

Best regards  Knut-Erik

Coaster 28, 32, 36

See photos of C32

CAT MS 675 (STUDY PLAN BUYER )

Dear Madam/Sir !  Many thanks.  It's a lot of information for very small money. Thanks very much. Will revert. The only modification  is that i want to put underwater sight windows in the cabins and underwater spot light around the hull. I am planing to build the boat in China.

Many thanks for every thing will revert when i will need to buy the executive drawings. kind Regards,  Joe Katz.

EURO 1000 - SEE PHOTO

Hello Bruce;  We bought your project and we built it.   It`s beautiful.  Thanks for every thing.

 You can find the photos attached.  

See you.  Irfan SAHIN

Coastworker 40 
Fiberglass version.

This boat was built in Tanzania .. see builders comments:

Attached the photo boat in the water, we managed to achieve 35 Knots on the speed with the twin 300  hp diesels.

TY 43

Hi Bruce, We launched our trawler (RACCSO) day November 18, 2012 in the waters of the Rio Guaiba Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The boat is very beautiful, we have to put something in ballast lead since it was built in aluminum and it weighs less than the original design. 

The final speed engine with 115 hp yanmar reached 9.5 knots, and a cruising speed of 8 knots with the engine at 1180 rpm.   With the auxiliary motor of 54 hp got to 6 knot cruising speed.

The boat was very stable and pleasant to navigate.  Best regards  Rubem Koefender

Curtume Rusan  51 3714 4400

 TY 43 RUSSIA

Дорогие друзья!! Спасибо за прекрасный проект лодки!!!

Dear friends! Thank you for the excellent project boat!
boat building lasted for 2 years

Соколов Андрей Анатольевич
Компания "Волжский Ветер"
www.vveter.ru
+7 902-363-26-30

  TY 520

Dear Bruce, we have lived aboard our TY520 for over two years now and have traveled around 3000 miles around Singapore, Thailand,Malaysia and Indonesia. We have a single engine John Deere 6068SFM50 rated at M4 2600rpm and 267Hp.
In good conditions we have reached just over 10knots max but our cruising speed for comfort and economy is 6-7 knots.
At 1200 rpm we can achieve 5 knots and burn around 6 ltrs/hour
At 1500 rpm we can achieve 6 knots and burn around 12 ltrs/hour
At 1180 rpm we can achieve 7 knots and burn around 24 ltrs/hour

We have the capacity to hold 8000 ltrs. Had I realized how economical the John Deere was I would have cut capacity back to say 6000ltrs.

The engine room on the TY520 is fantastic. Sea Crest Marine in Bangkok did a great job in designing the layout. We have 2 x 2000 ltr tanks on either side and down the centre line there is the John Deere/twin disc gearbox, 17.5 Kva Onan Genset and a large Coltri Sub Dive compressor. Beside the compressor at the rear of the engine room there is a 50Hp Yanmar for Hydraulics. This runs the bow and stern thrusters and anchor windlass. There is a separate hydraulic pump on the John Deere for auto pilot and power steering.
There is plenty of space to walk around the John Deere and Genset with about 1.75 m headroom throughout the entire engineroom. Six 200amp house batteries plus starting batteries for John Deere, Yanmar and Genset are all under the checkerplate flooring in Sea Crest Marine custom made ventilated battery boxes. We have a 24v system.  In the lazarette  we have washer/drier, chest freezer and a workbench with lots of storage for tools and dive gear.

We have found that the TY520 is about the perfect size for our lifestyle. There is a huge amount of space on the top deck for entertainment and barbecues. The pilot house is enormous with 2.3 mtr ceiling. The 3 cabin 2 head layout is ideal for trips and friends staying in the Marina.

Very happy with our choice of boat and thank you for the support and help over the years.  Always happy to help/advise potential builders in this part of the world.   Warm regards Al and Mel Dow (Singapore)

 COASTWORKER 28

HI, my Name is Toby and I qualified as a boat designer from Falmouth (UK) in 2010. For my final year project I designed an aluminum rib, which I am now Building at home in Pembrokeshire.

When studying for my degree I used your book “The complete guide to "METAL BOATS ” on countless occasions.

The book is a wealth of knowledge and now it’s used for my own personal benefit and my own knowledge on metal boats. So thank you !

The enquiry was inspired by my dad bidding on one of your costal worker 28’s at an auction. Unfortunately his bid was not successful.

