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

SAILBOAT - NEWS - 2020

Hi Bruce,

I thought that you would like to see how my Voyager turned out. I launched her in September 2018, having started in April 2012. Almost all the work was done singlehanded and mostly part time, apart from moving some of the plates around early on. All went well and I am very pleased with the result, with no significant problems.

Last year we sailed the boat from Hampshire UK to Scotland where she remained for the winter. Unfortunately we are still isolating from Corona Virus, but hoping to get back within the next few weeks. Hopefully then return to Keyhaven for the coming winter and a few minor adjustments.

She is very comfortable to live on, and warm and dry in the winter, even with some ice around in the sea one morning. We had some bumpy seas in the English Channel last year and she appears to be a good sea boat. A 100 hp diesel Nanni pushes her along nicely at 8-9 knots.

Overall, very pleased and thank you very much for the design. The kit went together extremely well.

Regards, Julian Aldridge

VOYAGER 543 - RETURNING BUILDER !

Hello Robert,

Thanks a lot for your quick response. I am your old customer indeed. 12 years ago I built Voyager 543 in Turkey and sailed for some years and I sold her, still you have some photos in your page. Now I am planning to build a small one.

36-38 FT or max. 40 ft is my target. I like aft cock pit boats and easy to handel for me. Please make some suggestion for me. Best regards. Oguz

ROBERTS 392

We now own your 392B, the one featured on your website (dark blue hull, red waterline, white boot-stripes) and we’re playing around with the idea of an interior refit. I’ve modified your original plan drawing to that effect and wanted your opinion on any considerations you may have about moving plywood bulkheads...it is my understanding that it virtually makes no difference, being a steel construction, what interior layout we go with as the hull is inherently structurally integral regardless of furnishings, etc. But you will know better than I! Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Signed Josh Hannigan

SCOTT HERBERT & FAMILY.

I forgot to mention when we were kids dad had a 36 foot Roberts then a 38 offshore, I bought a set of 43 Mauritius plans that I pondered over for years but never built. I bought a 29 Roberts that I loved.

My brother sold his 44 offshore last year. When I was looking for a trailer sailer and the 19 came up it wasn’t a hard choice. Think our family might be Roberts fans? lol

NEW YORK 46 ( See photos )

Hello Bruce & Andrew,

My name is Donald McAllister and I built the NY46, pictures of which grace your web site. Built under the name ‘Jagungal’, it was sold in 2005 to Mr John Matthews (NZ) who changed the name (unfortunately) to Luna C.

Anyway, just wanted to say that building and sailing Jagungal was the best thing I ever did. Fabulous design. Fast and stable, sea-inndly and reliable. Loved it. Miss it; still. Thanks for glory days. Donald

NEW ! SAILING CATS

Fiberglass & Aluminum SAILING CATAMARAN BOAT PLANS These new custom designs for building in FIBERGLASS & ALUMINUM. The interior lay-outs can be arranged to suit the builders wishes.

VOYAGER 495 - Arab Emirates have built two Voyager 495's from our cutting files and plans - the boats are for the Navy Training Department - Many other governments around the world have built boats to our design including Drug Enforcement and fast patrol boats as well as several sail training vessels.

NEW: NEW YORK / VOYAGER 655
Transits the North West Passage. See STUDY PLANS for more photos.

A little over a year and a half ago, when my old sailing mate Mark Schrader informed me that e'd found the ideal boat for Around the Americas www.aroundtheamericas.org , our planned expedition into the Northwest Passage and beyond, I was very pleased. But in all honesty, when he told me that the boat he'd discovered was a 20-year-old, Bruce Roberts designed steel cutter that'd been cruising in Mexican waters for the last decade, I was considerably less enthused.

Now, after almost three hard months of nearly continuous travel, we're roughly two-thirds of the way along the Northwest Passage, and we've put literally thousands of miles behind us. And as far as our 64-foot yacht, Ocean Watch, is concerned, I can't imagine a better tool for the job at hand.

She always had pretty lines, and that's a good sign. The previous owners, a husband-and-wife team of marine biologists who'd used the boat partly as a floating laboratory and also as their liveaboard home, had looked after her well. But her systems, wiring, plumbing, rig, and sails were old and tired.

For the trip we had in mind, she'd need a total overhaul. Last fall and winter, under the direction of our first mate, Dave Logan, Ocean Watch was completely transformed in a Seattle boatyard. Dave and I will be writing in depth about her refit in an upcoming print edition of Cruising World.

For the time being, let me just say that when I drove out West last May to begin the voyage, I knew she'd undergone a ton of work. But I still couldn't believe my eyes. The last time I'd seen the old girl, as the saying goes, she'd been ridden hard and put away wet. Now she looked like she was ready for anything, and since we were bound for the Arctic Circle, that was a very good thing indeed.

In the months since, we've encountered all sorts of conditions, ranging from flat calms to small gales. Ocean Watch has performed flawlessly across the board. On the trip north from Mexico, our average speed was less than 5 knots, and we were pushing hard. These days, with her new Lugger Marine diesel engine, she makes a steady 7.5 knots under power in a moderate seaway at a very efficient 1500 rpm. Under sail, with her new suit of canvas from Carol Hasse's Port Townsend Sails loft (and a revamped rig, including a new mast track to replace the former in-mast furling mainsail), we've made speeds of nearly 10 knots when close-reaching in 15 knots of wind.

Honestly, it's like we have a brand-new boat. Luckily, we've yet to sail Ocean Watch in truly heavy air and storm-tossed seas. That day, no doubt, is coming soon. But if what we've seen thus far is any indication, we're more than a little optimistic about how she'll fare. We've got a lot of confidence in our boat, which any sailor knows is a very good thing to have. And considering my first misgivings, that's been a very pleasant surprise.

SPRAY 40 SURVIVES HURRICANE

Just letting you know the Spray 40 I purchased last year survived the hurricane here in Panama City Florida. My mast are down but no other real damage. It's a good boat. Regards Tom

VOYAGER DS 440 Just completed circumnavigation.

Voyager DS 440 built by Tamás Tóth in Hungary and seen anchored in some far off cruising location. VOYAGER DS 440

Tamas has written to us - I started my journey around the world in Croatia and now I get back. From Canary Islands started Sunday and will be approximately 13 to 18 June in Gibraltar. I would like to meet you, my boat designer and thank you for your proven reliable, beautiful model. Sincerely, Tamas Toth Norvik S / Y

NOW BACK HOME IN HUNGARY AFTER SAILING AROUND THE WORLD - JUST ONE OF THE MANY HUNDREDS OF BRUCE ROBERTS DESIGNED BOATS THAT HAVE CIRCUMNAVIGATED THE GLOBE !

VOYAGER 495 See PHOTOS - JUST RECEIVED

Hello Bruce! Over a year later .....amazing. Approaching 10,000nm - Westcoast of NA to Mexico, Marquesas, Tuamotu's, Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Palmerston, Beverage Reef, Nuie, Tonga, and just awaiting friend's arrival before jumping south to New Zealand for the cyclone season.

Boat has been superb - easy motion, easy handling, good boat speed - the hull is great.

Our steel construction also had us leading our boat buddies in whenever the way became challenging - the confidence it provides allows us to get get into beautiful anchorages.

Attached a coupe sailing pics from recent Bluewater festival in Vava'u - and a nice offshore shot taken from another boat we were passing enroute Manihi to Tahiti. Genoa is furled due to furler issues.....so easily driven we still made good speed . Always get complements on her pretty hull

FOR SALE: SPRAY 40

Asking price: Details and additional information from owner Robert Few

liddonfew@gmail.com

SSR Registered Spray of Dell Quay.

