duncanson yachts history

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Duncanson 34?

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G'day all, I'm looking to buy a Duncanson 34/35 and I would like a little feedback on my choice. Much of the intended cruising will be in the Coral Sea and Asia South Pacific region, winds about 15 to 35 knots if all goes according to plan... I'm not much of a fan of latitudes greater than about 40! Short handed (1guy 1girl) sailing will be the primary sailing style though capacity for another couple in relative comfort is desireable. Most of my work is with power vessels (I'm a skipper and engineer for vessels up to 25 metres) and am currently working on a 20m vessel doing week trips 110nm into the coral sea and also inner Great Barrier Reef. I have only 2400nm of delivery sailing so an easy sailing vessel is required for further learning. Budget? Within 80,000 aussie pesos, I mean dollars, for the boat and a haul out for a look and poke around with a surveyor.I've looked in the review section here and come up empty, though other reviews have been favourable and the owners I've spoken with like their Duncansons A LOT. Any thoughts??  

Ok then lets start at the beginning and see where we end up. Have you ever been onboard one ? I am a great fan of Duncansons. The 35 has been in my favourite boat category for years. Four years back when I started looking for a new boat after some years without one I came across a Duncanson 37 aft cockpit for sale. From the advert I asolutely fell in love with the thing. Then we went and had a look at her. Strange interior layout. The head is open to the forward cabin and is very small indeed if you are thinking of having a shower, while one of the berths actually required crawling across the galley bench top to get into it. I thought both issues might have been fixable but the other half was having none of it. While I have never seen another Dunc with the odd berth arrangement those I have seen (34's, 35's and 37AC's) have all had that bad head arrangement. I have been told that not all of the 35's had this arrangement but I cannot be sure about this. Under 40', most cruisers would probably go for the 35 or possibly the 37. The 34 was more of a cruiser racer than the others. There is also btw a 34' 1/4 tonner that is much more racer than cruiser. The 35 is a lovely looking boat no doubt. Some had a weird offset propshaft that makes manoeuvering under power interesting to say the least but plenty of them were a more standard arrangement. I've heard reports of leaks that were very difficult to fix where chainplates pass through the decks. A lot of the 34's were saildrive which is no bad thing really. For cruising you could maybe do with a bit more tankage though this is moreso with the race inclined models. Build quality is supposedly excellent. Some hulls experienced bubbling but I'd reckon they'd have all been fixed years ago now. Interior joinery was generally OK, through hulls etc were of an exceptable quality, engines mainly Volvo I believe, rigs were good and strong. Plenty of Duncs have done the Syd-Hob which tends to speak for itself. Draft is acceptable for cruising. From memory the 34 drew just under two metres, the 35 about the same. Basic configuration was not dissimilar to the S & S 34. Moderate fin, skeg hung rudder. For their day they were good boats uphill but unless you are going to employ a huge number one or an assy they offer only moderate performance off the wind when compared with more modern designs. In short for a young couple they are a fine boat. You could also look at S&S 34. We ended up with a Van de Stadt 34 which is also a nice boat. East Coast 31 is anothe likely candidate. Good Luck in your search.  

Thanks for the great reply TDW, I've been aboard one though only for a rum and a sticky beak rather than seeing how she performed. I had similar thoughts about the head arrangement to yourself as I am 6'2"- perhaps dismissing them as me being spoiled by having most of my sea time on stink boats with good appointments. I'll have a bit of a look at your other suggestions, thanks. Being up in the tropics, I don't always get to see a lot of yachts "in the flesh" Thanks again. Troy  

Hi Troy We own a Duncanson 35 and like her a lot. We sail on Moreton Bay and fix her in Manly. She is extremely well balanced and very safe and predictable and considering her age and conservative hull shape... well, she is not slow. The heads are small, but on the upside the forepeak has decent length. The quarter berths are tight, the cockpit is small, there are no cockpit lockers and working on the engine requires flexibility. But, she is a classic sail boat with magnificent lines and the most beautiful movement. She is not a high volume yacht and a bit more modest in room below deck than modern vessels. If you are seriously considering buying a 35 I would be happy to give you some pointers, what to look out for, based on what we learnt after we bought ours. It might help you negotiate a better price.  

