Hi Guys I'm a new member as of 55 min ago. Have been looking around for a 30'-35' live aboard sailboat for a while to cruise the east coast of AUS for a year or two starting next year if all goes to plan. Most the time we will be 2 on the boat, but would like to be able to sail her solo as well. Have been looking at ( Compass 28-29 ) Swanson 32- Cavalier 32--- Van De Stadt 30 and a couple of custom yacht's over the last year, when somebody pointed me in the VDS 34 direction. I do like the design of the boat, specially the layout below deck, and the big cockpit, and have read about how people love the way the boat handles in heavy sea's. Now for the question I would like to ask.
Has somebody sailed the shoal keel 1.3m version as well as the fin keel 1.75m ( I think ) and is there much difference in upwind performance, and does the 1.3m version track better when running, or is it much the same ? Also does anybody know what the difference in keel weight is between the two ? The boat I am interested in has been built in aluminium and has a shoal 1.3m keel.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Cisco owned a steel VDS 34. I'm sure he will be along shortly.
Still waiting for Cisco,
maybe he has gone on a trip, or he has not had a chance to sail the shoal version. Anyway the boat I was interested in has been sold, and the other boat a Cape dory cutter 30 has also been sold, someone got there before me :-( so back to looking, think I will check out the marinas and sailing clubs around Brisbane and the Sunshine coast to see if anybody has a vds 34 and maybe let me tag along when they go for a sail. 
I owned a VDS 34 for 7 years but unfortunately never got it out of the yard where i bought. It was flooded and filled with mud in 2013 floods which made it unviable for me to continue owning it. I sold it to the yard for $300.
It was the original design configuration of deep keel with spade rudder which I believe would be the best performer. I have never sailed on one but have spoken to some who have who only have praise for them. From what I have heard there is little difference in performance between the keel options.
They are a performance yacht easily managed short handed with generous accommodation usually only found in larger yachts. There are a few for sale in steel, ally and timber/glass composite.
The last two here are not the same design as the others which are "VDS 34s". I would own "Temujin" in a heart beat were I in the market.
www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/sail-monohulls/van-de-stadt/used/?listed=Select+When+Listed&hull_material=All&Lengthfrom=10.05&Lengthto=10.66&feetfrom=33&feetto=35&price_from=1&price_to=1000000000&match=all+words
I would own "Temujin" in a heart beat also but my limit is around $ 38.ooo to $ 40.000 at the moment, and I do believe "Temujin" has a new owner, maybe when she is back on the market and I can spend a bit more I really like the layout of the 34' generous accommodation and what I have heard about its performance, but was not sure about the shoal 1.3m keel. version, but sounds good if there is little difference, maybe someone that reads this and has sailed both versions will put in there 20 Cents worth. Thanks Cisco
Hi MrBohemian,
Most of the Van De Stadt's had a reputation for sea keeping ability and good daily runs. Many were constructed privately so a bit of research/homework would be a good thing if you found one you liked.
There are quite a few decent boats in your price range out there and a lot of bargains about.
Because of where you live you have a good opportunity to look at a good proportion of the market and the first thing you will notice is the huge difference in value for money between similar boats.
Take your time and do your research and you will find something that suits you.
There are a few members of this forum who have recently bought boats who have travelled considerable distances to find what they were looking for so if you dont find what you want in your area be prepared to look further afield. It could well be worth it in the long run.
In your post you havent mentioned how much experience you have, it can make a big difference when you are looking around. Don't be afraid to ask questions on here, there is a wealth of knowledge to be had here and most are more than happy to share it and help when they can.
Happy hunting,
Rick.
Round bilge is much prettier! The only downside to the design as a cruiser for me is the exposed cockpit. I prefer to sit in a cockpit with a good backrest. Seat has to be long enough to stretch out and sleep on as well. Vanguard would be the perfect racer/cruiser but not for my sort of sailing. I thought about it long and hard about 5 years ago when she was for sale previously.
Select to expand quoteFranrick said...
Hi MrBohemian,
Most of the Van De Stadt's had a reputation for sea keeping ability and good daily runs. Many were constructed privately so a bit of research/homework would be a good thing if you found one you liked.
There are quite a few decent boats in your price range out there and a lot of bargains about.
Because of where you live you have a good opportunity to look at a good proportion of the market and the first thing you will notice is the huge difference in value for money between similar boats.
Take your time and do your research and you will find something that suits you.
There are a few members of this forum who have recently bought boats who have travelled considerable distances to find what they were looking for so if you dont find what you want in your area be prepared to look further afield. It could well be worth it in the long run.
In your post you havent mentioned how much experience you have, it can make a big difference when you are looking around. Don't be afraid to ask questions on here, there is a wealth of knowledge to be had here and most are more than happy to share it and help when they can.
Happy hunting,
Rick.
Thanks Rick I am great full for all the information I can get. This will be my first boat over 20' and I intend to live on it for a couple of years moving up and Down the east coast. I had my heart set on a cape dory 30 that was for sale in Brisbane but missed out, that would have been a good size boat to cut my teeth on.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
Round bilge is much prettier! The only downside to the design as a cruiser for me is the exposed cockpit. I prefer to sit in a cockpit with a good backrest. Seat has to be long enough to stretch out and sleep on as well. Vanguard would be the perfect racer/cruiser but not for my sort of sailing. I thought about it long and hard about 5 years ago when she was for sale previously.
I am a fan of the way Vanguard is built (3 layer triple diagonal west system) super strong and light, had a 18' canoe, and sailed a few dinghy's built that way, but I can't see myself living and sailing this boat up and down the east coast with the layout of the cockpit, but it would be a good boat for racing for sure, but not for my sort of sailing.
