Roberts 53 BD centerboard?

Jace2 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011

I am hoping someone knows about the offshore - and foul weather capabilities - of the Roberts 53 BD with a centerboard keel. I'm thinking of buying one, but I want to take it across both big oceans, and maybe even around the world!

How is it in the event of a capsize, how would it hold up in continuous pounding seas, say, the Horn, things of that sort. And if it has some shortcomings, can they be overcome with relatively moderate - i.e., not radical - modifications?

Thanks.

SloopJonB · #2 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jace2

I am hoping someone knows about the offshore - and foul weather capabilities - of the Roberts 53 BD with a centerboard keel. I'm thinking of buying one, but I want to take it across both big oceans, and maybe even around the world!

How is it in the event of a capsize, how would it hold up in continuous pounding seas, say, the Horn, things of that sort. And if it has some shortcomings, can they be overcome with relatively moderate - i.e., not radical - modifications?

Thanks.

I can't speak to the sailing qualities other than Roberts designs have the general reputation of being competent but unexceptional sailers. The 53 seems to be one of his better regarded designs. Some versions of it are certainly good looking.

Roberts boats were designed for and primarily built by amateurs so it is absolutely essential to get a thorough and competent survey of the boat.
Some were series built by pro's but even those CAN be problematic. I have seen a couple of commercially built ones that I regarded as being less than quality builds. The amateur built ones are, as you would expect, all over the map from junk to absolutely gorgeous - the equal of anything afloat.

Bottom line, the answer to your question is "It depends" (just the answer you were looking for, right?

). I don't think there is anything inherent in the design that would give a negative answer to your questions - well built Roberts boats have done some big cruising. The build quality of the individual boat you are considering will be the determining factor as to it's suitability.

One tip to save you time and possibly money in your search - I have found that the quality of the finish work gives a generally accurate picture of the quality of the more hidden, structural work. If the basic finish work - "doors & drawers" is not up to snuff, it is probable the rest of the build isn't either. There are exceptions of course and I'm not referring to "scruffiness" or neglect but the build quality - things like the quality of materials used, is the joinery properly made?, things properly fastened with quality fasteners? etc.

Be careful, thorough and don't let your dreams colour your vision.

Jace2 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-07-2011

Thanks so much Sloop, although it may not have seemed like it to you, you answer was very helpful.

This boat, however, is pretty much blank on the inside. Mainly just a shell - hull and deck. I like it that way so I can customize it myself; I'm Woodcraftsman and home remodeler by trade, so I consider myself quite handy with such things.

If it does turn out to be a quality built vessel so far as it is finished to this point, it looks like you're saying that it would be a good bluewater sailer.

I emailed Bruce Roberts and he was very kind to get back to me promptly about the boat. I asked him about ballast and capsizing. Here is what he said:

Hi Joe,
I have suggested you buy the plans for the Roberts 53 so you will know what you are getting into.

If you have the plans we can supply you with the details of how to conduct stability tests etc.

The boat will the existing ballast will be self righting … later you may wish to do away with the centerboard. We can also show you how to add additional external ballast if necessary … all this is available to you with the plans but not possible with email correspondance.

The boat sounds like a good buy so if you are serious I would recommend you proceed before someone else snaps up this bargain.

He might not be the most objective of sources, but at least he would know his own designs better than most, I would think.

Thanks again for your post. Quite helpful.

SloopJonB · #4 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jace2

Thanks so much Sloop, although it may not have seemed like it to you, you answer was very helpful.

This boat, however, is pretty much blank on the inside. Mainly just a shell - hull and deck. I like it that way so I can customize it myself; I'm Woodcraftsman and home remodeler by trade, so I consider myself quite handy with such things.

If it does turn out to be a quality built vessel so far as it is finished to this point, it looks like you're saying that it would be a good bluewater sailer.

I emailed Bruce Roberts and he was very kind to get back to me promptly about the boat. I asked him about ballast and capsizing. Here is what he said:

Hi Joe,
I have suggested you buy the plans for the Roberts 53 so you will know what you are getting into.

If you have the plans we can supply you with the details of how to conduct stability tests etc.

The boat will the existing ballast will be self righting … later you may wish to do away with the centerboard. We can also show you how to add additional external ballast if necessary … all this is available to you with the plans but not possible with email correspondance.

The boat sounds like a good buy so if you are serious I would recommend you proceed before someone else snaps up this bargain.

He might not be the most objective of sources, but at least he would know his own designs better than most, I would think.

Thanks again for your post. Quite helpful.

Glad to be of help. If you decide to go with the boat, definitely get a set of the plans (if you don't have them). Roberts provides a whole lot more than the lines plans & offsets. Since he targeted the home builder, he was known for providing drawings & specs for rigging, deck hardware like plans for wood cleats, even plans for a dinghy. His plans are not very expensive so it would be well worth it to have them.

I presume you have checked out his huge website?

Jace2 · #5 (**permalink**) 11-08-2011

Yes I have checked his site.

If I buy the boat - and the present owner doesn't have the plans - I will buy them.

Any idea how the Roberts 53 BD centerboard handles rough weather, high waves, wind, that sort of thing?

SloopJonB · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jace2

Yes I have checked his site.

If I buy the boat - and the present owner doesn't have the plans - I will buy them.

Any idea how the Roberts 53 BD centerboard handles rough weather, high waves, wind, that sort of thing?

Afraid not. As I said in my first post - I have no first hand knowledge of the boats performance. It's a big heavy boat though so I'd expect it to be pretty comfortable in bad weather. I'd also expect it to be a handful, requiring crew - it shore don't look like no singlehander I've ever seen.

IIRC, there are letters on his website to Roberts from his customers. They often contained comments about their boats performance. Maybe a 53 owner or two is in there.

By the way, are you located near me? Are you asking about the hull for sale in Richmond?

Jace2 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2011

Yes, I've been to his website. There are people talking about their boats, but none on the 53 BD centerboard.

No, I'm in Oklahoma. But the boat is on the east coast, so I'll have to motor it via the ICW back home to Sallisaw, Ok to work on it.

Where are you, Sloop?