Dimentions, 39’6” LOA Length 50’ Approx Inc Sprit and

SPRAY 40 SURVIVES HURRICANE - 2020

Just letting you know the Spray 40 I purchased last year survived the hurricane here in Panama City Florida. My mast are down but no other real damage. It's a good boat. Regards Tom

VOYAGER 495 BUILT IN CANADA - Read on:

Full construction and cruising photos included with study plans for this boat.

Hi Bruce, it’s been a few miles since our 2015 update as we pulled into NZ after crossing the Pacific from Mexico. We’re still out here cruising, still benefiting from DreamCatcher’s great offshore cruising design & solid steel construction.

Spent most of 2016 in Fiji, bouncing thru Vanuatu and New Caledonia enroute to Australia, cruising around the Great Barrier Reef & over to Darwin before crossing to Indonesia. After throughly enjoying Komodo dragons, great diving and good cheap beer, we cleared out of Bali, stopping at CocosKeeling, Rodrigues and Reunion experiencing an awesome run with multiple 200mi days across the Indian Ocean before driving up around the northern tip of Madagascar - Nosy Be is a terrific cruising area, beautiful, protected, and cheap!!

Then we ran the Mozembeq channel out and around the Cape of Good Hope - the Horn of Africa. Running before 30kt of wind, with another 4kt of current (and surfing a touch), we hit our top peak speed to date - 17.7kt. Running comfortable and with a dry cockpit, under autopilot, the crew could not believe how stable we were.

Capetown to Barbados with stops at St Helena and Fernando de Noronha was a quieter repeat of the Indian Ocean run - multiple 200mi days, though much more time spent under spinnaker.

So 4 years later we’ve come around the otherside of the world to the Caribbean. Plan on cruising here for 2 seasons before going through the Panama Canal, and finishing our circumnavigation as we cross over to Hawaii, before turning north to BC, Canada.

Thank-you for a great design. Will send a note when we complete or circumnavigation.

Couple pics attached, plus Facebook link covering ongoing journey

https://www.facebook.com/norm.facey

Norm Facey Roberts V495 DreamCatcher currently Guadeloupe, Carribbean Sea

NEW ! SAILING CATS

Fiberglass & Aluminum SAILING CATAMARAN BOAT PLANS These new custom designs for building in FIBERGLASS & ALUMINUM. The interior lay-outs can be arranged to suit the builders wishes.

NEW ! Spray 300 - Aluminum trailerable.

ALSO new wide body hull available for serious cruising. This multi chine Spray is easy to build and looks great with its Pilot House for shelter in rough weather.

ROBERTS 434 - WOOD EPOXY - BRAZIL.

Check out the beautiful interior of this Roberts 434

https://alexandrezelinski.pixieset.com/veleirobelo/

SPRAY 40

Hi Andrew & Bruce,
As we spoke about on the phone. I bought plans for the 40 ft multi chine spray in 1979 and built her in steel in our back garden in Mandurah W A . We launched her (Yaminga) in Fremantle in 1985 and sailed her around Australia and the Pacific until we sold her in Townsville in 2015.
Malcolm Bocock

VOYAGER 600 Wood Epoxy

Awesome Bruce,

I got all the emails and i am downloading all the files. Thank you very much for your prompt reply's and service. I am getting excited about starting the project.

When i was a kid i always would study your sailboat plans and built a 15’ sailboat from one of your plans i ordered back in the late 70’s when i was 12 years old!

You were always a great inspiration to me and gave me hope that a poor farm kid really could build his own boat and sail around the world. Rob

PCF 40

HI Bruce, We own a steel PCF 40, great boat! We have sailed her from the Great Lakes to Florida and the Bahamas.

We are about to install an autopilot system and the person we are working with asked us for the dimensions of the rudder. The boat is in Florida and we are currently in Southern Ontario, Canada. Could you provide me with the rudder dimensions?

Thank you, Ben Eckensweiler ( Bruce replied with the dimensions of the rudder )

SPRAY 460 - STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES & CUTTING FILES

Bruce, I have all the files now. Fantastic drawings. I am a mechanical designer by trade so I know what I am talking about. Thanks again. Shawn

SPRAY 36 - Fiberglass.

Hello, I built a fiberglass 36 Spray and launched in '92. What a great boat she has Been ! I originally bought a running rigging STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES from you. Thanks, Chris Beidler, Florida, USA

ROBERTS 310 PILOT HOUSE VERSION !

Bruce, I have purchased Steel Dawn, the Roberts 310 Pilothouse featured on your website and built by Duncan Mason. Duncan spent over a decade building and fitting the boat to an amazing standard with everything you can imagine onboard, only to find he does not have the time to use it.

As a shake down cruise a couple of us took the boat across the Irish Sea to Dublin. Whilst we expected force 5 winds; we did not expect to arrive in Ireland in a Force 9 and in the dark. The boat was fantastic, safe, secure and dry in the deep cockpit despite waves over the bow reaching the deck saloon windows on occasion!

I have great plans for travelling in the boat, Iceland and Greenland being near the top of my wish list, and I look forward to many voyages in Steel Dawn. If anyone in the UK contacts you regarding building a 310 I would be delighted to talk to them and show them Steel Dawn, Duncan is also very approachable with any technical and build advice. Regards David Newman

SPRAY 33

Hi Just wanted to let you know that Miss Fiona arrived Anstruther, Scotland from Southampton, England in early July and thank you all for your assistance along the way. I appreciate Dylan's good advice and guidance throughout , Frank stepping in to help pave the way to completion leading to insuring a homebuilt boat for sailing in the U.K., and Peter and the NFCC for good advice, information and introductions.

I also want to thank Bruce and Hal for their support throughout.

Both legs, from Jacksonville to Ft Lauderdale and from Southampton to Anstruther were enjoyable and without mishap. Miss Fiona was the star. The most challenging parts were learning how to plan passages, where tides are a hugh factor, and docking with a long keel in tight and rough conditions. Once I had the tide clock set to Dover, it all came together. We are now planning to visit the Orkneys next spring and then west coast of Scotland later. If she continues to prove herself, and the crew can match her performance, we'll try some longer passages. Thanks Henry Rupert

ROBERTS 434

Hi Bruce,

As you may recall, we were having some trouble sailing our yacht because I am not at all experienced. Well. I guess we found out that we have a pretty fast boat. We achieved 9.3 knots in 17 knots of wind and are very pleased. Does that sound about what you would expect from your 434 design stretched to 47'-9"?

Have a spiffy G'Day Earl

Bruce says: Very creditable - You are getting the best out of this fine boat,

COMMENTS FROM SPRAY 33 OWNER ABOUT "BLACK PEARL"
Our boat has cruised to Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean, and has made two Biscay crossings in severe weather. We have nothing but admiration for her sea keeping qualities and we have never for one moment felt unsafe in her and she returned good passage times in strong winds. We have recently completed a long term restoration of our boat.

SEE MORE FACTS ABOUT THE SPRAY IN THE NEWSLETTER

NEW: Spray 52 & Spray 58 Photos of recent launching.