Dads comment was given the facilities we have; we could probably build one......The boat in question we are interested in is  CW 28 ALUMINUM   ... CUTTING FILES & boat plans 8 FT BEAM Planing hull INBOARD OR STERN DRIVE OR OUTBOARD OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE

We would be building in aluminum with an inboard diesel preferably. At this stage please could you send me a  price for what it would cost for the cutting files and boat plans?  As this is our first build we would greatly value your recommendations. Sincere Thanks, Toby

 CATAMARAN 35/36

OWNERS COMMENTS: "It is great that with only 164 HP twin Steyrs I can now get almost 30 knots out of her"

"Hi Bruce, 
The boat was incredibly stable and responsive. We had to berth the boat twice in difficult cross winds and your hull design ensured she performed like it was on rails. No problem at all."  Bruce and Hal, I wanted to thank you both for all of your help to finally get to this point, and to let you know how great she turned out"

New Custom EURO 1600

Morning Edgar, Bruce,

Well as Bruce promised, delivery before Christmas, and today is 20th December my wedding anniversary, so it is a very good start of the day!

I am very happy with the final GA boat plans, and my experience with you Edgar & the Netherlands team is promising for the continuation of the “Project"

I wish you both and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Best regards  Louis

ONE OF OUR MANY REPEAT CUSTOMERS !!! 
 

Could you please forward me approximate times for assembly of each and approximate price of 520 and 620 STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES?

I am also interested in cutting the STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES on my own plasma machine and I would like to know if you can supply drawing files (without nesting), as I might get parts onto sheets I am presently cutting.

I am currently enjoying my Waverunner 342

(launched 2003).

Thank you and kind regards,  Bill Sandham

ATLANTIC 50 LAUNCHED 
See photos.

Waverunner 45

Mr Masigla about his boat´s performance:

What I used with my W45 was Twin Hamilton Jet connected one each  to two 250 HP Diesel engines.
 
31 knots  at the max while 22-25 knots at economical speed.

No major change were done on the hull except for the chine which was a bit emphasized (widening) with hope to enhance planing effect. Also, the W45 is designed as planing hull and its best to make it run over 15 Knots and attain the planing speed

Trawler Yacht 43
Cutting file client - sent us photos of his TY 43 - Great thanks for the excellent project !!!!!!!!!!

Соколов Андрей Анатольевич
Компания "Волжский Ветер"
+7 902-363-26-30

 TRAWLER YACHT 620  JANUARY 2011 ... The Emerald Lady is in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas until April.  It was a wonderful trip. The boat ran great and was very comfortable. My wife is very pleased with the boat's seaworthiness. Total mileage was 1200 NM on 950 gal. of fuel. It uses about 150 hp to go 8kts. thru the water under normal sea conditions.   We are home in PA for the holidays and will return to the Bahamas in early January. At that time I will send you some current pictures. Have a Happy New Year! Regards,  Tom Springer

COASTER TY 28
Hi Bruce,   USB
arrived this morning.  Many thanks for your swift and helpful service. Many hours of study ahead! Best regards, John Baker

COASTWORKER 28

Hi Bruce,  "I have had a CW28 built here in Thailand (GRP) and used around the East Gulf of Thailand. Jomtien and Koh Chang regions. It’s really great and is intended for family cruising, island hopping and fishing. I am conducting sea trials at the moment. The boat is powered by an FNM 225 HPE inboard diesel. Prop shaft is 2” SS. G/bx is 2.43 ratio."
"Thanks for a really nice design boat."  John A. French

TRAWLER YACHT 470 - FIBERGLASS

Hi Bruce, Everything is fine with the construction of TY 47 hull shape makes it very easy to build. Temperatures in Norway means that there is little building in the winter, but something we get to. I'm sending what I have pictures and you will see if anything can be used. Thanks for all contact and service so far. Best regards Knut-Erik
 

WAVERUNNER 55

DEAR BRUCE,  I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR THIS FIELD AND THROUGH YOUR HELP AND ADVICE I MAKE MY DREAM TO THE TRUTH NOW WE ARE SAILING IN LEBANON AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA AND HERE SOME PICTURES. BEST REGARDS, KHODR AKKAOUI

Trawler 485 
Built in Belgrade and has recently motor sailed from Yugoslavia via UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, USA to South America.

SEE PHOTOS

NEW AFT CABIN TY 650 - 20 m

EMAIL BRUCE If you are interested in this new larger version !

TRAWLER YACHT 55

Good morning Bruce. Thank you very much for your reply.  Thank you for your patience and kind PROFESSIONAL approach.  With great respect to you Vladimir.