Bruce Roberts, steel boat plans, boat building, boatbuilding, steel boat kits, boat kits

Thank You Bruce for your advice, I recalled that you were very easy to work with back in the late 70's when I built my Offshore 38. I see that same persona still exists. Thanks your for the advice on boat selection. Regards Glen

Good day, I just received the study plans for the Trader 65 and I'm impressed. It looks like a fine vessel and perfect to my needs. I was wondering if you can recommend any yards on the west coast of the U.S that's familiar with building from your kits? Much appreciated. Sincerely, Curtis P. Bray

SPRAY 370

Dear Bruce,
Finally some pictures of her sailing! I have had a few trips up and down the coast from Fujairah and as always she behaves well. I am lifting her out later this month for antifouling and I am using Cuprotect System as it is guaranteed 5 years and purported to be a 10 year plus treatment. I will let you know how I get on with that. She now has davits on the back with a Niccollslite NN10 nesting dinghy hanging from them. On long trips I can put the dinghy nested on the foredeck. The watermaker is on the way Ultra Whisper 600 from Sea Recovery.

I would just like to say how pleased I am with the Spray 370 and thank you for all the support you and Hal have given me during the build. Best regards Bill Wigan, Dubai. NOTE: THE LATEST SAILING PHOTOS OF THIS SPRAY 370 ARE INCLUDED IN THE STUDY PLAN PACKAGE.

Hi Andy, Bruce, OK , Thanks for the answer , I didn't expect a response so quickly.

Bruce, I have had the boat for 20 Years and it suits me fine , Moving from Sandringham to the Gippsland lakes. Thanks for a great boat. Regards Ian Gale

Waverunner 52
Hello, Bruce! It's Mike. I've received my E-book & I'm processing to study of information. Thank you so much for interesting and useful knowledge. I hope on the further dialogue. Best regards, Mike.

12th January 2008 A feedback about the Voyager DS440 plans:
Norbert Toth has sent us a number of photographs of the Voyager DS 440 for use in the study plan pack and for use in my forthcoming book Illustrated CUSTOM BOATBUILDING ... Norbert writes:

Hi Bruce, Now we have some experience with your Voyager DS440 plans. We always read on your site (mostly in the newsletters, builders feedback) that your kits fit together nicely. I think we have better than average possibilities creating the steel parts. We only had the cutting files, and we did cut the kit from steel sheets. Now that we have something assembled, we can say that the parts fit together like a charm.

The plans are extremely accurate, we occasionally have to pull the parts together, but only a few milimeters. Not bad at all, considering the sizes of the DS440! Excellent plans, thank you very much!

Best Regards, Norbert and Tamás Tóth

SPRAY 40.

I purchased this boat on e-bay from a family who's father had been working on the boat since the mid 1970's. The gentleman died before completion. Just thought you might like to look at this rather unique example of your great design. We plan to finish it in a classic tradition. I enjoy your site. If there is an appropriate place on your site to place my link I would appreciate it. www.slocumsboat.blogspot.com Thanks, Jim Combs

TRADER 65 - "CIGANKA" AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER

Hey Bruce,

It's Thomas Owens and Linda Maruna that worked with you on the design for the "Trader 65". Remember us??

She sails like dream. She is the fastest boat in the Abacos, Bahamas where we run our charter business. She has hit 12 knots....sailing like a freight train! She is stoutly rigged and heavily ballasted.

She lends herself so well as a live aboard in the charter business. We have enough of our own space in the aft cabin and our own head and shower that we don't mind having a heavy charter schedule. The galley is fantastic with plenty of space. We even put in a 6 burner stainless steel restaurant stove
and oven.

We LOVE the pilothouse! We have 20 windows that go up and down so we can get the fresh breeze and it gives us a panoramic view. We have a huge table that can seat 12 people. This is really where we "live" ourselves. We eat, read, do our computer work, and hang out all the time in the pilothouse.