Centennial SPRAY 45
Dear Bruce, I can tell you my own impression of sailing the Centennial Spray 45. I made a trip cross the Baltic sea. She steering herself really, just need to carefully put sails on right position. I did not touch the steering wheel for more than 20 minutes, just look at compass. Excellent performance, just nice. Thank you very much for smart design. Best Regards, Victor V. Tchaburko

SPRAY 33 in Kemer / Turkey mentioned to you by Suat Zeybek

Her maiden voyage was in the autumn of 1996 London to Antalya/Turkey aprx. 3500 miles single handed. I hadn't fitted any self steering as yet, so this first long passage was a good test of the Spray's legendary self steering qualities. If you take care to balance the sails she will steer herself for amazingly long periods of time.
In Antalya my Wife and I were married and we moved on board to begin our full time cruising life style. Now I really did begin to appreciate the Spray's load carrying capability, I have never seen so much stuff poured into just one boat.

We spent two full seasons cruising the Med and in September 2000 departed Portugal for the Cape Verde Islands via the Canary Islands. December the 1st found us leaving Mindelo/Cabo Verde and bound for Barbados. We still didn't have any self steering fitted, but then again neither did Slocum. No problem. Blue-Belle took 16 days to make the 2037 mile crossing, that's an average of 127 miles per day. Her best days run being 147 miles. For a heavily laden cruising boat with a 28 ft water line she could certainly turn in a decent passage time. We were delighted with her. We also found that running downwind she didn't roll as much as other boats I'd sailed under similar conditions. We find the Spray to be a wonderful sea boat, and is a lot faster than she looks. When running in gale force conditions we find that our heavy weather staysail, sheeted flat amidships (a technique used by Slocum in his book) works well. The bow showing no tendency to dig in despite all the weight we carry up forward. One mistake we made in the early years was in reefing her down too early; the boat is very stiff and sails well in heavy weather. In storm conditions when it is more prudent to stop and we either heave to or lie to a parachute anchor streamed from the bow and attached to a bridle led back to a cockpit winch. In this manner we feel safe and secure.
So, would we part with our Spray? Would we change her for something else? No - not ever. After 8 years and 35.000 miles we finally have our ultimate cruiser.
Thanks Bruce, you gave us a great boat.
Kindest regards, Derek & Hulya S/Y Blue-Belle Park Kemer Marina Kemer Antalya/Turkey

As a captain, broker and engineer, I really appreciate your designs. There are so many intelligent details. As a designer, you don’t miss a trick. Great space usage, smart layouts, and a focus on seaworthiness always make me happy. There’s another of your boats here on the market, a 55, that I’m also representing to a customer. She again has a great layout, and is a handsome boat too:

Regards Jay

Hi Bruce,
Thank you for the fast response with all the study plans and free book. I am nearly finished reading the book and have found it hard to put down since it arrived. I can highly recommend to anyone embarking on the adventure of building their own boat to read this first. Regards Kevin Black.

Bruce says: Nothing gives me more pleasure than to have a returning customer - this one arrived today.

From: Zeynep MARANEZLI - Turkey - Sent: Tuesday, November 17, 2015 1:53 PM To: Subject: Drawings

Dear Mr. Roberts ; Several years ago we bought Cat 65 Catamaran boats drawings from you and built the Cat. We so pleased to work with you.

We need now the drawings of Euro 2300 STEEL OR ALUMINUM.How can we supplied ? Best Regards, Vedat Maranezli

NOTE: As returning customer we gave Mr Maranezli a very good price and we look forward to seeing the new Euro 2300 .

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

NEW: Range of sailing CAT designs and plans. SEE MORE

Bruce Roberts charter boat in Turkey - USE LINK CHARTER BOAT or Copy and paste link in your browser.

http://www.boatingturkey.net/BT-R501_boatcode_Bruce_Roberts_Design_72.html

ROBERTS 434 - WOOD EPOXY BRAZIL.

Hello, The construction of the boat is well advanced at the end of the year will be three years of spare time work. I looks very nicel and we are very happy with the result. I am sending some updated pictures of the boat. We made some internal changes and put in place the pilot house one deck salon.

Thank you for your help. Regards Junior Dymphnus

ROBERTS 370 - NEW PHOTOS.

ROBERTS 532. Hello! Greetings from two proud builders in Sweden J

Thank you for your answer about stability without ballast. My thoughts were the same but as always there is doubts, but you writing it should be safe was good news. Anyways, we hired a bigger (130ton) crane and loaded 500kg in the keel before the launch and just to ease my mind and gut J

The launch went with no problems and the boat was quite stable. At the dock we loaded another 1,5 ton ballast into the keel and then moved downstream to our dock. The name is VALKYRIA, home port is TORSHÄLLA in the lake Mälaren about 50Nm to Stockholm and the locks to the Baltic.

Per & Zuzanna Larsson S/Y VALKYRIA Torshälla / Sweden

ROBERTS 432 ALUMINUM

Hi, just wanted to send in some pictures of my 432 in aluminium being built in Hervey bay, Australia. The plans are great thanks. Jon Hull

ROBERTS 434 ( Wood Epoxy )

Hello, I have not sent any news for some time, but everything is fine and our boat is almost ready.

I take this opportunity to thank you for all the help we have had in the past 4 years to build our dream. A beautiful Bruce Roberts vessel. Merry Christmas and a great new year full of new achievements .. A big thank you. Regards Dymphnus Junior

CAT 35-36

From customer who ordered the plans & mold patterns

Hi Bruce ! Thank you very very much for your helpful, and the professional plan!

Its amazing !!!!!!!!!!! Istvan Bocskor Hungary

VOYAGER 600
CRUISING SAILBOAT See the beautiful finish of this Wood Epoxy V 600 was built by Nazli and Yildirim Beyazit Usta in Turkey who writes " Average speed is about 9.3 knots with the motor. It is very easy to handle while cruising and very very smooth. We are often complimented on how it glides on the water by other people. We only have to make very fine adjustments while steering."

NEW Roberts Voyager 600 - charter boat in Turkey

VOYAGER DS 440 CIRCUMNAVIGATION COMPLETED !

NEW TRADER 765 (Cargo & family versions )

NEW Euro Cat 24 m / 78 ft Plans and cutting files to build this Catamaran in either Aluminum or Fiberglass - Family and charter versions available.

NEW Euro Cat 19 m / 62 ft Plans and cutting files to build this Catamaran in either Aluminum or Fiberglass - Family and charter versions available.

SPRAY 28: Good Morning, I have a steel Roberts Spray 28ft junk rigged. I have owned it some 25 years, and it was built 30 years ago. Still excellent, and wouldn't change it. I have a question which to date have not been able to get an answer to, and hope you can help. My boat is presently fitted with a 29Hp Volvo Penta 2003 raw water cooled 3 cylinders. It is at the age for 'Eventide' and am wondering if a smaller motor could be fitted to give more space, and same performance, say 18hp. Best Regards, Terry Yacht 'Si Hai' Malaysia

BRUCE REPLIES:
Yes something in the order of 18 to 20 hp would be ideal for your Spray 28.

MORE FROM TERRY:

Hello Bruce, have attached some pics of 'Si Hai' We converted her to Junk Rig many years ago. Home made sails, this is the second set. Originally we made the masts of Hoop pine from Australia, but the ravages of the climate in SE Asia dealt them a death blow. The present masts we had made in Malaysia of 3mm steel and hot dipped.

10 years on still very nice. Cheaper than the timber ones, and lighter. This boat saved our lives 4 years ago, when we were hit at night by a large trawler (see Noonsite for details) Extensive damage, but no leaks, and managed to get into port in one piece.

Needless to say the trawler did a runner, and nothing was investigated by the maritime authorities here.

