I went to view a Sweden Yachts 340 at Berthon in Lymington last week. I saw it and completely fell in love. These Swedens are really pretty boats...
Prior to this I'd hankered after the likes of Najads and Hallberg-Rassys. I love these Swedish boats because of the build quality, the woodwork and the reputation for seaworthiness. The sewden just felt like a younger person's boat - somehow a bit more sporty, but still with that legendary quality.
I went back with Becks the following day and as with any second viewing you see all the issues you missed the first time. Nothing was particularly serious except for some questions I had around a messy looking repair to the keel. Becks decided that she didn't want a boat where the head complartment was only accessible from one of the cabins. She was worried that guest would not want to walk into someone else's cabin to use the toilet. It didn't bother me personally, but if it wasn't right for her, then it wasn't right for us. Plenty more boats in the sea.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog while searching for details for Impulsive (sweden 340). I read that you have been to Engeland to see the boat from Berthon. We are planning a trip to England next week to see that boat. Do you stil have some details and maybe wanna share them with us?
This would be great.
Kind regards
Barbara Huber
PS: congratulations with your Sweden 36. She looks fantastic!
Hello Barbara
ReplyDeleteThank you for your mail. Impulsive was a lovely boat. I saw her in the summer when she had just been sailed back to the Lymington in the UK from La Rochelle. After the viewing I was very excited - I knew a Sweden Yachts was for me. The 340 is a very pretty boat - I think a bit prettier than the 36 in some ways - I can't describe why, there's something in the proportions.
The broker told me that he expected her to be sold within a week or so as boats like this don't hang around. She's still for sale, so I think you've got good case to put in an offer quite a bit below asking price.
I regret that I threw out the survey recently. I'm sure if you emailed Berthon, they could email you a copy prior to your viewing. Have you seen the video I put together?
Here are my comments on the boat - please bear in mind that these are generally the negative bits, so don't be disheartened. She was a stunning boat.
Interior
-> As you can see from the video on youTube the interior is in excellent condition (Watch it in High quality for better detail). The only exceptions were a bit of water damage on the saloon table and also the fabric on the navigators seat was worn through in one part. The aft cabin was fantastic for an aft cockpit 34 footer.
-> The cupboards on the right hand side are an optional extra on the 340 I think.
Engine / Propulsion / Rig
-> The propeller was a bit pitted and although the Broker said you could have it polished - I suspect that you might want to budget for a new one. Regardless of whether she needs it right now, its still a negotiating point. Our Sweden needed a new one & we went for a Bruntons Varifold 2 Blade for £740.
-> The sail drive leg might have needed a little work - I can't remember.
-> Also the sail drive diaphragm which needs to be replaced every seven years was due for replacement. This is about £1200 worth of work as it involves moving the engine out of the way.
-> The turbulence shield around the top of the sail drive needed resealing or replacing. This is not an expensive part - about £90
-> Apparently the engine has been regularly serviced by the owner. I was told this consisted of Oil and Filter change. No supporting receipts.
-> Standing rigging was surveyed a few years ago, but not replaced. I think you should negotiate money off for this.
Hull
-> There was some damage to the transom - basically the sharp edge at the bottom had a couple of chips in the GRP (about the size of your fingernail). Our boat had the same damage and the surveyor said it "is nice to repair it, but no hurry". I have thought about fitting a metal strip on ours to stop this happening again. The 340 survey did mention this and it hasn't been repaired. I'd get a quote and knock this off the asking price.
-> The survey mentioned high moisture readings, though she hadn't been out of the water for more than 48 hours when I saw her. I suspect that with the summer to dry out she'd be reading considerably lower. Either way this is potentially another negotiation point.
-> The bilges had a few inches of brown water in them. I was initially worried about this, but ours had the same and I think it's an Sweden Yachts thing: Combination of the keel stepped mast (letting water in) and the brown bilge paint (making the water look foul). All I'm saying - expect to see this and don't be overly concerned.
-> The keel had a repair on the front edge (not shown in the video). I think filler had been applied into a crack and not sanded off. Eitherway I'd want it professionally rectified. I'd leave this one out of your offer and renegotiate post survey depending on the findings.
Steering
The rudder bearing had a little play in it. Would suggest that this bearing would need replacing at some point. I don't know what this would cost. You can see this on the video.
-> Steering Wheel grip looked to have been recently replaced - Felt like new.
-> New steering wheel cover
Instruments & Electronics
-> The cockpit had a total of 8 instruments (including one Autohelm 6000 controller). I think they were Raymarine ST50 & the broker assured me that they all worked.
-> The nav station had a few to many items of electronics. I think I'd rationalise them down to a few fewer at some point, but in the medium term it has everything you'd want (including radar)
Deck
-> Generally in excellent condition.
A good thickness in most places & caulking still flexible.
-> A few of the screw caps were missing - very minor job to rectify.
-> In a couple of places the caulking had cracked / split. This could easily be repaired (professionally or by you), but should be done to prevent water ingress to the area between the teak and the GRP.
All that sounds very negative, but in truth I loved her. I'm not trying to discourage you from the boat, just give you enough information to know what to look at when you get there and some ammunition when making your offer.
I sat in the cockpit and was excited - I could imagine owning her. This boat sold me on owning a classic Sweden Yacht.
When are you going to see her? Is this to be your first boat or are you changing to something different?
Kind Regards
Geoff
Forgot to mention that it's equipped with a rope stripper (as shown ing the video). I think it's one of these: http://www.ropestripper.com/
ReplyDeleteThey're about £900, so definitely worth having.
Have you seen this one?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.scanboat.com/uk/BoatSaleAdvert.asp?strSagsnr=0914446
Hi Geoff,
ReplyDeleteIn first place: thank you very much for the detailed answers. This is much more than I expected!
I will come back to you later, just a short note for now! We are possibly planning a trip to England next weekend. I am sure, your information will be useful. My whole family already watched your film on youtube :-)
Kind regards
Barbara
No worries. I bought a 1988 SY340 in 2004 and of course there are some mending to expect on an almost 20 year old yacht. But then again, what a yacht, solid quality right through makes you proud every day you went out with her. The thing you should pay attention to is the condition of the sails since a complete cruising set is about 5000 £ if not more.
ReplyDeleteBjorn
Owned a SY36 for last 3 seasons having bought her in sweden and sailed her home. She is by far the best boat I have owned and isgreatly admired wherever we go. She excites me and sails superbly overtaking 90% ofall other cruising boats. Whilst nearly 20yrs old she is a class act and by far a better investment than a modern White plastic production yacht. Fair winds! Yacht Occus
ReplyDelete