http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/hermit-park/sail-boats/34ft-vandestadt-sloop-yacht-for-sale/1039869396

Hi, I live in Northern NSW and would like to have a look at this boat to see if it a real bargain. I suppose if it is then it won't last long.
Does anyone up there know anything about it?
I spoke to the seller on the phone who says it only needs an anti foul and routine check over before making a trip.
I would hate to go all that way to find it is a dud, or have squillions spent on it, so if anyone has any info on it I would appreciate some opinions.
Cheers, Charles

Agree with Fiesta's comments. I had a steel VDS 34 that I never got to actually sail and due to circumstances I had to walk away from it.

The VDS 34 is an excellent design that is very comparable with the S&S 34 in performance but with a whole lot more hull volume and a superb accommodation lay out with a full stand up shower and head in the starboard quarter and a huge double berth in the port quarter and under the cockpit.

If you want a fast family cruiser, the design is ideal.

The 15 hp Yanmar is a great engine and should be quite adequate for this yacht which should have a 4.5 tonne displacement which is 1 tonne lighter than the steel version.

This one was professionally built by Moreton Bay Boat Company and certified as correct to the plans. It has a good sail wardrobe and is listed with all the right other gear.

Sounds like a bargain to me. Cheers Cisco.

Caveat Emptor! If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

On the other hand it is priced about 50% lower than it should be for that model boat and if the owner says all it needs is a bottom job then in my book it would have to be worth a look. The cost of the trip to Townsville versus the potential savings if its a good unit .... you do the maths.

Shame mate.

I'm waiting for a mooring on the Tweed River, could be six months or more before I get to the top of the list.
I would be up there like a shot if I had somewhere to put it now, as 30' is as big as I wanted to go due to ongoing upkeep costs. Bugger!
Anyone have an unused mooring/berth available for a few months?
Cheers, Charles

Ha...I remember meeting the new (then) owners of this little boat when they pulled into Gladstone Marina (Oct 2010) when we were heading north.

I remember what a pretty little thing she was.
No, no point really...just a pleasant memory.

Artemis said..

Ha...I remember meeting the new (then) owners of this little boat when they pulled into Gladstone Marina (Oct 2010) when we were heading north.

I remember what a pretty little thing she was.
No, no point really...just a pleasant memory.

Oh what fond memories we build in life and I'll bet those people's look back on such an adventure with passion. People think you need a ship to cruise on but in reality it's the little ones who have the fun. Even though I spent 8 years on a big yacht, iv great times on a 24 cat and 25 ft Roberts cruising the coast.
Condition is more important with a boat than anything else.