Thomas did such a beautiful job on the whole project, doing it all by himself! You wouldn't believe how smooth the hull came out and we have never put any filler on the hull. The best compliment was when we were in a boat yard and we were down below. We heard this light tapping on the hull. We came up to see what it was. Two guys looking across the boat yard had made a bet. One said our hull was a fiberglass hull and the other said it was steel! So they had to tap on it to see who won the bet.

We are extremely proud of our accomplishments with this project. And are happy having our home and business aboard "Ciganka"!

Thought you would enjoy an update!

We are doing super and absolutely love our boat! You can go to our website and see what we are up to and some pictures of the building process.

Thomas & Linda
Websites:
www.sailingshipcharter.com for private charters
www.venturingcrew.org for youth charters

Roberts 434 wood / epoxy version

Thanks for the advice, I have taken it on board and revised my opinion on the straight transom – now I will put a slight curve on it. As for the rudder stock and Bearing, that is great to know thank you very much. I will change my transom plans accordingly so that I can now put step, life raft, Swimming platform and “Windows” in it. The problem I had before was that the rudder stock went through any useable space I had so this will certainly help. Finally I have completed the turn over and here is the first photo I have of “Laeticia” the right way up. Hopefully she will stay this way up for many years to come !

All the best Phil

Hi Bruce,
Here are some pictures from launching of our Trawler Yacht 43 in Norway. Everything went well, and the boat sits in the water perfectly. We are very pleased.
Best regards Geir Fossan

Dear Bruce,
Thanks for the skeg plan, you are the best.
Neville James Hartmann.

Hello Bruce and company!

It is very pretty that you are interesting about builder of Roberts yachts. It is very nice that you have interest even small yacht builder like me. I am Alfred Belavsky from Latvia. I am purchased Roberts 25. I am working hard almost every weekends in the summer time and I hope next spring my Roberts 25 will be ready to put to water. I passed all difficulties connected with delivery of the raw materials, specially epoxy, stainless steel, aluminum mast, led ballast and other special materials what is not popular in Latvia. I had almost 2000 km trip to Poland city Gdansk to purchase mast. The Roberts 25 is good for me. It is not so big and is possible to build for amateur like me. I see, that construction of Roberts25 will be safety for the trips of the Baltic, even in other seas too. Thanks for nice project!

Best greetings for whole company of Bruce Roberts. Alfred Belavsky

Hi Bruce, Hope you are well. The Kit arrives on Tuesday 30^th October, I have to say. Edgar is an amazing guy to deal with. We have made some changes and sorted all the cut-outs, stern gear etc.I have also extended the swim platform by 500 mm to aid entry when parallel moored on a pontoon, also gives me a handy gas storage area and have added a second hatch on the transom,

I cant wait to get started. Currently levelling the RSJ frame as its on what was a lawn. See our boat progress day by day ... http://deboet.blogspot.com Think cork man saying “the boat”…! Haven’t named it its just for fun. Talk soon. Dirk.

WOOD EPOXY 434 BUILDER.
SEE START TO FINISH STEP BY STEP PHOTOS OF THIS BOAT IN OUR e-book BUILD YOUR OWN SAILBOAT.

Hi Bruce,

Here is an update on my boat construction of your 434. The more I get into this project the more I am admiring your skills as a navel architect. I just realized that the engine can be made to easily be pulled up thru the cockpit floor without damaging the rest of the vessel. Fantastic! When I attended the Chicago boat show last winter, I did not see that at all on the factory models; in fact the engine compartment was so compact, I pitied the mechanic that had to work on it.

Have a Spiffy Good Day! Earl

REPORT ON ANOTHER ... EURO 1200

Hi Bruce, I spoke to the owner who’s very happy with the way she handles and sails, stability perfect, manoeuvring great.

He cruised for about 100 hours on her in 2006 (inland and coastal waters only) but did not get her up to full engine power. She does 9.5 kn on 2800 rpm and he estimates she will do 10 to 10,5 kn on full throttle. He had some trim tabs fitted as advised by someone in Poland but had these removed as no noticeable effect.