We spent 19 months repairing the damage. New steel plates, deck, flat bar etc. welding was excellent by two young guys from Myanmar. Best Regards Terry & Ana 'Si Hai'

Dear Mr Roberts, I received all links and USB. The information included to the package is exceeding my expectations. In my opinion these are very clear and helpful files. Thank you very much, Best Regards Sercan.

NEW Fiberglass plans are now available for the Cat PS 675 - First set going to a client in Indonesia where there are several BR boats being built at this time.

NEW Euro Cat 1500

Hi Bruce, thanks for sending the plans so quickly! You know, besides owning a boat, great fun is to build a boat!! Best regards Stefan. Stefan Stegmann Brazil.

The email above was received today from a client in Brazil who has already built a Wood Epoxy Roberts 53 and sailed this boat for many years - now Stefan is back to build one of our new Euro cat 1500 in aluminum.

NEW YORK 46 - See some great new photos

PCF 40 Hello Bruce, Just to keep you posted.

We are the proud new owners since early September 2015 of the PCF 40 of Claude Charland that you show on your site. The boat is in steel, and was built in Quebec in 1979. The Engine was is a new John Deer 80 HP installed in 2002, with very few hours to date.

I owe a big respect to Claude Charland the previous owner who sold it to us for the fantastic restauration work that he did by himself. Here attached are some pictures showing the beautifull quality of work. Pictures 2 and 3 is the way she was 3 years ago. All the other pictures is the way she looked went we bought her. We plan to take her on part of the American Great Loop, starting this June.

We are so happy, beautiful Design that we have searching for years. Flavio Patuelli

ROBERTS 345

Hello Bruce

From the year 2000 to 2005 I built this marvellous boat singlehanded. She is the 4mm steel fin / sloop, exceptionally strong and a powerful sailing vessel. She has looked after me and 1000’s of Royal Yachting Association candidates learning their skills aboard. Strong can be quantified as there have been two incidents.

The first was an anchor dragging that had her hitting a rock reef and going broadside over the top as the tide rose in a force 7-8, heeled at 30+ degrees. Fortunately no significant sea and the result on inspection was paint damage.

The other incident was sailing at 5 knots directly at solid rock with an instant stop. This bent the floor frame at the aft of the keel and put a golf ball dent in the toe of the keel. Straight forward to replace the bent frame and touch up the keel. There was no need to curtail the sailing season.

No I don’t make a habit of bashing into things but these prove that over 350 weeks of heavy use as a training boat she is ideal as a comfortable strong and much admired boat that takes everything but extreme weather in her stride.

I don’t know how many have been built but there must be many happy owners out there of this class act, well done. Regards Robert Kincaid www.obanseaschool.co.uk

Hi Bruce, Could you please advise me on cost of build drawings for the above vessel and / or STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES price for UK

I have the skill and contacts to build the vessel but need the professional back up to achieve.

I also have the land alongside River Thames to build but getting her out might prove a challenge ! What about floating her down Thames without keel ? what air draught to uppermost superstructure?

I owned a Bruce Roberts 435 and was thoroughly impressed with the vessel. Best regards, Paul

ROBERTS 370

Dear Bruce, Mr Veli Kärkkäinen from Finland got plans of Coaster 36 from you about 5 – 6 years ago.

The construction works have been interrupted for some years, because Kärkkäinen circumnavigated the North Pole during the years 2011-14 with his sailing yacht “Lena” ( a Bruce Roberts 370 off cpourse). The situation of today is on the photo annexed.

Hello Bruce, Thanks for the great boat designs. My last boat was a 36’ Spray with low pilothouse and aft cabin. Now I’m looking at your PCF40. The boat seems to be in great condition, very good price, and is in England. I’m pretty sure it’s the one on your web page with the optional aft cabin, and a letter to you from Keith.

Thanks again, and that Spray was one hell of a boat. It was built by a guy in Florida, sailed across the gulf of Mexico, then purchased and spent the next ten years in the backyard of a guy in Reno Nevada. I took it to the Puget Sound and used it well. Now it’s off to greater challenges.

Ed Hunt Idaho USA

VOYAGER 495 - Built in Canada

Hi gents....Not quite gone cruising yet Bruce, we head off to Mexico in July, targeting south pacific next spring.

I assume you're interested in the V495 - might want to take a look at my blog: lots of pics from ground up. Warning - I am not a fast builder - but moved across the country, raised a family, built cars, got a pilots license - and the boat launched the year I retired, so the plan worked.

COPY AND PASTE BLOG IN YOU BROWSER dreamcatchermarine.blogspot.com/

Norm, Boatbuilder and Skipper Extordinaire
Charter member of B+B for Friends

http://dreamcatchermarine.blogspot.co.uk/

ROBERTS 432 ( M43 )

Good Morning,

My parents built and sailed a Roberts Mauritius 43 called Halcyon around the world in the late 80’s. We were going through a few boxes the other day and i came across the original plans for the boat. I found Sheet 1 of the plans particularly interesting, however it is very old and torn and has a few pieces missing.

I was wandering if you possibly have a digital copy that I could have printed and framed to give them as an anniversary present. Your help would be much appreciated. Regards, Grant Stephens

Bruce replied and sent a new set of plans.

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

MORE FROM ANNA.
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 - OCTOBER 2013

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

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

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

Dear Bruce Roberts, I'm Tamas Toth from Hungary, one of the Voyager DS440's sailing ship builder. The ship's name is Norvik. Their website even there I am, in fact the book, too. http://www.bruceroberts.com/public/HTML/VDS440.htm In 2012, I started my journey around the world in Croatia and now I get back. From Canary Islands started Sunday and will be approximately 13 to 18 June in Gibraltar. I would like to meet you, my boat designer and thank you for your proven reliable, beautiful model. Sincerely, Tamas Toth Norvik S / Y

NEW YORK 46 NEW PHOTOS.

SPRAY 28

Hi Bruce, I'm the proud owner of Gypsy a Spray 28, worked all summer, sandblasting and repainting, redoing the coachhouse with mahogany and doing some repairs to the wooden mast and fibreglassied it with 6.5 oz cloth and epoxy and going to give it 6 coats of Bristol varnish next spring because it has gotten too cold to work outside, winter is coming. When she is complete I will e-mail you some pics for your website. Thanks Greg Kern. Ps Love my Spray 28

Roberts 64 October 2013

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 (250)204-0055 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

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.

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

SPRAY 40

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. 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

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.

OCTOBER 2012
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-

ANOTHER SPRAY 28:

Hi Bruce. I purchased Gypsy from a couple back in 2007 in Cornucopia Wisconsin. You had asked me to send some updated pics of Gypsy which is now located in Mobile,Alabama.

I sailed her the length of Lake Superior ,across the Northern part of Lake Huron down Lake Michigan to Chicago,took the mast down in Chicago ,down the Illinois River to the Mississippi River,to the Ohio River,to the Tennessee River,to the Black Warrior River to the Alabama River and now working to build up a STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILESty for future voyages.

The boat was great on the river system with the shallow draft. She handled 10-12' seas on Lake Michigan with ease, I think she is a fine design. Regards, GREG.