Duncanson 37 Hi, this is an old thread, I know but I am considering the purchase of a Duncanson 37 and want to get some opinions from Duncanson owners. Primary usage would be live aboard for 3 to 4 months of the year and coastal cruising east coast Australia for the moment. Any good points, bad points I should look for. I dont seem to be able to google up much info on these yachts , so any input would be appreciated. Regards, Cy.  

Cyacht said: Hi, this is an old thread, I know but I am considering the purchase of a Duncanson 37 and want to get some opinions from Duncanson owners. Primary usage would be live aboard for 3 to 4 months of the year and coastal cruising east coast Australia for the moment. Any good points, bad points I should look for. I dont seem to be able to google up much info on these yachts , so any input would be appreciated. Regards, Cy. Click to expand...

Duncanson 37 Hi Cy I can only tell you of my one experience with our 35 footer, but I imagine it will translate to the Duncanson 37. I have also been frustrated with the lack of information on the Duncanson as there are a few of them out there. It is my understanding that some of the Duncansons were finished off in various yards. Therefore there is some variation between the coachhouses and how some of the technical issues weres solved. This includes whether the mast was stepped on keel or deck and whether the prop drive was centred in front of the rudder or actually exited next to and behind the rudder. Our boat, supposedly built in 1973 had a teak deck overlay that was worn away and small screws through the teak penetrated the fibreglass deck and were leaking. Further, all the mastic around/under every fitting was gone. The only way to fix this properly is to remove everything on deck including the toe rail which is fixed onto the teak decking and is a structural member of the hull- deck joint. This is a fairly serious bit of work. So have a good look at the deck and if it has been fibreglassed over already, how was it done. Was the toe rail removed or was the teak cut off flush with the rail? From slow gradual leaking through the deck, we had extensive delamination to the plywood bulkheads and have re-glassed them all. The damage was restricted to the areas directly under the deck. The lower half of the boat was strong and solid, typical of the time. The chain plates are glassed onto the inside of the hull and they are glassed so that the fibreglass droops down and allows any water to run through. This can look a bit strange when first encountered but makes perfectly good sense. The hulls of the duncansons are extremely well finished, that is the outside only. On the inside the coarse glass roving were just left unfinished without any surfacing tissue. However, the effort the builders saved on the inside they put on the outside (where it counts). The hull is perfectly shaped with not even the slightest bump or abnormality. To the eye, the hull looks perfectly true. Obviously I think they are great boats and I rather fix a beautiful classic like a Duncanson then something with less integrity. qflez  

Hi, We have a Dunc 34 in Manly and would like to meet other family members.  

We have a Duncanson 37 ketch , located at Yamba NSW  

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Hi, Do you still have the Dunc 35 in Manly? We have a Dunc 34 in Manly and would welcome meeting other family members. Regards Anthony  

Hi guys, I am new to this forum, although knew about this forum from previous research into boats. Basically, I have been looking into and learning all I can for the past 1-2 years. I am thinking about checking out a Duncanson 35 that is for sale locally here in Hobart. The boat is a '76 model, and according to the advert was sailed over from SA some years ago. Basically, having looked at the boat in the marina, but not yet inside, it seems to be in reasonable condition, though some basic TLC wouldn't go astray, polishing the hull, cleaning the deck, and re-varnishing the wood fittings etc. According to the advert, however, it has been well maintained and upgraded but of course in truth this really needs to be established. The price is reduced down to $45K, but as it has been for sale for a while now and the owners have upgraded to a newer bigger boat, I would imagine there is likely some further room for negotiation. As someone relatively new to sailing, and it would be my first boat, I wish to be a little cautious before proceeding to making an offer/and a marine survey. Learning about any issues with boats I am interested in be it a Dunc or something similar seems wise to me. I do mostly like the look of the Dunc, especially the hull shape which appeals, but on the other hand the interior does tend to look a little dated, the open head into the V berth is not so great, and the quarter berths do seem awkward, let alone exactly where the chart table, coms, electrics etc are located. On the positive it does have a 3 burner stove and proper fridge (rather than an ice box), new upholstery, has been re-wired and has reasonable coms/instrumentation etc. Supposedly the sail wardrobe is in overall good condition. In looking through the specs for this boat overall it seems pretty reasonable, aside the anchor which is an older design and is certainly something I would want to replace with a better holding type pretty much ASAP. I do like the idea that all the sheets etc lead back to the cockpit and that the dodger and bimini would offer reasonable protection from the elements. I think next off will be an internal inspection and yes checking out the bilge will be a part of this process. The hull, skeg, prop arrangement, and rigging, engine/transmission etc would be a part of the survey inspection of course. The main issue down here in Tassie is the lack of suitable 34-36 ft sloops for sale, and/or especially within my budget. Hence, even if this boat is not exactly what I am looking for, if it meets most requirements, then perhaps it could be a reasonable first boat.  