He hopes to receive around Euro 300.000,= and will then start building another boat, perhaps the Atlantic40. Regards, Edgar

Roberts Spray 28 “Gypsy”

Built 1984 Steel hull & deck, insulated above the waterline. Length: 28’ 6” Beam: 10’ 6” Draft: 3’ 6”

NOW SOLD. Subject: Re: SPRAY 28 listing

Thanks for your help .... our boat has sold and I need to post this on the Bruce Roberts' sight under our 28ft Spray SOLD! Thanks. Pat Muller

SPRAY 58 BUILDER:

Dear Bruce,

THANKS! This time the usual "Hi" does not feel right, because I am so grateful and impressed both by the job you have done for me (and for others all over the world), and your regular way of being so helpful, that I have to show it with a personal address !

Best regards Arni

SPRAY TRAWLER YACHT 475 - TURKEY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Hi Bruce,

I think I have been a little late sending the pictures to you. Sorry.

We sailed in Gokova for three weeks while Burkut ( my son ) was attending his first sailing school at the Gokova Sailing Club.

We had a wonderful trip and no regrets whatsoever for choosing and building your 475 TY. KARA 1 is just the boat I dreamt for and for three days 14 (fourteen) of us lived

aboard with no problems.

Thanks again BRUCE!!!!!!

P.S Some friends of mine are seriously thinking of building their own family cruisers and I suggested them your Coastworker 35/37 and Euro 1000 Coastworker designs.

As I am part of the BRUCE ROBERTS club

TRAWLER YACHT 43 KIT ... September 2007

Hi Bruce, We have now ready to launch the boat. Everything has gone very well. The kit was great to work with. I have no complains whatsoever.

We will try to send you some pictures when we transport it to the quay.

Best regards Geir Fossan

VOYAGER KIT BUILDER

In deciding what type of material to build the boat from, steel was the clear choice for me. Steel is well regarded as one of the strongest materials to make a boat from. The only two drawbacks are it weight and more recently its price.

In choosing a yacht designer, I scoured the internet for months looking at the various designers. Bruce Robert's name came up again and again. As it turned out he now lives in Ireland. Having bought the design and having received the steel, I'd like to say I am delighted with the service Bruce Roberts has provided. The steel was cut and marked perfectly, and of the 300 pieces, we have yet to find one missing. All of his emails are answered within the day, if not within the hour. Thanks Bruce & Edgar.

The hull is constructed entirely of steel alloy. The electronic plans are received on a cd and can then be sent off to a steel yard where the plates are cut with NC plasma cutters. We choose to have Bruce Roberts cut the steel and arrange its transport which worked out quite reasonable compared to some of the steel yards in Ireland.

VOYAGER 542 - USA - 25th AUGUST 2007

Hi Bruce, Attached are 2 more photos of my V542, as of Jul29 (last month). we're currently working on putting the radius plates in place.

We've been very happy with how the kit comes together and your quick replies to my email questions. Regards, Manuel

EURO 1200 - Argentina - 20th August 2007

Hi, Bruce:
I am sending you a few more pictures of the Euro 1200 that Mr. Abella and his company, CVA Argentina, are building here in Buenos Aires. Everyone here is very happy with the boat design and the way the work is progressing. Kind regards, Jorge Sanviti

Hello Bruce,
Appreciate the quick response from you and your company; I received the CD study disc very promptly in Dubai, four days after placing the order, quite unique for the Middle East, I wait with awaited breath for the remaining part of the order to arrive, anyway enough of my piffle.

