Advice for Swede 55
It is tempting to add nice to haves like a teak deck to a cruising boat, to equip it with a powered capstan, requiring an extra battery in the bow. But be aware that added weight practically drowns the performance of a slender and sensitive boat like Swede 55. A teak deck, glued on the balsa cored deck for example adds approx. 330 lbs (150 kgs). Aboard my 55 I removed whatever is not necessary. I use a 35 lbs/16 kg anchor and just 20 feet/six metres chain fore-runner and pull the anchor by hand, doing it faster than a heavyweight capstan.
Stay with the light displacement concept
A gauge installed in the fresh water tank below the bunks in the forebody helps to carry the water likely needed during the weekend instead of adding thoughtlessly 364 lbs (165 kg). Sailing Swede 55 it is important to keep the light displacement concept in mind.
Based on jobs done by myself or what I had done by experts I can help with advice regarding:
- replacement of through hull fittings and seacocks (due to age and wear) by state of the art hardware
- shaping keelfin and rudderblade (NACA or better profiles), tightening keelbolts
- replacement of rudder bearings
- replacement of window frames
- improvement of sternson/steering bar to install of a smooth operating traveller
- new runner arrangement for singlehanded and speedy operation by the helmsman
- right choice of starter and service batteries (with safe installation)
- new skylights for main cabin and bathroom
- improvement of sternson/steering bar to install a smooth operating traveller
- new runner arrangement for singlehanded and speedy operation by the helmsman
- right choice of starter and service batteries (with safe installation)
- retrofit of gauges for freshwarter and fuel tanks
- original Swede 55 logo for mainsail: original shape, size, colour. With drawing where to locate it on the sail
- proven sizes for reefing the mainsail (three levels)
- choice of suitable winches for efficient reefing of the mainsail
- improved reefing hooks for the boom
- check and replace terminals/suspensions of standing rigging in the mast
- dismount, check and install chain plates of lower, intermediate and upper shrouds
- eliminate leakages on deck at ventilators, windows, windowframes, skylights, stanchionfeet, chainplates and other deck hardware
- replace chrome plated brass by nearly maintenance free stainless steel ones
- conversion of engine accessories with regard to easy to maintain and safe operation: quick and hasslefree rinsing of external cooling with fresh water, sea water filter, custom made V-belt tightener, retrofit of overheating alarm
- keeping the original Volvo Penta engines
- feathering propeller: low resistance when sailing, secure reversing to stop the boat in narrow ports
- newbuild of a smooth operating and long lasting companionway hatch – fitting to the Swede 55 style with suitable materials
- how to insure the boat (focussed on key criteria)
- upgrading all eight winches
Swedesail has the lines and drawings to laminate and build Swede 55.
It is that simple
You are welcome to send an E-Mail with your request. I will make an offer, send a bill and quickly reply to your questions having obtained the consultancy fee. Kindly note that I am solely working on a prepaid basis. So far I have advised owners, boat builders and brokers in Germany, Holland, England, Switzerland, Italy, Mallorca, South Africa and the United States.
„Swede 55 is one of those boats which seem to be travelling even when tethered to the dock“ Nautical Quarterly in 1979
Please accept that no free advice is provided beyond this website.
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