Island Traders

[ironmaiden]

Hi has anyone out there able to give feed back on the Island Trader range of yachts as suitable long term live-aboard, It just so happens I've found a very cheap one for sail in the good old US of A and with the doller conversion rate it seems very a atractive buy.
I know they are made in tiawan but what are the hull lay ups like etc.

 

[captainslarty]

Hi Doll !
How r u doing ??
Big hi from Jayne n I.

Dont know them personally (first hand).. but did research them.. I think overall a good boat from all accounts and very well made.. most of the taiwanese boats are on the heavy side due to very thick layup !.. tayana for example..
If you intend to bring it to the eu you are probably well aare of the hurdles.. if you are gonna buy in the states and sail, say west about or the islands, then great.
Joe n Jayne

ps, hows the good ol NHS.. glad I got out of the rat race now lol.. got me 50 age pension, index linked.. life is good.

 

[DoubleEnder]

I dont know these specifically. Agree that most Taiwanese are built v heavy, but it is not always synonomous with strong. How old is this boat? Back in 1980s there were some notorious Taiwanese yards. One good story was the yacht with chainplates bolted through hanging knees. Not a bad idea, except that the knees were made by mixing sawdust and resin in a bucket and 'moulding' the goo in place between hull and deck. May not be a showstopper - if the boat is right size and shape then a few mods are reasonable. Graham