OCTOBER 2012 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

August 2012 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

DECEMBER 2011 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

SPRAY 33

Pretty good shape for a 25 year old + steel boat. I knocked some paint off the hull when I had her pulled. The hull was flame zinc’d when it was built. There’s no rust what so ever, anywhere. Even the hollow rudder is sound and tight….. rather impressed. The yard at South Park has filled up fast, so I’m not sure where they’re going to put me for the winter and until spring when I can repaint her…….. but I’ll be able to re-do the interior in the mean time. The Miller 140 welder with Argon fits well into the cabin, and I’ve been welding foundations for the Nav station, and better storage. The Marina is alive with stray current and the zincs were on their last leg, after two years in the water, they were fried. Am going to install two systems into the hull, and re-do the zinc anodes. Mike Dooley

SPRAY 22
Hi, I received the boat plans last week, I was almost overwhelmed by all the information, but/and it looks great: I will study it more carefully when I have some time off from work, and then I will come back to you with more feedback and questions. Best regards, Benjamin

SPRAY 33

I have just received my boat plans for the Spray 33. I am overwhelmed by the number of drawings and the detail including deck fittings right down to the boat plans for the Roberts Dinghy. This is not my first boat building experience. I have built what my wife refers to as "toy" boats, a 14' wood /epoxy daysailer and a 20' cedar strip canoe. This will be my first "serious" boat building experience and I am looking forward to getting started. Having looked them over I can see where the cost lies. The boat plans from other designers do not compare. I would not hesitate to recommend Bruce Roberts for boat building boat plans to anyone who might ask. Sincerely, Rick Deschenes

COMMENTS FROM ANOTHER SPRAY 33 OWNER ABOUT HIS BOAT "BLACK PEARL"
Our boat has cruised to Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean, and has made two Biscay crossings in severe weather. We have nothing but admiration for her sea keeping qualities and we have never for one moment felt unsafe in her and she returned good passage times in strong winds, often unWe have recently completed a long term restoration of this boat.

We spent two full seasons cruising the Med and in September 2000 departed Portugal for the Cape Verde Islands via the Canary Islands. December the 1st found us leaving Mindelo/Cabo Verde and bound for Barbados. We still didn't have any self steering fitted, but then again neither did Slocum. No problem. Blue-Belle took 16 days to make the 2037 mile crossing, that's an average of 127 miles per day. Her best days run being 147 miles. For a heavily laden cruising boat with a 28 ft water line she could certainly turn in a decent passage time. We were delighted with her. We also found that running downwind she didn't roll as much as other boats I'd sailed under similar conditions. We find the Spray to be a wonderful sea boat, and is a lot faster than she looks. When running in gale force conditions we find that our heavy weather staysail, sheeted flat amidships (a technique used by Slocum in his book) works well. The bow showing no tendency to dig in despite all the weight we carry up forward. One mistake we made in the early years was in reefing her down too early; the boat is very stiff and sails well in heavy weather. In storm conditions when it is more prudent to stop and we either heave to or lie to a parachute anchor streamed from the bow and attached to a bridle led back to a cockpit winch. In this manner we feel safe and secure.
So, would we part with our Spray? Would we change her for something else? No - not ever. After 8 years and 35.000 miles we finally have our ultimate cruiser.
Thanks Bruce, you gave us a great boat.
Kindest regards,
Derek & Hulya S/Y Blue-Belle Park Kemer Marina Kemer Antalya/Turkey

SPRAY 33
Dear Bruce, I took the Kangaroo (ex Bellavia) for a test sail today. Simply pure joy. The pilot house has not hanged anything. Now my wife came along (her first time on a sailboat) she loved the boat. I will send you some pictures soon of her with the sails up in a good breeze. I want to be on your Spray website. Best regards Asi

CENTENNIAL SPRAY 38

G'day Bruce, This weekend our Centennial Spray 38 "Spray Maker" will be blasted ready for the painting and fit out to start. I have been taking photos along the way so have a good record of the build process, if you are short of material or would like something for the Spray News let me know. My wife - the writer in the family - will be producing an article or two for the Australian Spray Society so we could use this or a modified version. I thing Spray Maker will be a first in a number of areas, the first Centennial 38 in New Zealand and the first to be junk rigged, so someone in the world of Spray's may be interested. By the way our builder, Bowline Boats, is really impressed with the boat and design and is looking to specialize in this style of yacht. Cheers Pete

CENTENNIAL SPRAY 38
Bruce, What a year.... I have not had time to give you updates on our Spray... I see that you still have the picture on the CS38 page. Well I WILL send over some new pictures by snail mail. We have finished the hull and got the first coat or Green gloss on the hull - it looks great, you cant even tell that it is steel it looks that good.

Centennial SPRAY 45
We ordered preliminary boat plans for the Spray from Bruce and started adapting our layout to the 45 foot hull. When Bruce released his round bilge version, the we were convinced this was the perfect hull for us. The hull characteristics were a major for our layout without compromising the sailing characteristics. We sent our deck and cabin layout to Bruce and contracted with him to do a set of drawings using them.

A wonderful thing happened when working with Bruce; we had originally drawn the deck with a doghouse over the companionway. He, faithfully, had a doghouse in the drawings that he did for us, but he also made a slightly different version of the cabin which used a pilothouse with a steering station on a platform on the starboard side. He sent this alternate design to us as a gift.

We so much like the idea of the open pilothouse creating a bright open space out of the saloon and galley that we adopted it. We were able to take the general concept and implement it in the final design. Regards Ben Smith ... NOTE: Ben Smith uses his boat to run successful charters.

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.

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 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

FROM SPRAY 370 BUILDER:

Subject: Re: Spray 370 A ... I have finished cutting my STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES 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 .

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.

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

CENTENNIAL SPRAY 38
G'day Bruce,
This weekend our Centennial Spray 38 "Spray Maker" will be blasted ready for the painting and fit out to start. I have been taking photos along the way so have a good record of the build process, if you are short of material or would like something for the Spray News let me know. My wife - the writer in the family - will be producing an article or two for the Australian Spray Society so we could use this or a modified version. I thing Spray Maker will be a first in a number of areas, the first Centennial 38 in New Zealand and the first to be junk rigged, so someone in the world of Spray's may be interested. By the way our builder, Bowline Boats, is really impressed with the boat and design and is looking to specialize in this style of yacht. Cheers Pete

December 2011 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 September 2011

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

September 2011 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.

Hi Bruce, My late brother’s boat has sold. Thanks so much for all you kindness and consideration during a very trying time for us. You are one in a zillion, you know. Thanks heaps. Felicity ... Felicity Smith

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

Roberts 345 & Voyager DS 440

Hello Bruce, In 1976 I drove up to one of your offices in Vancouver B.C. Canada and bought a set of your boat plans for a Roberts 34 and launched it in 1982. I sailed it until 1991 at which time I sold it. It was a great experience for me and I was able to sell it for more than double what it cost me to build ( solid fiberglass one off ).

My sons are now near the age I was when I built the 34 and we are contemplating another boat preferably in steel . Last week we got your study boat plans for the 434, 440 DS and the 495 and really like the 440. I need to determine whether it is less expensive to buy the CNC files and get quotes on the metal and cutting here in Seattle or to get the STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES from you folks. Thanks! Steve.

STEVE HAS PURCHASED CUTTING FILES & boat plans FOR THE VOYAGER DS 440 !

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.

PCF 40 cutting files

Dear Bruce, you are great and so fast! Whenever we will put the keel and start, you will be receiving pictures immediately. builder has a Web cam system at his site, and i Will be able to watch 7/24...Best regards, Berke Kardeş

JANUARY 2011 - 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

Anthony Fountain S/V SEERAUBER

in building Euro 1400 Aft cabin. Can you send me some information i.e. cost of cutting file and the option of you supplying the STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES pre cut and delivered to Ireland, engine options etc. I would appreciate your suggestions on the matter. Regards Joe

ROBERTS 345 -
ROLLING THE RADIUS PLATES.

