Skilso 975 info.

[Glyn-2008]

Honey bunch has further complained about the physical effort required to get our Princess 41 into marina berths with particular reference to the high vaulting from the side decks holding heafty 14mm warps. We could reverse in but the davits become a problem on the jetty walkway and we could always use the smaller warps until we are in. However, she has seen an advert for a used 1994 Skilso 975 which she believes that (at approaching 60 years young) we may be able to cope with better and she would appear more elegant in her disembarkations (she was an International Ballet star in an earlier career after all). Has anyone any experience of these craft and what to look out for etc? Shame we would still have to have those incredibly expensive engine parts for Volvos though.

 

[sea-commander]

The 975 (or later on the 33) seem to be well built.
I've been on a 1995, I found no stress crackings etc.
I think they were built with twin Diesel sterndrive, and single Diesel with shaft and a small keel.
With the single 230hp the boat should reach at least around 18-20 knots, it is quite economical to run.

Chris

 

[Glyn-2008]

Skilso

Thanks Chris.
It looks good in the pictures and perhaps a little better laid out for us than the similar Nimbus. The one we have seen has twin Volvo engines but, I understand, they did fit Yanmar and Volvo singles as well. I like the "echonomical" tag that you suggested as the Princess does "guzzle the gas".. An alternative is to keep the Princess 41 and consider whether to replace Honey Bunch with one of those long legged Russian women that you see advertised but it would probably be more costly in the end.

 

[Spi D]

Skilsø made great boats in the proud Norwegian tradition of quality, really useable features (eg. sea rails and bow access) and all year use properties.

In July 2011 the production (rights and moulds) for Skilsø 33 and Skilsø 36 were taken over by the also very respectable builders of Viknes.

The 975 was made in a number of models and sold wordlwide. The home market may be better for info on used boats' pricing and models (just remember that Norway os not EU so VAT and customs will have to be paid on imports). In general price levels in Norway are high.

One place to enjoy pics like this

is
http://www.finn.no/finn/boat/used/result?sort=1&keyword=skils%F8

Although Norwegian language the search features are quite easy to use.

 

[Glyn-2008]

Skilso

Thanks Spi D,
What a great picture and useful information on the Marque. We're becoming increasingly interested in this boat as it appears to be ideal for the form of boating that we see ourselves doing in the future. The only downside is that they dont seem to be to quick to resale as many of the boats that are currently for sale have been that way for a long time. However, it would also appear that few boats are selling that quickly these days.

 

[Spi D]

True enough.

The Skilsø has a cople of cousins in Norway, but you'll see that from the site linked.

Skilsø offered the 975 as Arctic (optional Flybridge) and Sport. Sterndrives or shafts. Design and details changes somewhat over time.

Another lovely boat from there is the NB Marine
http://www.nbmarine.no/bruktbater/

If you like, they even have slightly smaller boats with equal features

Eg. Model 870 with single Yanmar 222 hk good for 24 knots

 

[Spi D]

The list of cousins include

Viksund 340 or 360
Sun 33
Saga 365
Riviera 925
Hansvik 950
Marex 330
Tresfjord 37
Skorgenes Ultra 300 FB

so you may play with these makes/models in the search.

Do note, that Norway has a tax on horsepower so modest engine sizes and single installations are common

 

[sea-commander]

The only downside is that they dont seem to be to quick to resale as many of the boats that are currently for sale have been that way for a long time.

Here in Germany these boats (Skilsoe) are quite sought after, especially shaft versions, as they're known as solid and economical for extended cruising.

Chris

 

[Firefly625]

I too like the look of the Skilso 975, but TBH I think I have only ever seen one.

But another boat along those lines is the ACM Elite 31..

or Nimbus 310? available in single or twin engine form I believe

 

[Glyn-2008]

Silsko

What great info I'm getting here.
My father had a Nimbus 310 but claims that the Silsko was better laid out and of a superior quality build. A personal opinion naturally, but he did view two of these, which he was interested in purchasing, but they sold before he had moved the Nimbus on. Sadly, these craft dont seem to be in great supply as used boats in the UK but there are one or two currently available.
For the record, I'm not knocking Nimbus in anyway it is a superb boat it's just I prefer the accomodation, layout and hull shape of the Silsko.
Now I must make a serious effort to sell the Princess 41, owning one boat is frightening enough, but two ???

 

[Spi D]

The ACM was on my list too.

Less roomy and with a rather uninteresting hull for cruising speeds in choppy+ seas, IMHO.

As Skilsø (Skilsoe) was exported to Europe do look for offers in Netherland and other places within sailing distance.

Eg. this tidy 1998 model with Yanmar 230 hp:
http://www.botentekoop.nl/motorkruisers/1054075/Skilso-975-Arctica-1998.html

EDIT: Boat model names often indicate the size but since there is no standard as to how this is measured, some use LOA, other use LWL and platforms/extensions may be counted or not. To compare properly one must take the true length/width/headroom into consideration.

 

[Firefly625]

...and (for obvious reasons), my personal favourite

Hardy Commander 32

 

[Spi D]

...and (for obvious reasons), my personal favourite

Hardy Commander 32

Another lovely boat

 

[Glyn-2008]

Another lovely boat

I heartily agree Gentlemen but, sadly, a little beyond my price bracket.
They do hold their price well though. With a change in mind, I put our Princess on Apollo duck and have 4 enquirys already with 1 viewing booked this weekend, I was'nt expecting that. Maybe, the Skilso is getting closer to a new owner.

 

[Spi D]

Don't forget to look around, many nice boats out there. Once your budget is fixed, you can narrow the search down to a relevant selection and things become so much more realistic.

Going from the P41 to something smaller and lighter is going to be an experience in more aspects. Berth, insurance, upkeep, engine(s) maintenance, fuel, antifoul..

 

[Firefly625]

I heartily agree Gentlemen but, sadly, a little beyond my price bracket.
They do hold their price well though. With a change in mind, I put our Princess on Apollo duck and have 4 enquirys already with 1 viewing booked this weekend, I was'nt expecting that. Maybe, the Skilso is getting closer to a new owner.

You will have to let Volvopaul know your secret of how you got such interest in your Princess, I think he has been trying to sell his for a while now....

 

[motoguzzi]

skilso

I ve got a skilso 975 with a pair of 140 volvos in . I bought it over the nimbus for superior fit out an layout. Its a properly built boat rather than a collection of mouldings fitted together and cleverly thought out. Its a comfy seaboat but not as high performance as a princess . tootling along at 15kts shes pretty good on the juice ( 2.5lt/mile or less) Having had boats in excess of 70ft in the past with 3 big engines I can highly recommend the fuel saving and mooring cost skilso alternative.
Servicing is a little tedious as things are tight between the engines . Other than that I ve had no complaints . Its the sort of boat that once you ve spent time with its difficult to find another comparable craft. If your ever near east cowes I would be happy to show you over