I have a Duncanson 34 and have owned her for the past 4 years. She is a great vessel and would highly recommend her to anyone thinking of purchasing one. Smaller in the cockpit and cabin than the newer floating eskys but a solid and comfortable sailing vessel.. Happy to give further advice and info if required.  

Thanks for the positive feedback on the Duncs. As I mentioned locally there is an older ('76) but tidy 35 for sale here, now reduced to $42K ono, but as well I have seen on Yachthub a Dunc 34 for around $35K ono. It looks tidy, though I don't know which build year or any of its specifications. The question however, to consider is which actually might make a better cruising boat. I have read quite a bit about each model. I am sure both would be fine for shorthanded sailing, for coastal cruising as well as some longer passages eg across Bass Straight etc. The entry price of the 34, being some $7K cheaper makes it interesting albeit one would need to get it down from its current location in Cairns. (quite a long sail back to Hobart !). But then again there are some other alternatives to consider in a similar vein including a 1980 Sparkman and Stephens 34 for $29K (reduced from its original asking price of $60K) and a Carter 33 also for $29K. Both of these boats being in Sydney. In truth there are probably a number of other similar types of boats within this price range also out there for sale. So what to do. The one thing I do know is that while the 'plastic' modern boats look lovely inside and have more spacious cockpits etc. In truth I can't afford a $70K plus boat, nor at this point in time in view of my limited sailing experience do I want one, and from what I have read and been told by others there are some concerns over the longevity and sailing characteristics of such lighter types of boats. If I am to buy a boat, I simply wish to get the best one I can for the limited funds I have and to enjoy learning to sail with it. Until I get my own boat, therefore I will continue to sail on other people's boats, learn and ask questions.  

I found a Duncanson 35 for sale and we are considering it could be a good first boat. We want to sail it around Queensland and eventually off the the South Pacific Islands and maybe even South East Asia. Duncanson 35 Yachthub It seems to have the offset propeller shaft. How big of an issue is this? Should I avoid it and look for a center propeller shaft? Also, is the Duncanson 35 a solid hull fibreglass boat or cored? I am worried about delamination. We only have a modest budget of AUD40k, really hoping to get the best boat for what we can afford. Would this boat be ocean capable? We hope we can buy one boat and keep it for many years, so it needs to be suitable for our future plans.  

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Duncanson 29 spec.

Have found some mention on Seabreeze about the Duncanson29, but nothing on figures regarding specifications. I know it has some heritage to the compass 28 as Duncanson designed the cabin for the compass 28 from its earlier model the Northener. what I can't find is the real specifications not even on sail boat data . can any one tell me if it has lead , what weight the ballast is , sail area and any facts related to the Duncanson29. please no rubbish regarding the compass 29 the Duncanson29 will sail circles around a Compass 29 they are completely different boats.

NSW, 7440 posts

They are only little boats. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/237501

MorningBird

NSW, 2648 posts

Select to expand quote Ramona said.. They are only little boats. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/237501 But good ones. I had a Dunc, nice boat.

Select to expand quote MorningBird said.. Ramona said.. They are only little boats. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/237501 But good ones. I had a Dunc, nice boat. Yours was nothing like the 29. The 29 is a narrow hull and a cramped interior.

More info here. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/235240 Very similar interior to a Northerner 28 and about the same amount of room. I was looking after a mates Northerner for a few weeks and when I went straight over to my Currawong I was surprised how much more space I had with the extra beam. It's the same when I compared the Swanson 32 with my boat, that extra beam makes a lot of difference.

Select to expand quote Ramona said.. MorningBird said.. Ramona said.. They are only little boats. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/237501 But good ones. I had a Dunc, nice boat. Yours was nothing like the 29. The 29 is a narrow hull and a cramped interior. True, but the 29 is a seaworthy one. A bit like a Clansman, narrow and pokey but a good sea boat.