Bruce, I will take some photos while we are rolling and send to you. It’s easier than I thought it would be and it leaves a fair hull with few seams to weld. You do have to cut your sheets at least 6” over-lap or the rolled piece my not fit the opening between topsides and bottom. Regards, James

HISTORY OF ONE ROBERTS 53

From the current owners -

Bear is a serious blue water cruiser that has circumnavigated two and a half times around the world with three different families. She is strong, safe, and a very well built boat. Bear has been lovingly maintained over the years. She can be a high latitude expedition boat, or a tropics cruiser. The next adventure awaits a serious sailor who with his crew or family can safely navigate the world.

Sailing vessel Bear is a custom made steel hulled ketch designed by Bruce Roberts and was built by Mr. Perry Smith, a professional electrician and welder. Bear was built at a small airport in Minnesota over nine years where Perry was the airport manager. Bear started to be built in 1981 as the hull number reflects, but was not launched until 1990. We, quite uncommonly, have photos from Perry that detail from the lofting through the construction on how Bear was built. Perry knew exactly how many welding rods, 14,200 it took to build the boat.

The beauty of Bear is that she was built by one man. She can be readily maintained by one man. Bear is a rugged yet comfortable, no nonsense yacht that has proven herself through several circumnavigations.

We spoke to the designer Bruce Roberts while we cruised Ireland and he remembers Perry Smith and the building of Bear. He states if he was to buy one of his built designs, Bear would have been the boat. Perry followed the plans exactly.

Bear was originally named Linda Marie, for his wife, who raised two boys and worked as a nurse while the boat was being built. Perry and Linda sailed the boat down the Mississippi to Florida and back, and then sold the boat around 1993.

We are also friends with the two previous circumnavigators of Bear.

In 1993, John and Karen Flannigan bought Linda Marie and sailed her to the Chesapeake where she was re-rigged with larger winches, anchor windlass and open ocean safety gear to be made ready for circumnavigation. Linda Marie was renamed Jump up Bear. John and Karen, both physicians and their two small children, aged 4 and 8, sailed around the world and returned to the Chesapeake around 1999. During their stop in New Zealand, John had a new stainless steel galley top with two sink basins installed and a bathtub. They are now retired and sailing their steel schooner in the northeast USA.

In July, 2000, Chuck and Dianne Osgood bought Bear from The Flannigans and delivered her to Maine where she spent three years being upgraded, including sails, rigging, epoxy barrier coated hull, water maker and fuel lines, all professionally installed. Jump up Bear name was then shortened to Bear.

Chuck and Dianne left Maine and sailed to the Mediterranean for two years, then sailed to Trinidad where Bear was fitted out for a second circumnavigation. The Osgood’s left Trinidad and circumnavigated between 2008 and 2010 and returned to Trinidad where the hull was again epoxied and painted. They returned to the Chesapeake where my wife and I purchased Bear in the Autumn of 2010.

We brought Bear to Florida, installed new Furuno Radar, new navigation panel, new engine muffler and our personal items and sailed off to Europe with our 6 and 7 year old daughters. sailed to Cork, Ireland in June 2011, and stored her in Ardrossan, Scotland for the winter. We returned to Scotland in May of 2012, installed new engine control systems and wind generator. During 2012 sailing season, we sailed to northern Scotland, the Outer Hebrides, and Orkney Island. Then set off for Sagafjord in Norway and eventually wintered Bear outside Bergen in Norheimsund.

In 2013, we sailed Bear to Gothenburg, Sweden and through the Yota canal to Stockholm. Then to the Alland Islands, Tallinn, Estonia and over to St. Petersburg Russia. We then sailed to Finland, Gotland Island and onto Copenhagen and eventually stored Bear in Fehman, Germany for the winter of 2013.

In 2014, we left in May for Kiel and over to London. A trip down the English Channel and over the Bay of Biscay to Spain, Portugal, Madeira, Canaries and across to St. Thomas and arrived in Florida December 2014.

2015 through January 2017 was spent refurbishing Bear. The improvements are listed in detail in the specifications here. We then left Florida Jan 20, 2017 and sailed to Panama via Cuba and the Cayman Islands. In May, we went through the Panama canal and onto Columbia, the Galapagos, the Marquesas, the Society Islands, Tonga, and then onto Fiji where Bear was stored ashore in a Cyclone Pit at Vuda Point Marina.

We are now in Australia.

TRAWLER YACHT 620 "MY BLUE STEEL", registered in the UK, departed 1180hours on December 28th, 2009 from Mokpo, Korea.

This was the start of her 2,600 nm trip to the Singapore, with stops planned in the Philippines and Kota Kinabalu, although the boat had sufficient range to complete the trip non-stop. The Owner is very satisfied with the interior and sea trials; max speed about 12.7 knots with twin 235HP John Deere at 2000 rpm and 7.0~7.5 knots with one engine at 2000rpm. Onboard were Mr. Rod Steel as the Owner/Skipper, his partner Angie Sach, Mr. John Holbrook and Mr. Alistair Dow. “MY Blue Steel” arrived in Singapore, where she will be based, on 14^th January 2010 and is available for viewing there by prior arrangement.

I am proud to build Bruce Roberts designs, which I am very impressed with, and thank you for your assistance in marketing GHI Yachts Korea.

DECEMBER 2009 EURO 1400

Hi Bruce,
Just a wee note to say thanks for speedy delivery of DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
. . .and as it says on the box I gave my friend the DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
. . .and cutting has already began, they are intrigued, as they have never been involved in this sort of project before although they are sheet metal specialists. i'm on the look out for a low flat bed commercial trailer to build the frame for the jigs then i can get under way i would also like to add for the price i prayed i'm very happy with what i've received with a bit of luck ill be starting the build early january and i will send photos to keep you updated thanks and merry xmas to you and family . John Scotland uk

TRAVELER 45 From: Brian Smyth [ ]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 9:45 AM
Subject: pictures of Lee Keely's TRAVELER 45

Hi, Well, I just got back from helping Lee and Sheila Keely get their new boat to Boston on their way home to the Chesapeake.

We had a pretty rough trip across the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine, with south west winds at 25 knots and 8 – 12 foot seas. The whole trip took 62 hours at roughly 7-7.5 knots.

The boat performed very well in the rough weather and at no point did we feel in any danger, even when we were taking a foot of water over the bow! There were times when the whole foredeck was awash! So, I think we can safely say thank you for designing ANOTHER safe ocean worthy boat! Thank God For Pilothouses!

Feel free to share these photos on the net, the owners are very happy and proud of their boat! Talk to you soon, Brian

E-BOOKS

Dear Anja and Bruce, Please be advised I down-loaded and got your e-book BUILD YOUR OWN POWERBOAT and boatdesigns. Thanks a lot for your kindness, please Buy the way it's a most convenient way to send such a book for Russian customers, be in mind as well, please Best Regards Dmitriy

OK I BELIEVE NOW! April 2010 In all of the builders replies back to you was all of this "Thanks Bruce for getting back to me so soon" and "Thanks Bruce for getting - this - or - that information back to me so quickly", well personally I thought it was a little much and not real, well Sir I stand now with my mouths jaw dropped to the floor and saying "Thanks Bruce for getting back to me, sooo, quickly and helping me with my very simple question" and there is no doubt in my choice to who's design I am going to build from now. Very impressed! Ron Wikstrom Aledo, Tx.