The more I study your plans, my requirements are definitely more toward the New Voyager DS 542 model featuring the more modern rounded ‘deck salon’, sheerline and incorporating the safety skeg. Regards, Jim Bowie

EURO 1600 BUILDER:

Bruce, Thank you for sending along the CD. It is very helpful. Several outstanding questions were answered. I appreciate your help. My son and I just completed putting on the first coat of paint on the hull. We are going to do a bit of fairing work, paint again and eventually take it to a professional painter for the finish work. I'll send you some pictures a little later in the summer. Regards Jim Fox

EURO 2600
The boat is fine, we just brought it back from Canada. Boat runs & handles great. I am learning to drive her myself. Having a ball. Wesmar stabilizers fitted. Regards John Gamble
Performance: Engines ... 2 x Lugger 700 hp, 19 kts top cruise, 10.5 long distance , 8.5 on one engine, (Double range at this speed)

SPRAY 33 "Plucky Lady" Gaff Cutter

Here we are on our way from the Cabo Verde Isl. To Guadeloupe. "Plucky Lady" is a Spray 33 - steel version. She's custom built and was launched in 95. She's a very fine, seaworthy and comfortable boat. We are very happy with her. Best regards L.D. France

FROM SPRAY 370 BUILDER:

Subject: Re: Spray 370 A ... I have finished cutting my kit using your cutting files; I would like to thank you for the time & effort you put into the nesting. I thought it would be good but I am amazed at the ease with which the machine just chugged along and the result with all the alignment marks and part numbers etched on, brilliant! The file modifications for the aft cabin roof and the etching for the walk thru all appeared on the plate. It really is good to deal with professional people. The construction of the hull is going smoothly. I cannot say how pleased I am with the result of your cutting files ! Thanks and Regards Bill Wigan Dubai ...SEE MORE

Hi Bruce,
Just had a great sail up the coast from Fujairah to Dibba and back. 2 days at anchorage. The Spray 370 is a brilliant and
comfortable boat. Still no pictures sailing. I shall have to maroon a member of the crew so they can take some! Cheers Bill Wigan.

EURO 1200 BUILDER.
Hi, Bruce: we are sending you some pictures of our Euro 1200 project. As you can see, we have already cut the steel and we are now preparing it with the primer before welding it. Fortunately, we have been able to find a very comfortable and roomy place to work in. We are very enthusiastic about this project and that is why we want to share our experience with you. If you are
interested, we will continue sending you pictures of the whole boat building process. Best regards, Jorge Sanviti, CAVA-SA Argentina.

Euro 1200 sea trials Thursday 8^Th May 2003. We gladly accepted the opportunity to be on board the Bruce Roberts Euro 1200 built by Kregting Jacht services on the 8^th of May at Jirnsum in the heart of Holland’s cruising paradise, the province of Friesland for some sea trials.

The pleasant surprise was the size of the saloon, enhanced by the cockpit on the same level as well as the size of the front windows, creates an atmosphere of space and light which is unusual for a boat of this size. All facilities like inside steering position, kitchen, shower / toilet and master bedroom, all with build-in storage lockers were completed by the owner to a high standard.

The engine compartment is accessed by a hatch in the saloon floor and is well laid out and professionally done with a refurbished DAF engine (120HP) water lubricated propeller shaft, batteries, boiler, tanks, electric converter and there is still sufficient space for a generator or additional fuel- and or water tanks.

Two 3-step stairs on either side of the aft cockpit give access to the side decks and a third staircase with very nicely shaped steps leads you to the flybridge which is somewhat uncommon for Northern Europe, but what a pleasant feature to have, providing the best possible view for the captain as well as the passengers and the perfect place to be under good weather conditions. You really feel to be a King (or Queen) on the water.

As we left the docks for our trial voyage we noticed the ship’s smooth response to the throttle and the rudder, as well as the absence of any vibration and hardly any engine noise, in spite of the non-insulated engine compartment and the reputation of refurbished DAF engines being noisy.

We were motoring at the relaxed speed of some 8 knots at 1800 rpm at 25% throttle along the canal towards one of the many lakes in Friesland. Our next stop being a waterside terrace at the lake brought along a fair number of spectators, asking the question about the material of the hull, assuming this being GRP judging from the rounded shapes and lines. Our answer of a steel hull & deck always prompted them to knock the hull in verification.