Select to expand quote MorningBird said.. Ramona said.. MorningBird said.. Ramona said.. They are only little boats. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/237501 But good ones. I had a Dunc, nice boat. Yours was nothing like the 29. The 29 is a narrow hull and a cramped interior. True, but the 29 is a seaworthy one. A bit like a Clansman, narrow and pokey but a good sea boat. I like the thought of seaworthy have owned a Northener I will always remember the way it handled running down big waves following a Nicholson 32 over the bar at night at Yamba . beam does make a huge difference on the interior of a yacht , comfort to in a seaway I wish there was a negative to make me feel better about buying a skinny yacht.

VIC, 5904 posts

Select to expand quote Ramona said.. They are only little boats. yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/duncanson-29/237501 bargain of the week !!!! top buy !!

QLD, 877 posts

It's real barging for sure, Cascade, Dunks 29 was one of my previous boats, Lots of positive, but one little one I didn't like A propeller behind the ruder. Under certain speed, boat ignoring ruder, we had tight spot to get to pen , we had to push it in and out.

Select to expand quote Zzzzzz said.. I like the thought of seaworthy have owned a Northener I will always remember the way it handled running down big waves following a Nicholson 32 over the bar at night at Yamba . beam does make a huge difference on the interior of a yacht , comfort to in a seaway I wish there was a negative to make me feel better about buying a skinny yacht. Just go and have a look at that Swanson 32 at Batemans Bay. There should be a Northerner 28 on a mooring nearby to compare. Dark blue hull. Another ex local boat I got to sail in the 70's.

The Dunc 29 is a Compass 28 modification that John Duncanson did when he was moulding the 28s. Quicker than the 28s by maybe 3%. My info personally from Don Lees and the former RSAYS handicapper

SA, 36 posts

The Duncanson 29 has lead ballast of 1.7 tons with a displacement of 3.4 tons I believe. The keel is encapsulated. They are extremely strong, seaworthy boats with the advantage of being easily sailed singlehanded. They heave to comfortably. The design is aesthetically pleasing, an important element of boat ownership for me. A couple from Kangaroo Island here in South Australia sailed one around the world about 20 years ago and wrote an interesting account in the book "Turkey Spam on Sunday." I believe they still own and sail the boat from KI. Another D29 was sailed singlehanded from Perth to South Africa and back, documented in the book "Lotus 11" by Nigel Ridgeway. They were built by three builders that I am aware of, John Duncanson, Barry Quin Marine and Swarbrick. The first ones being built by John Duncanson from about 1970 I believe. I owned one of the Swarbrick boats several years ago and currently own one built by Barry Quin in 1983. While similar to the Compass 28, they have quite a few differences in design. The interiors are different with most D29's having settee berths rather than the dinette. The cockpit has a different seating configuration and the stern is a different shape. The biggest difference is in the design of the keel, which is much more akin to the S&S 34 design with a skeg hung rudder rather than the Compass which has a full length keel and rudder. The boat "Effie" in the for sale link above is an excellent, well looked after example and I have sailed in company with her on several occasions. Regards, Terry

Select to expand quote 2Shakey said.. The Duncanson 29 has lead ballast of 1.7 tons with a displacement of 3.4 tons I believe. The keel is encapsulated. They are extremely strong, seaworthy boats with the advantage of being easily sailed singlehanded. They heave to comfortably. The design is aesthetically pleasing, an important element of boat ownership for me. A couple from Kangaroo Island here in South Australia sailed one around the world about 20 years ago and wrote an interesting account in the book "Turkey Spam on Sunday." I believe they still own and sail the boat from KI. Another D29 was sailed singlehanded from Perth to South Africa and back, documented in the book "Lotus 11" by Nigel Ridgeway. They were built by three builders that I am aware of, John Duncanson, Barry Quin Marine and Swarbrick. The first ones being built by John Duncanson from about 1970 I believe. I owned one of the Swarbrick boats several years ago and currently own one built by Barry Quin in 1983. While similar to the Compass 28, they have quite a few differences in design. The interiors are different with most D29's having settee berths rather than the dinette. The cockpit has a different seating configuration and the stern is a different shape. The biggest difference is in the design of the keel, which is much more akin to the S&S 34 design with a skeg hung rudder rather than the Compass which has a full length keel and rudder. The boat "Effie" in the for sale link above is an excellent, well looked after example and I have sailed in company with her on several occasions. Regards, Terry Thank you that description. A good account of the boat from personal experience.