WAVERUNNER 45 - September

Dear Bruce, I purchased from you many years ago (I think 25 years ago) a set of boat plans & patterns for Waverunner 45 (wood) which I personally built and used by the family for so long.

About my WR45. She is a lovely princess with her Twin Hamilton Jets (at 28 Knots) and frequently used by close family friends. Everybody enjoyed her presence until my four kids all grew up and their respective professions restricted their interest about the sea. She was later bought by someone and transferred elsewhere south of the Philippines where I lost track of her. One day soon I shall build another one for me and my wife.) Capt. Adelino L. Masigla

EURO 910 March 2010

Hi Bruce, I received my study boat plans yesterday, thank you very much for the quick service. I got some time last night and today to have a quick look over them and I am very impressed.

In Sheet 1-SWIM the hull looks to have a longer LWL is this to accommodate a swim platform? (BRUCE'S COMMENT ... ALLOWANCE FOR SWIM PLATFORM ) or is the rear cabin slightly smaller, ( Bruce says ... Aft cabin is same size in all versions ) either way I really like that curved line at the rear. Kind Regards, Brian.

COASTWORKER 37 SEPTEMBER 2009 - ALSO SEE PHOTOS OF CW37 WORKING IN INDIA.

We have built a boat as per your design. We are very happy at the beautiful design and look of the multipurpose boat. Following are the trial parameters. We did about 1 hour of Sea trails yesterday.

1. Condition -
a) About 1000 lits of water in tank at the stern.
b) Some loose gear from workshop in the wheel house about 200 kg.
c) About 100 litres of fuel.
d) 5 persons.
e) Draft F- 1.50 A - 1.55.

2. Engine conditions -
a) Max RPM attained in ahead - 1825
b) Max RPM in astern - 1655.

3. Maneuvering -
a) Crash stop - 15 secs.
B) Steers like a car with a very light steering.

EURO 1000 - JULY

Hello Bruce, I have received your 'Illustrated Custom Boatbuilding. We recommend that you read this hardcover book - Order now and we will pay the postage.

' book and 'Build Your Own Power Boat' e-book and I am impressed with your knowledge, experience, and business. My next step is to purchase boat plans to build a luxury fishing boat. Regards, Bob

TY 52O LAUNCHED

Trawler Yacht 520 - THE FIRST PLATE WAS TACK WELDED ON AUGUST 3, 2006 AND WE SLID HER DOWN TO THE SEA ON THE 18TH OF AUGUST 2007.

DEAR BRUCE,

THANKS FR YR MAIL. PLEASE FINS ATTACHED SOME MORE PICS OF "ANEMONE" WHICH ARE ALREADY IN MY OUT BOX. I WILL ALSO SEND YOU MORE PICTURES TAKEN DURING CONSTRUCTION. BELIEVE ME "ANEMONE" IS THE BEST LOOKING BOAT OF HER KIND IN BODRUM, OR EVEN IN TURKEY. EVERY TIME I AM ON BOARD I CAN'T HELP ADMIRING HER AND PRAISE YOU FOR YOUR WORK.SHE IS A FANTASTIC BOAT, STEADY, WELL BALANCED, VERY COMFORTABLE , SEAWORTHY AND BEAUTIFUL. EVERYWHERE WE GO PEOPLE COME AND EXPRESS THEIR ADMIRATION.

"ANEMONE" IS A GREAT TRAWLER, FIRST OF ALL SHE IS A REAL TRAWLER; EVERYWHERE WE GO PEOPLE COME AND ADMIRE HER, ASK FOR OUR PERMISSION TO TAKE PHOTOS. SHE IS NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL BUT ALSO A VERY TRUSTWORTHY BOAT IN ALL RESPECTS. WE WENT INTO FORCE 7 WINDS AND SEAS, NO PROBLEM SHE CAN HANDLE MUCH MORE VERY EASILY. WE HAVE INSTALLED 2 x VOLVO "D7C TA" ENGINES WHICH ARE RATED 265 HP AT 2300 RPM.

WE ARE CRUISING AT 10 KNOTS/ HR AT 1900 RPM. THE FUEL CONSUMPTION AT THIS SPEED IS ABT. 60 LITERS / HOUR.

OUR MAX. SPEED IS 12 KNOTS/HR ALTHOUGH WE HAVE ONCE SEEN 13 KNOTS TOO BUT THERE WAS A FAVOURABLE CURRENT.

AT 1600 RPM WE EASILY MAKE 8,5 KNOTS WHICH SAVES A LOT OF FUEL THOUGH I HAVEN'T CALCULATED IT YET.

AT 1300 RPM WE MAKE A NICE 7 KNOTS /HRS WHICH IS AN EXCELLENT SPEED FOR PASSAGE MAKING AND THEN THE FUEL

CONSUMPTION WILL CERTAINLY NOT EXCEED 30 LTRS/HR. I ALSO CUT OFF ONE ENGINE DURING CRUISING WHICH SLOWED THE BOAT LESS THAN 1 KNOT ! REGARDS, ALI

Roberts TY40/42 owner reports:
"I launched this boat in June of '97 at Michigan city, IN. Shakedown cruise got a perfect 10. I just completed a cruise to Florida via the Tenn-Tom to Tampa where I completed the interior. I returned via the Intercostal, East coast, Hudson, Erie Canal and the Great Lakes.
This vessel performed beyond my wildest expectations !
Fuel economy 10, handling 10, speed 9+ pitch stability 9+, roll stability 8 I used no ballast " (Designers note: We recommend ballast in all of our trawlers). Robert J. Wouda

FROM PROFESSIONAL BUILDER:
Hi Bruce, Thought I would e-mail you a couple of pictures of the 43' Voyager TY. Things are going well, and should be setting side shell later this week. Will be setting keel and rudder tomorrow. Altogether we have about 60 hours in at this point, not bad considering we only have had 1 man working steady on it!! Rumor has it there is a 57' possibly looking for a construction site from Colorado. We are having so much fun we'd love to build some more!!! Could you add us to your Metal Boat newsletter as a West Coast assembly company??? It would be great if you could. Well, Bye for now, back to welding! Bart Samaduroff.

Coastworker 28

Dear Bruce, Two years back I ordered a plan from you (Coastworker 28). I built this boat in Kochi, India for a friend of mine. The construction took nearly eight months, working part time, and it was a truly enjoyable experience.

We 'shoe-horned' a venerable six- cylinder Leyland (90BHP) engine into it with a 3:1 reduction gear (the engine with GB weighs over a tonne!), because the boat is used primarily as a small tugboat, and this boat has been performing well for the past year and a half, keeping very busy in the backwaters of Kochi.

I am now thinking of building another boat, for myself this time- and my preferences are the Coastworker-1000 and Euro-1200, in that order.

Please let me know the prices for the pre-cut steel STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES for these two boats, as well as the prices for cutting and building boat plans only, in case I decide to go that route. Thank you and best regards, Anthony Koithra

EURO 1200

Hallo Mr. Roberts !!

I bought your project EURO 1200. Now you can see my boat. I think that she is wonderful. I have a planned to finish it within two years.

I made this boat myself all ( to weld, to paint, to make a teak ) All this I work with my hands. I enclosed you some photos, Best regards, Andrej Kozjek

EURO 1200

Hello Mr. Roberts. First of all my sincere excuses for the late reply but this message has been laying unnoticed in the “drafts” folder in the last three weeks. Thank you very much for the info on props. It corresponds to my calculations, so we now feel more confident to order a pair of props with those characteristics.

