SWIFTSURE 33

[Sailordave]

I know where I can get one for a song. ($2K) Looks pretty decent, survey from a few years back didn't find anything REAL bad. Boat has been sitting on the hard for a few years and the widow wants to get rid of it.
Any thoughts on these boats? Things to look out for?
Anyone interested if I pass on this boat?

[Rachel]

That looks like the less-common, later "Commodore" version built by Fokker. Among other things, the centerboard cable mechanism was moved (as compared to the "regular" Swiftsure) so that the saloon was a bit more open.

The Swiftsure Owners Association had some information on the Commodore, but it seems as though it may be defunct. I may have a copy of an old brochure, but my computer is in the shop at the moment.

As far as I know, the decks are cored, but the cabin tops are not. It looks like that boat has teak decks, so I would be extra suspect about the core. I don't know about the Commodore, but the boats built at DeVries Lentsch tended to have a "plastered" overhead that was prone to peeling, and it seems that owners made any number of "fixes" over the years.

Others may know more specifics; I would say at least the "usual" things on a plastic classic, plus the additional centerboard considerations (vs. a fixed keel boat).

I would plan on a fairly extensive project, if it were me. Of course that depends on your tolerance for sailing with things "as is."

Rachel

[Quetzalsailor]

She's certainly pretty enough to be worth some trouble! Check carefully her troubles vs your tolerance, money and skill.

I've opined before (until the Flying Dutchman project) that my cheap or free boats ended up costing more than the one's I'd paid for.

[Hirilondë]

I've opined before (until the Flying Dutchman project) that my cheap or free boats ended up costing more than the one's I'd paid for.

This is true of houses, cars, planes and many other big ticket items. Many have a hard time understanding this, but don't doubt it for a minute.

Pretty boat though, I would certainly check into it.

[Sailordave]

Went and looked at this boat today (along w/ two others...) Woo-Boy. What a project boat.
Treadmaster nonskid (lifting at the corners) No teak decks fortunately. Wire reel halyards/winches. Roller furling wooden boom. Bottom looked pretty gnarly.
I guess if I had a shop like Tim's and lived near the water this would be a pretty cool project boat. I don't, so no thanks.
Still, w/ a P. Rhodes pedigree and nice lines...
BTW the centerboard mechanism was accessed from the port cockpit locker. Had a fitting in the side of the cockpit well to put the crank in.

[keelbolts]

I don't know... with my rose colored glasses it doesn't look all that bad. I've always been a Rhodes fan, but if I brought home a 3rd old boat - well, at least I'd have a choice of where to stay.

[Sailor Simon]

I've just bought a Swiftsure 33. AURORA. First looks leave the impression that mine, (8 years inside a barn) is in better condition than the vesel in the photo. Mine is in "a thousand" parts in 4 barns on a farm. But I have the former owner acting as "head contractor", so far so good... A hull up restoration involving a couple of thousand hours. The restoration will be involving a bird poop coated vessel, Cindella-ing herself into a glinting gem with all the condiments that I can sprinkle on her. Just like that, right? Like some guy said: "what the boat wants, the boat gets", it's almost like there's a "eh Heffe?" involved there somewhere... I LOVE IT. Sailor Simon

ps email me for simplicity simonminc@rogers.com

[One Way David]

... with my rose colored glasses...

Rhodes colored glasses?

Dave.

[Hirilondë]

I wear Rhodes colored glasses all the time ;>)

[Rachel]

They make the sheerline of every boat take on just the perfect proportions ;)