Skilso 975 and 33

[Hacker]

Hi, has anyone owned one of the above? Or even been at sea on one? Difficult to find much info out about them but it looks as if the 33 followed the 975; the hulls look identical and the only difference I can see is the configuration of the forward cabin. Not been on one yet but interested in hearing about their sea-keeping.

Various Google searches have shown a range of engine installations ranging from single VP 200hp, single Yanmar 300hp to twin VP 120’s. Some threads on here suggest engine access to the twins is tricky. There appear to be 2 for sale; both single VP, one with 200 and one with 225hp

I’ve been looking for a low 30ft boat with options including Aquastar 27/33, Nimbus 310, Channel Island 32, Corvette 32/320, Seaward 29. As an ex ILB coxswain I like a good hull! It sounds as if the Skilso might be similarly well built.

 

[SimonD]

I did consider a Skilso before buying my Nimbus 320. They're relatively rare in the UK and this is one of the issues that put me off. There are a lot more Nimbuses (if that is the plural) around and a thriving owners club to give support. Nimbus in Sweden are also very helpful.

I think you're right to say that the 33 replaced the 975, but the differences are mainly cosmetic I think. The fore cabin is either seating with a drop down table or a fixed, offset berth. The latter provides a lot of storage but the berth is set very high which restricts the headroom over the bed.

I think it fair to say that the Skilso is externally very similar to the Nimbus 310/320 but has some internal layout differences that might make it more attractive. The most obvious is the lack of a proper guest cabin. The mid cabin is a cave with a curtain. Not great for families, but excellent for a couple as it can be used for stowage. The 'lobby' area is spacious with useful cupboard and wardrobe space. The heads is a good size with decent headroom. In the saloon, the galley and settee are on opposite sides to the Nimbus. This gives a seat for two at the helm. On the port side, the single seat can be taken out and replaced with an extra fridge or cupboards and an extended worktop. I have seen this modification in a Skilso 33 and may be a factory option. However, it wouldn't be difficult to make. Again, this is a good layout for a couple. One aspect I didn't like is the area below the cockpit sole. This looks somewhat crude and unfinished. The Nimbus is very well laid out and finished in this are.

I haven't driven a Skilso, but I can see no reason why it wouldn't handle just like a Nimbus 310/320.

Both of those for sale in the UK look good and worth a look to see if the layout suits you.

 

[Farmer Piles]

The Skilso was one of the boats on my list when looking to buy, but steered away from them for the reasons you and SimonD cited. I also looked at the ACM 31 Elite - a very well built copy of the Scandi boats but with a lovely flared bow, Nimbus, Saga and Aquador.
In the end we went for the Aquador 32C Scandi built, twin sunroofs, side doors and walk around decks and just a really nice boat. Most of these boats were built for a single engine but often twins were put in for the British market. I would tend towards the single engine. also, watch for some of the more recent Nimbus 320s, they have a diagonal main berth that is only 3ft 8in wide at its narrowest point and you have to climb over one and other to go to the loo in the night.
I have done a full season with the Aquador and I am delighted with her, a great boat. Not that I have any great issues with Nimbus.
The plural of Nimbus?

Nimbii?
Nimbi?

 

[SimonD]

Good point about engines. My understanding is that the Nimbus 320 was designed to have a single engine (and this shows). I believe that they fitted twin engines for the UK market. These are a tight fit and had to steal some space from the second cabin to make room. The shafts are held with p brackets and twin rudders were fitted. In contrast, the single engine has plenty of room round it (the Yanmar anyway). The prop exits through a shaft log and is protected by a substantial skeg with a single rudder. Needless to say, many people swear by twin engines and that's fine, but be aware of the layout limitations.

I also understand that the offset berth in the fore cabin was fitted to some boats at the request of the UK distributor for the UK market. It looks nice but has the issues Farmer Giles mentions. That said, you might like it. Also be aware that the standard v berth is huge - just over 6 feet long and 6 feet wide at the head - easily big enough for three! It makes getting out without climbing over your partner easy, but a replacement mattress from Shipshape bedding (brilliant by the way) cost a fortune!

 

[Coolcat]

Hi Hacker,

We have owned our Skilso 975 for four years now having previously had a Shetland 27.
Ours is fitted with twin Volvo 31p engines which are 150hp each.
Access is indeed tight and I would imagine a single engine would afford you a lot more working space.

We use her on the Norfolk Broads and plan to do some light coastal work with her as well.
Unfortunately just before our first planned trips onto the salty stuff Covid came along and we never got the chance.

I want to have her out of the water, bottom scrubbed, new anti foul, anodes and check all is okay under the water line before we do venture out.
So.....my only experience of her handling at speed is over Breydon water but she seems capable from what I can tell.

Yhe overall build quality and layout of the boat works very well for us as a couple.
The second cabin is really only suitable as occasional use. The bed side is fine but it is indeed a crawl space rather than a 'proper' cabin. The table in the wheel house drops and there is an infill cushion to allow that to be used as a berth as well.

Any further details or images, let me know and I'll gladly post them on here.