The helm responds magnificently and the boat keeps the direction as though she was on the rails, even when encountering waves created by high-speed boats passing by. I’ll keep you informed. Best regards, Skipina Slavisa

COMMENTS from CANADIAN Trawler Yacht 43 builder ... Maggie Mais:
Hi Bruce. Sorry its taken so long to reply. Life is hectic. 2 kids, 2 puppies, 2 birds, 1 unfinished boat and mother nature has kicked in with a vengeance. Winter is here all too quickly and we have paint to apply. The project is going well. Peter is going to start the paint on Sunday!!! The interior is 90% complete with the exception of engine hook-up, plumbing, batteries and engine room completion. We are so pleased with the quality of woodwork our shipwright has done.

The interior is done in maple, ceilings are tongue and groove pine. The windows and doors are in (diamond sea glaze). The galley is unbelievable. I love to cook, and my galley is used hard. The room with which to work was very spacious. So abundant it was, I had a STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILESchen cabinetry business in our local area design and build and install the galley. All we had to do was slide the fridge in and mount the gimballed stove. Countertops are Corona (TM), double sinks are recessed and we designed a bar area directly across from the galley, beside the circular steps leading to berth area. I must say, given our years of boating experience, we have designed and customized our vessels layout, far better than our land based home. Fondly, Maggie A Mais.

COMMENTS from Australian
builder of Trawler Yacht 43
Numerous professionals have been coming in to see our TY43 build and all are amazed or surprised at the quality of workmanship and the fairness of the hull (thanks to your STEEL OR ALUMINUM PLANS & CUTTING FILES). One was the shipwright who will be doing the fit out. He comes from the timber boat building industry and his comments were "I've never seen anybody achieve this with steel.

Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 7:24 PM

Hi Andy, Boy are you guys efficient, just sent an email to Bruce advising him that I would respond to you tomorrow and here you are as the next email. Will send photographs in the morning, Many thanks for the very prompt inter-company response. With best regards Rory

Bruce, I received your study boat plans on Friday. All looks good and are very detailed. Narrowed down to the two designs (Waverunner 342 or 38).
Regards, Nick

JUNE 2010 Dear Bruce, I get my DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
. . . yesterday. It was perfect and very helpful. Thank you very much. God protect you and your family. Best Regards, Hosein Pourmollayi

DECEMBER 2009 TRAWLER YACHT 620 (Now over 20 of these boats in the water) FULL SET OF PHOTOS included in study plan packages. MY BLUE STEEL, registered by Isle of man, UK .

Departed 1180hours on December 29, 2009 from Mokpo, Korea.

She started to explore for about 5000 miles to the Singapore, to be estimated to touch one or two ports for the supply. The Owners has been very satisfaction for interior and sea trial, max speed about 12.7 knots with twin 235HP John Deere at 2000 rpm and 7.0~7.5 knots with one engine at 2000rpm. Crew were Mr. Rod Steel as the Owner and his wife, Mr. John Holbrook and their friend total 4 persons who have lived in Singapore. Now I am receiving email time to time from them as follows, wishing bon voyage. All equipment was maker, Raymarine 120. Painting for shell is beautiful as per Awl-grip coating scheme and draft and ballast is good line for full loading of fuel oil and fresh water.

COASTWORKER 25 - September 2009

Hi my name is Bob Preece I bought your boat plans back in 1998 for a 25 Coastworker semi planing hull and fitted a Cummins 6b 130 hp 22x17 prop R-P-M 1.9 1 gearbox and i have just put a Cummins 6 bt 160 hp same max revs as the 130 2800 rpm .. .Thank you for that it is a good boat had it out in some stupid weather before it became a charter boat good safe stable boat.

Trawler Yacht 43 and Voyager 495 - KOREA
Hi Bruce, Together with your designs, firstly Trawler43 and Voyager495 were launched at Mokpo, Korea. Trawler 43, Perkins 118HP @2100 rpm for main engine- max speed 10 knots, wing engine Perkins 65hp 6 knots, Generator 8kw Northern Lights and Mastervolt DC equipment, air conditioner main air, Windlass Muir Thruster side power 6kw, paint as per Awl-grip coating scheme. Water maker 30l/hr marine village USA

SPRAY 475 TRAWLER ... Built in Turkey.

Attached are the latest of KARA1. I'm not sure whether they qualify for your e-book but they sure will qualify for the purpose she was built for. Thank you again on behalf of my friends. They appreciate every minute of their time spent on KARA1. They keep telling me '' THE BEST BOAT ON EARTH IS THE BOAT OF A FRIEND '' Best Regards Erhan KUM

TY 520 Being built in Singapore. January 2010

Bruce,

Sorry for not having been in touch for so long it has been a very busy year for Tina and I.

Anyway our boat is moving along really well and your cuttings files work perfectly the builder had no problems at all, we are now at the outfitting stage so in the next week they plan to move her out of the building shed to blast and paint the hull and superstructure, internally the insulation is now complete and they are installing the first of the woodwork, the carpenters employed by boats and Boats are all ex Grand Banks people who where laid off when they closed in Singapore so the quality of the workmanship is first class, they also have their own in house design team so it has been great to see our ideas turned into reality.

If all goes well we are still on schedule to complete the boat around March and if we can complete the inclination and sea trials in time we may try and get the boat into the Singapore boat show. Mainly of the main systems such as the steering , hydraulic thruster are all class approved commercial systems which have actually worked out more or less the same price as the yacht equivalents anyway, Dave and Tina Anderson.

BEWARE OF THIS RIP OFF !

Dear Mr Roberts, I recently purchased study boat plans on DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
. . .from you, thank you as I am very very happy with your prompt service and the detailed information on your DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
.

I have spent countless hours on the internet looking at boat building sites and purchasing study boat plans etc, in the course of my studies I on many occasions stumbled across this web site http://www.boat plans4boats.com
I never ordered anything from them as I just dont like the "look" of the site. Anyway I eventually weakened and purchased their so called 200 + boat plans and blue prints. The only way you can get a true glimpse of what they supply is by buying the product.

These people are scammers! their boat plans are scans from old magazines AND one zip file is your free ebook on "How to build a sail boat" which came on your DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
. . .
of study boat plans with the Spray series of vessels that I purchased. I tryied to attach this file for you to look at but it is 10MB and wont attach. This is the first site I have come across in the boating community that are, I think, ripping people off as the information supplied from them I already have seen and DOWNLOAD or on USB
- YOU CHOOSE DOWNLOAD OR USB
. . .ed from other free boat plan sites (Zip file on fishing boats for another example). The information of yours that they sell technically wasnt free and only supplied when your study boat plans are purchased.

They to me are breaching copyright and are making money under false pretenses. I hope I am not wasting your time with this email but I am sure you would like to know of thes people who are clearly re selling yours and others material without prior consent. Best regards, Edward Shiels.

Roberts (CATAMARAN 35) tour boat version

Dear Bruce, Attached please find your 35 ft CATAMARANamaran TOUR BOAT -
(CATAMARAN 35) in Istanbul. It is unique, without anything even similar. She was very successful at all the tests of the Turkish Lloyd. I would like to thank you for the co-operation and wish you A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR. Huseyin KURTOGULLARI

TRAWLER YACHT 470 FIBERGLASS November 2009

Hi Bruce, Today the custom boat plans DOWNLOAD or on USB.

TY 470 received to my address. Everything ,even the AutoCAD drawing is easy to open. You have done a very good job on this drawing. Thank you agene for good service and help so far, Best Regards Knut-Erik Jensen

EURO 2150 WOOD EPOXY

Building a Bruce Roberts in India