Considering Scampi 30 Mk IV

[jcp]

Hi everyone,

I'm seriously considering buying an Albin Scampi 30 Mk IV. I'm a first-time boat buyer and I've read up as much as I can about the Scampi and buying a used boat in general, but I'd appreciate any advice anyone could give.

The boat appears to be in remarkably good condition. It had new engine installed in 2008 which has 35 hours - a Lombardini 20HP, located under the forepeak as per the original design. The rigging hasn't been replaced for some time but looks to be in good condition.

One uncertainty I have surrounds the boat's stability and ballast-displacement ratio. As a relatively inexperienced sailer I'd like a boat which feels comfortable - particularly for sailing with friends and family - so I'd like a decent amount of ballast. The boat has a deep fin keel and the owner claims the Ballast-displacement ratio is over 50%. However, other sources online suggest it's 36% (http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1049). Can anyone shed any more light on this?

I'm going to view the boat a second time and will get a survey done next.

How well does a Scampi sail and is this an appropriate boat for someone of my experience?

 

[doug748]

I believe that the Scampi was based on the same hull as the Albin Ballad and this seems to be backed up by these comments:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-reviews/57457-scampi-30-a.html

Take some of it with a pinch of salt but is does seem to back up the ballast ratio idea of 30odd percent. If you search for Scampi and Ballad together you will likely get a lot more comparison/information. For you, the Ballad may have been a more suitable boat today but then again you are just as likely to grow into it.

With these big masthead rigs you can get rid of a lot of sail very conveniently with your roller genoa, so being overwhelmed is not going to be much of a worry. The position of the engine is superb for weight distribution but not so handy for close quarters work under engine - a bit like having a sail drive. Just a case of taking things steady till you find your feet.

 

[Daydream believer]

I am sure that the scampi was an early half ton racing boat so will be a fair performer.
The flat sides were a necessity due to width restrictions either in building or mooring ( i forget which)
I sailed against one many years ago & they certainly sailed well
If you can actually find a good one in good nick you will not go far wrong performance wise
I had a lombardini 10 hp & it was originally designed as a static generator engine.
Good thing about it was that the alternator etc, were from standard car parts
So a fiat, lucas unit all fitted & readily available
Not sure if yours is the same sort of thing but if so cheaper in that respect i would expect although dealerships not so common as say volvo

 

[BabaYaga]

I believe that the Scampi was based on the same hull as the Albin Ballad and this seems to be backed up by these comments:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-reviews/57457-scampi-30-a.html

No, it is not the same hull as the Ballad, even if there are similarities.

Here is some information that Google might translate for you:

http://www.sailguide.com/batfakta/info.php?id=1137

 

[doug748]

That's it.

Very similar hulls, both developments of the original Joker.

 

[knuterikt]

I believe that the Scampi was based on the same hull as the Albin Ballad and this seems to be backed up by these comments:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-reviews/57457-scampi-30-a.html

Take some of it with a pinch of salt but is does seem to back up the ballast ratio idea of 30odd percent. If you search for Scampi and Ballad together you will likely get a lot more comparison/information. For you, the Ballad may have been a more suitable boat today but then again you are just as likely to grow into it.

With these big masthead rigs you can get rid of a lot of sail very conveniently with your roller genoa, so being overwhelmed is not going to be much of a worry. The position of the engine is superb for weight distribution but not so handy for close quarters work under engine - a bit like having a sail drive. Just a case of taking things steady till you find your feet.

Two different designers..
Albin Ballad - Rolf Magnusson
Scampi 30 - Peter Norlin

Scampi 30 IV, was built by three different yards - Älvdalen until 1974, Visby Shipman until 1975, Albin until 1982.

Scampi has got an active owners association http://nya.scampiforbundet.se/ (In Swedish)

 

[BabaYaga]

That's it.

Very similar hulls, both developments of the original Joker.

Sorry, but no. There were several "copies" made, based on the original Joker, one of which is the Ballad.
But Scampi was not one of them.

 

[Tranona]

Just a word of caution. As the others have said, potentially good performer, but perhaps not a beginner's family cruising boat. There are many better designs for that purpose. Given your concern about your own inexperience and wanting to take family and friends, suggest you look for something more sedate to start off with. No particular suggestions, because we all have our favourites, but there is a huge choice of boats in that size/price/age range.

