Van der stadt 34

[simonWade]

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1989 steel VDS34
Do any of the forumites have experience of these boats e.g. how well does she sail? whats the best way to look after a steel hull, she has a vetus motor - how good are they? what things generally should I be looking out for.
Any help really appreciated

 

[Mudplugger]

A number of people seem to think that VdS never designed a bad sailing boat!....and those that I have been in contact with rate his designs pretty highly. (in process of completing Steel VdS 40) for information on maintenence etc. have a look at the "metal boat Society" site. HTH

 

[gettingready]

I believe that the Vetus engine is a badged Mitsubishi and hence of Japanese origin. Therefore it should be Ok as Mitsubishi have a good reputation. As far as the boat is concerned I wouldn't want to own a steel hull personally.

 

[kds]

VdS never designed a bad sailing boat!.

Yes - you are absolutely right.

He had a lot of experience with steel boats too - and lots of sailors would be happy to do their serous sailing in a steel boat.
Ken

 

[Bajansailor]

There was a series of articles in PBO about 13-14 years ago by a chap describing building a Van de Stadt 34 from a kit (where all the steel panels were supplied pre-cut using an N/C plasma cutter) - I have a photocopy of this article lurking somewhere, will have a look for it.

They do seem to be very fine vessels, and Van de Stadt have an excellent reputation. If the boat you are looking at was 'properly' constructed and painted, the maintainance issues should not be a lot more than (say) for a fibreglass boat. The bilges should be dry, dusty even, pristine, with no rust visible if she has been looked after in a proper fashion.

And the advantage of course re having a steel boat is that if you do happen to bump over a reef, or hit a floating container, the odds are that the hull might sustain a dent or two, but that should be about it.

 

[HLMJ]

I used to own a VdS 33 (GRP), designed by the man himself. Lovely.

On the plus side, VdS are a large firm, in Holland, with enormous experience in steel. To counter this, be aware that smaller steel boats can be awfuly slow. Take her for a test sail - essential - and try to pick a time of day when there are some F2 breezes to see if she has any get up and go.

 

[bobgoode]

A friend lives on board a VdS 34. I have sailed her many times. A good sea boat, wet decks but very little makes it to the cockpit, tracks and handles well. Quite slippy too. A lot of sail so swelf tailing winches are a must. Heads is a bit small as is head room forward.