Some inclement weather during our return voyage prompted us to use the inside steering position which offers good visibility view all around for both passengers and captain on the slightly raised steering position. The spacious saloon comfortably accommodates 10 persons, 6 seats on the build in bench along the starboard side and 3 separate chairs behind the steering position at port side.

We challenged the captain to demonstrate the full forward to full reverse capabilities. At a speed of 12 knots it takes less than half the ships length to stop which is an excellent achievement. All in all a most enjoyable and enlightening experience, the Euro 12 is all you claimed she would be – and more! Thanks for a great experience, Yours, Edgar

SPRAY: "Spray of Dell Quay" July 2007

Dear Bruce,

I have had the pleasure of sailing "Spray of Dell Quay" for her owner from Wales to Ireland in 2001 and from Ireland to Yarmouth, Isle of Wight in 2002.

This year I have had the chance to sail Spray from Lymington to Ireland again. This time arriving in Youghal and proceedimg along the south coast of Ireland visiting Kinsale, Castlehaven, Baltimore, around Fastnet to Skull, Bear Island, Castletownbear, through the Dursey sound and on to Sneem, out around the Skellig's, Caherciveen, Dingle, in and around the Blasket Islands Ballydavid, Fenit, on to Foynes and then to Limerick docks where the mast was lowered for her trip up the Shannon to near Lanesboogh. I had no shortage of crew volunteers for any stage of her voyage and some left and returned for different stages.

Everywhere we went she drew great attention and of course Joshua Sloacum was mentioned by many of the admirers. I am home a week now and I am suffering seperation anxiety. it was awonderful trip. Spray is going for a much needed paint job and refit and hopefully will return to salt water next season. Regard's Robert H Sharpe

Dear B. Roberts, Our congratulations for your outstanding services. We appreciate your company experience and effort to sustain and improving technology in the field.

Thanking you for the kind cooperation in assisting our work. Looking forward for more successful years to come.

Best regards. Ali Shafeeg.

Hello, Bruce!
I was surprised by how fast I received your study plans. You sent me the CD on August 23th, and I got it on August 29^th! Thank you very much!

Regarding both options I ordered for studying, the Voyager 388 and the Voyager DS440, my best choice will probably be the first one, inspired by what you say in the book, ‘choose the smallest boat that will satisfy your current requirements’. Thomas Ogrizek

Hi Bruce,

Hi Bruce, Here are the Picture of my ROBERTS 345 Sailboat I'm very Proud of, everywhere I go other sailor and a lot of people ask me what is the brand of your sailboat? I tell them its a Bruce Roberts and then they all finish with that phrase "what a beautiful sailboat'' ,,, the hull shape the lines, its a real sea vessel strong stable fast and beautiful. THANK YOU .. Francois

Hi Bruce, We are the happy owners of a Roberts 53G built in a Gawler SA Australia engineering workshop many years ago. Its our boat Enzio has admired and he wants to build his own, on similar dimensions to ours. We recently spent 46 days safely crossing NZ to Chile three storms and mostly confused seas, our beautiful Roberts excelled in the conditions. -regards Eoin aged 63 and Susan aged 61

Bruce, Many thanks for answering in person and so soon and thank you for the updated design – I will now study this against the original drawings that I have to start working out what is involved / required to make the keel / rudder modification. And thank for you invitation to contact you directly for more information, as I may need to take you up on this offer further down the track, once I get into the actual details of the modification.

Your personal support in this matter is most appreciated. Best regards, John Casey

SERVICE ! Hi Bruce: Well your email is right on time as I expected it would be. When I entered the order I was waiting for an area to scribble in which designs I needed, but before I knew it, the order had been placed without the info. So I thought to myself......"Oh well, Bruce will send me an email in due course." Thanks for your help, Robert

Hi everyone! Thanks for the quick response to my SOS. FYI, was able to resolve 'fuzzy' image issue by trying a different software. It's nice to know that help is just a few keystrokes away. Thanks again. More power to you! Joel Aton