Interesting chat on LIBS Sweden stand

[Fergus]

As I have just bought one I said to the guys on the stand (all a bit hurdy-gurdy but very friendly!) as the 41 was the most successful boat they have built, how many in total were made? Answer 35!!! Funny little company - 25 boats/year. They asked where I kept her and then said "so you bought her from Mr XX then"! Bit spooky. Loved the 42 - quite a contrast to the others.. (but then I'm biased!)

 

[Norman_E]

I think that is the point with Sweden Yachts, they build very few, all to a high standard. Most buyers visit the factory, and have their boat built to their own individual wishes, so they know their customers personally.

 

[Santana379]

Hasn't Sweden's reputation taken a bit of a dent with a couple of keel problems recently? I think the problem was with the 45, but maybe also the 42?

Certainly the apparent quality is stunning. To my mind the finish even makes HR's and Najads look a bit cheapo. Not seen a Malo down below - I assume they're similar to the Sweden.

Don't understand why they have quite so many aft berths at the expense of cockpit lockers though. Could do with one less aft cabin.

SWMBO thought the Sweden 42 a lot nicer than the Swan (46?) at the first Excel show, and prefered the design to the Sweden 45. All a bit hypothetical for us though.

In terms of looks, the Sweden 42 must be the prettiest production tupperware boat on the water. I daresay others might hold different views though.

Little Knot

 

[LadyJessie]

No, the only Sweden Yachts keel problem I have heard of was on one 45 in the 2005 ARC that had to be abandonded due to leaking keel bolts. However, this yacht had been involved in a very serious grounding and the conclusion was that it was a faulty repair job that had nothing to do with the build quality. The yacht did not sink and was salvaged a week after the crew abonded ship.

Must admit to being biased and protective of the reputation. I own a Sweden Yachts 390 and I love it. Best boat I have ever experienced.

 

[Lizzie_B]

I understood from the guys at the show stand you can have a choice from a variety of different berth layouts including single aft cabin.

 

[Koeketiene]

Seems to be common with "smaller" builders.

When we bought our Etap, they knew who I bought it from. Same with our Kalik - the yard knew who I bought her from, knew all the previous owners and even where they'd been!

 

[Santana379]

Right then - with the keel issue and single aft cabin resolved, all I need a shoal draft option for the East Coast (5ft 6ins would do fine) and a lottery win, and I know what 'll buy!

Little Knot

 

[mcframe]

I did like the cabin sole details on the Sweden - each lifting-board is edged with a kind of velco hook-style foam-stuff so it won't vibrate.

Strange the things you notice when you take a two year-old to LIBS ;-)