[sqrossman]

Originally Posted by Tmanisaur

Hi Jeff,

I'm actually a bit shocked by your opinion of Bruce Roberts designs. I think I recall from another thread that you have neither owned one or been on one for extended duration.

I'm an experienced cruiser/racer with 3 Lake Ontario Offshore series championships to my credit, and have extensively raced Dufours, Juneaus, Benateaus, CSs, C&Cs, and Farr-inspired one-designs. I also have a keen eye for beauty and function in a yacht, with a fondness for Irwins, Gozzards, and Bruce Roberts designs. I have sailed offshore on each.

So, when it cam time to buy my own yacht I found and purchased a Roberts 34 in GRP whose hull was laid in 1988 from late-70s study plans.

Not a sinlge regret, either. Very sea-kindly, points quite high, very stable, carries a nice middle beam, skeg rudder.

If she's at all more tippy than need be I attribute this to the extra weight aloft carried by the beautiful Fir mast.

Kevin, I have to be truthful with you...apart from your personal opinion about your view on the design and aesthetics I can't find accuracy or merit in your comments about Bruce Roberts designed yachts. For each of the criticisms you gave on the deisgn I have experience that clearly demonstrates otherwise.

I don't intend this to be a flame, but I believe that when someone is about to spend their hard earned money on a boat that they should have the benefit of more accurate objective information and less personal subjectivity.

In sum, Bruce Roberts designs present a potential owner with a terrific value-for-dollar opportunity and should be as seriously considered as any other design.

As an experienced sailor, I can comfortably recommend Bruce Roberts designs.

Winds at your back,
Tman.

Tman,

I am new to this forum and have not combed the archives yet. I am wondering if you have ever sailed a Robert 434 in steel. We are considering the purchase of one. I am interested in how she sails to wind and what her motion is like. Displacement is a little more on the steel, of course which alters the ballast/displacement ratio. Any thoughts? We sea trial tomorrow and I'd love a quick response if you could...though, I'll see how she sails to wind tomorrow.

Thanks,

S.