"Duncanson 29 Spec" started by Zzzzzz

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Compass Yachts a buyers guide

Introducing a new series on australia's most popular second-hand production boats. experienced yacht broker david bray profiles the history and enduring success of the compass yachts range.

A press clipping captures the scene when the 300th Compass 28 rolled out of the shed. Toasting the new yacht are Don Lees and Gunther Heuchmer, the two founders of Compass Yachts, and the proud new owners. All are resplendent in the fashion of the day, which has come and gone (and come and gone again). But Compass Yachts' popularity endures to the year 2000 in the second-hand market, almost two decades since it stopped production.

Asked to write a regular piece about popular production yachts, I thought that Compass was a logical place to commence. So I rang Don Lees, now in Brisbane, who I occasionally catch up with on the phone when a client needs a surveyor up north. True to form as always, Don was happy, interested and obliging, despite the ups and downs dealt out by the boating industry to those who have been part of it.

What was going to be a quick 15-minute exploratory chat, turned out to be an hour of lively banter about the history of Compass Yachts, punctuated by happy reminiscences of just about every person involved in production-yacht building back in the '60s and '70s.

True to his word, an express post envelope arrived the next day bearing 'The Don Lees Library' full of photos, brochures and memorabilia that Don has collected over the years.

I was impressed by a black-and-white photo of a 'young slip of a kid', complete with thongs (jandles if you're a Kiwi), standing next to the strip plank plug of the Westerly 26 (later to be revamped and known as the Pacific 27). That photo was taken in 1969, when Don was 31. Oh how we age... or do black-and-white photos make us look young?

Like most fibreglass production-yacht builders of the day, Don started out his working life as a shipwright. Born in New Zealand, he had always messed around in sailing dinghies, from the P-Class up, and then yachts. The natural progression was to become a shipwright and Don also picked up naval architecture experience working with top New Zealand yacht designer Bob Stewart, famous for the Stewart 34s.

Don then moved to Australia and to gather more experience, he worked at the well-known Halvorsen's yard in Sydney, before moving out and starting work on his own.

By contrast, Don's co-director/co-designer, Gunther Heuchmer, came to Australia from Germany as a fibreglass technician, expert in both the marine and aeronautical fields with this relatively new material - 'fibreglass'. The story goes that the pair met up when Gunther was subcontracting the fibreglass mouldings and Don the timber fitout for the Endeavour 24s.

And so G.H. Fibreglass was formed somewhere in 1965/66, with Don and Gunther's first design being the Northerner 28. "A bloody big production yacht at the time," Don says. In fact, the only bigger fibreglass yachts on the local scene then were the Clansman 30 and Nicholson 32.

The first Northerner 28 hit the water in 1966 (a year after the Beatles' hit, Yesterday), to be followed by the Southerly 23, Westerly 26, and Easterly 30, filling out the four points of the compass, hence the company's name change in the '70s.

A feature in the Northerner 28 which was to follow through into the Compass 28 and Compass 29 was the high-set dinette and large cabin windows, to allow light in and a view out. In Don Lees' words, "On most yachts, going below was like going down a mine shaft!"

Interestingly, even though it was a large yacht by the day's standards, a Northerner 28 could be launched fully complete for under $10,000 in the late '60s.

Around 1970, Don and Gunther made what was to be a fairly short-lived arrangement with the yacht designer/builder John Duncanson in South Australia. Duncanson was going to produce the fibreglass mouldings, to be fitted out by Don and Gunther.

Duncanson did produce a more modern deck moulding which was then used in what became the Compass 28 and in South Australia the Duncanson 29.

Another offshoot was that the Duncanson 18 briefly became the Compass 18, before moving on to David Rose and becoming the Compass Careel 18, Australia's most popular production trailer yacht.

By the time all production moved back to Sydney, the Compass 28 was replete with full fibreglass internal mouldings for the furniture, neatly trimmed with Don Lees' high standard of timber finish. It was therefore one of the first production yachts to be fully finished, commissioned and launched by the factory. Alternatively, the yacht could be ordered at various stages for owner fitout, using factory kits or their own resources.

