| Hello Bruce - I happened onto "Western Grace" in Campbell River,
BC yesterday - you need to see the exterior finish, and attention to detail on the deck of
this boat! - stainless steel inserts where ever a screw goes into the hull -
inset windows (now I see why you promote them) - the best thought out combination of
bulwarks, chocks and cleats I've ever seen - bulwark design also makes
the railing/stanchion incredibly straight forward - engine air intake, tank vents,
fills, and power connections well located and concealed - wide 45 degree intersections at
the cabin top/side joint (you know, you could easily incorporate that feature
into your kit hulls, and make them really stand out). The exterior simply has incredible
details that should be on your site - and a level of finish that leaves you trying to
figure out what the boat is made of. The inside finish is also superb, the various
installations well thought out and executed.
I realize there is a web link to Western Grace from your site, but it does not show the
awesome details incorporated into this boat. This is a poster boat for both your designs,
and steel sailboats in general - if you ever get a chance to inspect it, take your camera!
Norm Facey
Hi Bruce, Greetings from Alaska. We have sailed (mainly
powered) Western Grace to Alaska from Victoria. We logged 1600 nm. The boat performs
awesome and we are very please with the performance under power. Our average fuel use has
been 1 litre per hour or about 5,5 litres per hour at 6 KTS including heater and
gen-set. We found that she handles very good and we have full control over the vessel in
reverse despite her modified full keel. We have increased the rudder somewhat by adding a
counter balance of about 5 ". This works very well.
We have seen you are thinking off redesigning your Roberts
532 as the VOYAGER 542 . As far as we can see the hull is fine. The only things you can
possible incorporate in your kits/designs is some changes in the deck plan finish. Western
Grace is a custom version and the builder has come up with some nice addition to boat plans. We
have opted for 4 pilot house windows mainly out of strength concerns but also for
looks. We find the vessel looks a lot larger because of it. A good example in reverse is
the Grand Banks. Some of the larger Grand banks look from a distance smaller that they are
because of using to large of windows.( just a observation)
We are very proud of this vessel and believe we can be a
rep for your company by showing the vessel to potential builders and possible taken them
for a cruise. The vessel is a real head turner and we have met on our travels several very
interested parties who want to build there own version. Our web site does not do the vessel
justice and we will send you some pictures on disk if you are interested. We look forward
hearing from you. Regards John Van Strien |
![Bruce[2].jpg (4158 bytes)](images/Bruce[2].jpg)
