Brasser 32 steel hull - first yacht?

Phideaux

Phideaux

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 May 2009
Messages
594
Location
East Sussex
Visit site
I'm looking for a first time yacht (see thread http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220042) and one of the vessels that's come to my attention is a steel hulled 32' (perhaps 40' with bowsprit) built in 1978. There was a reasonable survey report from 2007 from which it appears that the hull was epoxy coated at construction and this has been maintained.

My first question is, does anybody know anything about this model? I think that it's more a cruiser than a cruiser-racer, but I'm interested in finding out more. I've found a couple of web pages in French (I think), which is double-dutch to me.

Secondly, what are the pitfalls of a steel hull, assuming it's in good condition?

All leads and information on this model would be most appreciated.
 
Steel ....
Obvious first point would be corrosion, and the ongoing annual problems associated with that.
Second, as you said you were competitive, a steel boat is likely to be heavier than a similar sized GRP boat. So she will suffer in lighter winds.
Third point would be corrosion.
etc.

But for cruising, steel gives an element of protection when you bump into things. Steel bends/deforms, whereas GRP cracks.

This is said from exerience, as a steel boat owner!!
 
OK, it needs a replacement for the original Volvo MD11C, new engine mounts and new sterngear.

S/H Yanmar 3JH2-E around the £2,500 mark?
Fitting new engine mounts to suit (?)£.
New sterngear (?)£
 
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F219477


From the photos this boat just dont look balanced to me. Maybe its just me but the keel dont look right at all. Dont seem deep enough.

As for steel boats................nothing wrong with them as long as looked after well and regularly maintained.
Wouldn't have anything else for long distance cruising.

Not sure I would want to start out with a boat requiring this amount of work, but having said that the learning curve to get her ship shape would be of great benefit to a newbie (no disrespect intended) if you were DIYing it.

The details are very limited. I would start by asking for a full inventory.
Is she seaworthy enough to launch & take for a sail ? are there even sails ???
 
Sandyman said:
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/F219477


From the photos this boat just dont look balanced to me. Maybe its just me but the keel dont look right at all. Dont seem deep enough.

As for steel boats................nothing wrong with them as long as looked after well and regularly maintained.
Wouldn't have anything else for long distance cruising.

Not sure I would want to start out with a boat requiring this amount of work, but having said that the learning curve to get her ship shape would be of great benefit to a newbie (no disrespect intended) if you were DIYing it.

The details are very limited. I would start by asking for a full inventory.
Is she seaworthy enough to launch & take for a sail ? are there even sails ???
Click to expand...

According to the owner she's fit to sail but engineless.

Having also looked at the photos of the boat in the link, I too thought the keel looked short. I've found other photos of a ketch version and they have a very rounded stern (Dutch-style) with a broad beam (12' beam to a length of 32'+5' bowsprit, with a 5' draft) and incredible interior space. Allegedly, they were designed for short or single handed ocean cruising. Without much knowledge or experience to back it up, I suspect she either floats like a cork, wallows like a pig, or both.
 
Last edited:
Phideaux said:
According to the owner she's fit to sail but engineless.

Having also looked at the photos of the boat in the link, I too thought the keel looked short. I've found other photos of a ketch version and they have a very rounded stern (Dutch-style) with a broad beam (11' beam to a length of 32'+5' bowsprit) and incredible interior space. Allegedly, they were designed for short or single handed ocean cruising. Without much knowledge or experience to back it up, I suspect she either floats like a cork, wallows like a pig, or both.
Click to expand...

That is my reasoning for saying is she seaworthy and able to take for a sail. So you could find out for yourself if she is a cork or pig. I suspect both as well.
Being the owner of a Long Keel 43' steel ketch my experience leads me to think all is not well with that boat.
Would hate to think that you went to the expense of bringing her up to seaworthy, with new engine etc etc etc only to find she was a pig stuck permanently in irons.
 
Sandyman said:
That is my reasoning for saying is she seaworthy and able to take for a sail. So you could find out for yourself if she is a cork or pig. I suspect both as well.
Being the owner of a Long Keel 43' steel ketch my experience leads me to think all is not well with that boat.
Would hate to think that you went to the expense of bringing her up to seaworthy, with new engine etc etc etc only to find she was a pig stuck permanently in irons.
Click to expand...

Yup, having now done some quick research and looked at the photos in more detail, I think that I'll probably return to my quest for something like the Dufour Arpege.
 
Phideaux said:
Yup, having now done some quick research and looked at the photos in more detail, I think that I'll probably return to my quest for something like the Dufour Arpege.
Click to expand...

Yep good move I feel. But do not hurry into anything my friend. Take your time and dont let salesmen (aka Brokers) talk you into anything. You seem to be doing OK so far for a beginner.
 
Sandyman said:
Yep good move I feel. But do not hurry into anything my friend. Take your time and dont let salesmen (aka Brokers) talk you into anything. You seem to be doing OK so far for a beginner.
Click to expand...

I'm in no hurry; fools rush in... etc. I fully expect to spend the next few weeks until the New Year researching the various models that fit my main criteria for size, price, sea worthiness in heavy weather, suitability for single handed sailing, potential for interior modifications to meet my idea of comfort and need for storage space. Then with a shortlist I'll start to view and hopefully narrow the choice down to maybe two or three in order of preference. Finally comes the wait for the right boat to become available, while sorting out workshop facilities and sources of materials and s/h equipment.
 
Phideaux said:
I'm in no hurry; fools rush in... etc. I fully expect to spend the next few weeks until the New Year researching the various models that fit my main criteria for size, price, sea worthiness in heavy weather, suitability for single handed sailing, potential for interior modifications to meet my idea of comfort and need for storage space. Then with a shortlist I'll start to view and hopefully narrow the choice down to maybe two or three in order of preference. Finally comes the wait for the right boat to become available, while sorting out workshop facilities and sources of materials and s/h equipment.
Click to expand...

Spot on. You will do well & be OK. Of that I have no doubt. Everything comes to he who waits...............so take your time & choose wisely. BZ.
 
Just my 2p - as a first boat I would go for something fairly well known and easy to resell as it's likely you'll want to change her once you've sailed a while and have a better idea of what you really want. This beast looks too specialist for a quick turnover!

BTW - has she got a centreboard? She is very shoal drafted if not!
 
Sorry I dont have one to send you.... coupled with the fct we are in the US at the mo, but would have been happy sailing her across the pond.

Snooks took the photos for the article btw
 
I may have a copy of that but i'll have a look.
But in case you where wondering they said the Twister was the best to sail then the Rival then the Dufour.

Rob
 
For a first boat, but a standard grp boat that will be easy to sell. It's unlikely that your first boat will suit your requirements and one off steel boats are a PITA to sell.

Had a pal who took ages to sell a well built and well maintained 32 foot or thereabouts steel Spray for 10k
 
Phideaux said:
Yup, having now done some quick research and looked at the photos in more detail, I think that I'll probably return to my quest for something like the Dufour Arpege.
Click to expand...

If you do, make sure to survey the deck. There have been some sorry tales relating to the sandwich construction and debonding.

John
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top