Hi people I have had a great interest in yachting. But that's as far as it has gone. I have been lucky enough now to fulfill my dream.
Of finally owning my my own boat. I do not have a huge amount to spend so was thinking along the lines of a 25ft Roberts if there are any Roberts owners here I would like your opinion good bad or otherwise. I don't expect to be sailing the world east coast would do me nicely. Cheers
Ps I have seen this pilot house was very impressed is there a downside to these?https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/scarborough/sail-boats/26-ft-roberts-pilot-house-shoal-draft-sloop/1161965627
I think you will end up with a diversity of opinions. So, the pilot house will give you the biggest 25 footer for your money. It is loaded with gear. Probably easy to sail, but no race horse. Go and check it out. Have a sail, but don't fall in love with it. Think twice about every aspect of the purchace.
Gary
Please, do yourself a favor, go start crewing and learn the ropes while your mind expands, read a lot about sailing and experiencing it on the go.
Buying a yacht is NOT like buying a ****ty car! ![]()
Sailing is not hard ! racing is ?
Live the dream and go for it![]()
I know a budget is a issue ,been there and still doing it !
Look at long term ownership little or no profit when time to sell and go BIGGER etc .
Look at yachts that are popular and have a resale market.
I would be wary of boats with a amateur built reputation etc .( I have seen some top notch ones)
Are you handy?
Like Ramona said and I quote "Take your time. There are plenty of real yachts for 10 grand!"
Cheers
j bear
't
Sailing is not hard ! racing is ?
Live the dream and go for it![]()
I know a budget is a issue ,been there and still doing it !
Look at long term ownership little or no profit when time to sell and go BIGGER etc .
Look at yachts that are popular and have a resale market.
I would be wary of boats with a amateur built reputation etc .( I have seen some top notch ones)
Are you handy?
Like Ramona said and I quote "Take your time. There are plenty of real yachts for 10 grand!"
Cheers
j bear
What he ^^^ said. :)
Just get out there & do it - you will soon learn.
Any size of Roberts are less popular. For weekend cruising would be OK, extra room inside means sluggish sailing. Looks nice & look after.
Cant see furler or any jib. how much is cost of mooring.
get a full picture first
Not knowing much of Roberts yachts l was looking at one hard when my savior, another buyer, snapped it up saving me from my life's mistake.
I was looking for a lively, eminently sailable yacht not a sea cow.
Patience paid and l ended up with one of the most sailable and liveable small yachts of the last century the Adams 28.![]()
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Every boat has downsides, every boat is a compromise.
Roberts' don't have particularly good sailing performance, especially to windward, and I doubt they'd be responsive enough to teach you the finer points of sailing through feel.
However, I think that of the engine is reliable, you pick your weather, and take your time, something like that'd a decent starting point for cruising.
Good luck, and maintain your enthusiasm.
I agree with all@sea every boat is a compromise, I arguably have one of the slowest designs around a Roberts spray , but reaching and off the wind she does ok. Being heavy displacement I can carry a few ton without effecting handling, and is an excellent fishing platform, and with a draft of 1.2 and full run of keel I can go places usually reserved for multis. But she's no speedster
I agree with all@sea every boat is a compromise, I arguably have one of the slowest designs around a Roberts spray , but reaching and off the wind she does ok. Being heavy displacement I can carry a few ton without effecting handling, and is an excellent fishing platform, and with a draft of 1.2 and full run of keel I can go places usually reserved for multis. But she's no speedster
I agree but theres a big difference between a spray and a roberts 25 though the spray may not be fast shes comfortable in a sea state and controllable the same cannot be said for the 25
That is damned good buying if the pics truly reflects it's condition.
A great mate has a Roberts Spray that he built over 12 years. She is 32 ft on deck but 40 odd with sprit etc.
On his way down to Port Stephens he was sliding off the waves pulling 11 knots with no hint of broaching or burying her nose.
On the wind he says he needs 15 to 20s in which he says she pulls 6 knots + no problem, so they are not that bad a yacht.
This be the fair "Compass Rose".


That's a nice version indeed, all the other centre cockpiters ive noticed have a aft cab that extends to the gunwale and look hideous
That is damned good buying if the pics truly reflects it's condition.
A great mate has a Roberts Spray that he built over 12 years. She is 32 ft on deck but 40 odd with sprit etc.
On his way down to Port Stephens he was sliding off the waves pulling 11 knots with no hint of broaching or burying her nose.
On the wind he says he needs 15 to 20s in which he says she pulls 6 knots + no problem, so they are not that bad a yacht.
This be the fair "Compass Rose".


That is damned good buying if the pics truly reflects it's condition.
A great mate has a Roberts Spray that he built over 12 years. She is 32 ft on deck but 40 odd with sprit etc.
On his way down to Port Stephens he was sliding off the waves pulling 11 knots with no hint of broaching or burying her nose.
On the wind he says he needs 15 to 20s in which he says she pulls 6 knots + no problem, so they are not that bad a yacht.
This be the fair "Compass Rose".
Was she built at Forster/Tuncurry? Cisco?
Was she built at Forster/Tuncurry? Cisco?
No mate, next to the water tower at Burnett Heads. ![]()
If you are ever down that way I am sure it is the Lemon Tree Passage Marina they are on. Knock on the door and say Gidday and tell them I sent you. It will be worth it. True yacht art.
Whenever kids see her they squeall and say "Look Mummy. It's a Pirate Boat!! ![]()
And woko, you are dead right on what you said, they look like tanks.
For that yacht the furling header and club footed stays'l is perfect and that solid dodger?? They all look beautiful from the inside when it is cold and wet but that one looks beautiful from the outside too.
I have gone back to drawing board listened to you advices, as was said there are many yachts around the 10 grand that a good deciding the right one is certainly not a decision that should be taken quickly. It don't matter time i have plenty moneys another story. thank you all for your help