Van de Stadt Falco 35ft Steel Cutter

[Philsmith]

does anyone out there sail one of these centre-cockpit cruising yachts or know much about them?

[anglooff]

Dear Philsmith,

As a naval architect Van de Stadt is up there with the best. Most "best designer ever" list has him somewhere in the top three. I have a 13 metre steel Ketch of his.The falco 36 (not 35) has been around since the late 70's and is a sleek looking design.

There are those who believe that steel under 40 feet is a bad compromise. However he designed strong boats for world wide sailing. It would be important you determined whether the one you were interested in, was home or professionally constructed, but assuming the latter and the the PO's have dealt with any paint system difficulties. Then you have a well designed, strong and safe boat

Regards

Alan

[Philsmith]

thanks matey - you are thinking steel is a bit heavy for a boat under approx 37ft?

[barnakiel]

Seen a 'small' (I think she was a 34') VdS built in steel and she was definitely not too heavy, overweight, overbuilt or anything like that! The boat sailed very well, was responsive and stiff. I am not sure why there are so many people who say 'steel smaller than X' is no good'. I think there may be some urban wisdom in it.

In steel plenty depends on the builder (as ever) and a small, steel, well built thing can be cream.

b.

[Philsmith]

well i will go for a test sail and find out eh
thanks for your thoughts

[red_sky]

Slightly OT but I live on a 35' steel yawl build by Kurt Beister in Norderney, Germany circa 1960. Soft chine, slick and solid as anything. Sails like nothing I have ever been on. Across the pond at least thrice. 6.9 tons. She is amazing!

[PaulyG]

Friends of mine have one. They spent 12 years cruising around the world in it. Well set out yacht and roomy considering it's overall length. Plenty of tankage, simple and well thought out design in typical Vandestadt fashon.

[anglooff]

Originally Posted by Philsmith

thanks matey - you are thinking steel is a bit heavy for a boat under approx 37ft?

No! especiallt when designed by Van de Stadt

Alan

[Philsmith]

thanks everyone i will report on the test sail

[Harry Lewis]

I have a Van de Stadt 36 Falco cutter, and it is every bit a wonderful, safe and solid cruiser. We've been up and down the US Atlantic coast, and cruised around the Chesapeake and Penobscot. She was built in Cornwall and sailed across by the former owners who lived aboard for a number of years. We are having to part with her now, and so she is for sale in Annapolis -- though she is still on her mooring for our use. I have pictures and can answer questions anyone might have. If interested, here is the broker ad: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=1791&url=

Steel is quite real.

Harry Lewis