Swift 18

[ContessaBob]

I am looking at trailer sailers, the Swift 18 is on the shortlist, ticking most boxes. Is there a Swift owner out there who would be willing to show me how they perform? South or east coast. Thanks in advance. Bob

 

[chrisbitz]

I have a Micro Challenger, which (I think) is the exact same class as the Swift 18... I was looking at the Swift too when I was looking for mine.

It's amazing how much they fit in an 18ft cruiser!

 

[Topcat47]

There's an active Swift fraternity based at Buckler's Hard in the New Forrest. You might try to contact them via the harbourmaster.

 

[PeteCooper]

In Micro 18 terms the Swift is considered slow( as is the Challenger) so it depends which features you like. Having said that it is still a quick wee boat for its size.

 

[chrisbitz]

In Micro 18 terms the Swift is considered slow( as is the Challenger) so it depends which features you like. Having said that it is still a quick wee boat for its size.

By slow, do you mean slow compared to 30-40 year newer boats, or were they considered slow in their day?

 

[dylanwinter]

By slow, do you mean slow compared to 30-40 year newer boats, or were they considered slow in their day?

buy one

fantastic little boat

D

 

[Skylark]

I had one in the 1990s. It gave me a lot of pleasure. Proper little boat. I'm a cruiser, no interest in racing, though.

 

[PeteCooper]

By slow, do you mean slow compared to 30-40 year newer boats, or were they considered slow in their day?

In Micro 18 terms there are 3 rough divisions - Cruiser, Racer and Prototype. The Swift, Challenger and First 18 are all considered cruisers. Things like the Gem, Micro 18(yes there is a specific model called that just to add to the confusion!) and Expression are considered racers, and then there are prototypes which are faster but probably not as suitable for cruising. So it depends in which areas you are willing to compromise - performance or comfort.
I am not knocking any of the Micros - the Swift is a great boat and I used to have a Challenger which again is a great wee boat. Another forumite used to have a First 18 and cruised a lot of the Clyde/West Coast in it. A mate of mine had a Gem that he fitted out as a cruiser but it still sailed well.
I am surprised that Micro 18s in general aren't more popular - as they are relatively cheap and a lot of fun - and again relatively cheap to race.

 

[Seajet]

I know of a builder who was serious about building new Swift 18's; this was a couple of years ago and I have no idea if the project is still on.

For trailer - sailing I've always thought she's the best boat for the job, proper boat but light enough to trail and launch; good looking too.

As with all lift keelers - especially those kept on trailers - make sure to inspect the keel plate in lowered condition; a trailer adapted to allow lowering and maintaining the keel even if over a pit ( removable centre tray and extra large hull supports ) would be a wise move.

 

[benw]

Our first little cruiser was SuperSwift a Swift 18. Fantastic boat, we trailed down to Falmouth with three kids and had a great time. Sailing on Rutland water where there a good number you would easily get a show around.
Strong and stiff given the inner foam core.
We gave ours a bit of a work over and she made a good price when we sold her.
Tere used to be a Swift18 forum too which was a great source of info. If I find it I will post.
Ben
See forum below found on google easily!

http://www.swift18.org/Swift18/phpBB2/index.php

 

[ContessaBob]

Thanks all. I have tried to register on their forum, but have had no luck logging in to post a request!

 

[Bajansailor]

Here is a copy of the Builder's general catalogue from about 20 years ago :