 

[doug748]

Sorry, but no. There were several "copies" made, based on the original Joker, one of which is the Ballad.
But Scampi was not one of them.

Well I think I see it now. Magnusson had a good idea in Joker. Then lots of others piled in with very similar designs, sounds familiar.

But not Scampi, because that is different, although it is almost identical in hull form.

 

[dunedin]

As others have said, the Scampi was based upon a very successful IOR "Half Ton" racer from the 70s. Very distinctive appearance due to the bump on the topsides - which was, I believe, trying to tweak around the IOR rules fixed measurement points, to reduce rating.

More info on the Scampi here:
http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=1049

In its time it was very much a racer cruiser (albeit one with a very good reputation) - so perhaps not an ideal first boat, but no direct experience so can't comment specifically.

 

[Twister_Ken]

It was certainly a hot racing boat in its day. One, Olivia Anne IV (?) was the boat to beat in the JOG series.

Not a boat I'd nominate as a sedate family cruiser, though.

 

[mainsail1]

Don't get too concerned about the ballast ratio. It can be misleading when deciding whether to buy. I have never sailed a Scampi but have now looked up a few pics and the spec. She looks a perfectly good boat and if she is fast, so much the better. You will soon learn how best to sail her within your comfort zone.
Finally, don't forget that all prices for second hand boats are very negotiable these days and an agreement on price (subject to survey) should be completed before spending money on a survey.

 

[doug748]

There are a number of bits and bobs on Youtube which jcp has maybe seen...inc this one:

In very lively conditions but flat water. He appears to have runners, so maybe a non standard rig?

Blade jib + snugly reefed main.


Handy boat for singlehanding

 

[BrianH]

I skippered the Scampi Elad in the NECRA race Hartlepool-IJmuiden 1974, much of the way with a F6 NW so we ran under spinnaker until it wrapped around the masthead as we overtook it surfing down a steep wave-front off the Texel LV. We were 2nd in class and I remember she handled beautifully on all points of sail, both in the race and returning a week later to Whitby, her base, with eight souls aboard - two extra hitching a ride back.
Edit:
Whoops, just noticed the "MK IV" on posting - not the MK II I experienced. Sorry.

 

[amuges]

Hi JCP - did you buy the Scampi in the end and if so, how are you finding her? If not, why didn't you go ahead with the purchase?
Thanks

 

[Quandary]

He was probably put off by those who advised that a boat with a bit of performance was unsuitable for a beginner, shame, they sail really well.

 

[mrming]

He was probably put off by those who advised that a boat with a bit of performance was unsuitable for a beginner, shame, they sail really well.

SA/D of 15.5 - be careful out there kids!

In all seriousness I have seen the boat in question and it's very nice.

 

[jcp]

You're precisely right. Despite being in great condition and a good offer I was ultimately too sensible to opt for such a lively boat given my relative inexperience. I'm sure it's a great boat though!

 

[markhomer]

Shame ministry of disinformation took you away from potentially a very good boat suited to your needs , nuggets of info best recognised are from those that have sailed the boat in question , i too raced a scampi back in the day , yes if sailed with too much sail for conditions and manned up would be fast , but things move on , your awb of today would prove more feisty ,

Fact that folks compared to ballads should ring bells even a blind man could tell difference in photo , yes both float and fin keel and seperate rudder .

Scampis were very well built fast , easily sailed , roomy , deep cockpit .very well behaved boats

When racing we had umpteen sails up down wind spin , blooper , something else down low inbetween them too , not a concern for a cruiser these days .

Only things of note , slammed in a chop if insufficient wind due to flat forefoot .

Engine drive was interesting , hydraulic pump driven by engine mid boat , with hydraulic gear box in fore peak driving shaft back down keel , old hydraulic hoses need replacing , but not end of earth .

Small main coupled with non racing spec low overlapp genoa would make easy handling for newcommer , boats stiff with good form stability .

I loved racing them , very succesufully too , was pretty much an equall match for more convential in the day looking centurian 32 which i also sailed to similar success way back then .

Watch for lead in bows as old ior racers put there to get better ratings , easily removed and something worth doing ..

Dont be put off by racing pedigree , is an asset in production boats of that era ., unlike high speed lightweight sleds of today which you can aspire to later