The Compass 29 was born in 1974 out of Don and Gunther's desire to upgrade what had become Australia's most successful production yacht, to keep up with what customers desired and take advantage of some new production techniques to improve efficiency of construction.

Comparing the two, the Compass 29 has more freeboard, allowing two metres of headroom plus extra beam, which, together with the revised deck, allows for a beamier cabin including a dinette suitable for four adults - still with the fantastic view (the Compass 28 dinette is really only comfortable for two adults and two children, as the sidedeck encroaches too much).

The shrouds were moved inboard, allowing easier access forward, plus changes were made to the underwater shape. There is still argument as to which is the best sailing yacht... but as Don Lees says, "It depends who's on the tiller!" The Compass 29 definitely wins hands-down on internal room and comfort.

Initial thoughts (and hopes for factory efficiency) were that the Compass 28 would 'die off', to be taken over by the new Compass 29. This proved wrong, as the Compass 28s continued into the '80s. In fact, I remember selling two 28s into a charter fleet at The Spit in Sydney in the early '80s, at which stage I was Sydney Sailboat Centre with Geoff 'Grandad' Pearson.

Back in those days, people still bought new boats, as second-hand boats were still priced relatively close to the new boat price, and for some customers the Compass 28 was within reach while the Compass 29 was just that bit too expensive.

I asked Don Lees if he still had any old boat tests, as they were always a good source of information. His response was, "We were too busy selling them to do boat tests!"

It's probably sufficient to say that some people would describe the sailing ability of the Compass 29 as boring, while others would say sedate and 'un-scary'. The latter point of view explains why so many Compass 29s have been sold, and continue to sell quickly when they come on the second-hand market, as they satisfy the need for a safe, family yacht.

Checking through my sales folders proves that there is no such person as a typical Compass 29 owner. They can be first-time yacht buyers all the way through to those looking for "My last yacht... and I'll be taking the grandkids out on her".

Recently I sold a 1980 Compass 29, Karamanda, which apart from being in very good condition for its age, had the three magic ingredients that buyers want - wheel steering, headsail furler and the bigger Yanmar 15hp diesel. As the photos show, Karamanda is a stock-standard production yacht showing excellent utilisation of space. As mentioned before, the dinette 'with views' seats four adults comfortably and makes a good double bed when converted.

The dinette table includes a chart drawer, so that the space normally used for a dedicated chart table allows for a larger, longitudinal galley and two full-size adult quarter berths.

Forward of the galley and dinette is the private toilet area and the forward double bunk, which completes the roomy six-berth layout.

The Compass 29 was a cleverly packaged, old-fashioned yacht that imparted a feeling of safety to the buyer, together with a bright, airy interior taking full advantage of fibreglass furniture and linings.

Resale of the Compass 29s (and Compass 28s) is excellent, with most flying through marine survey. Structurally, the Compass 29s are 'over-built'; when they became popular as charter yachts both on Pittwater and in the Whitsundays, Don Lees could have built the boats lighter and still complied with the charter requirements. Many other production yachts had to be beefed up to comply.

The Compasses do suffer the usual crop of osmosis, which today is nowhere near the mystery it was 10-20 years ago. One well-known surveyor has gone to the trouble of backtracking through his surveys of all types of yachts and found that 95% of the fibreglass yachts have had osmosis during their life.

Don says: "Like many manufacturers worldwide, Compass Yachts suffered the period of transformation to the newer formulated resins, inheriting larger overseas and local resin manufacturers' initial problems. In retrospect, the material was critically unstable and required a post-curing and workshop temperature control not found in production yards even today."

As the largest producer of fibreglass yachts at that time in Australia, Compass was used as something of a 'guinea pig' for the new materials, causing some heartache in the company's warranty hip-pocket.

On the positive side, most Compasses on the market are 20-25 years old and have generally been surveyed at least five times or more during their life, giving the intended buyer solid reassurance.

In the mid '70s to early '80s, the yacht marketplace started to change and 'go modern'. Compass Yachts built the 1975 Sydney-Hobart winner, the groundbreaking Farr 1104, Piccolo. But as Don Lees says, "At Compass we had a very loyal customer base who wanted the more traditional cruising yacht, and as it turned out, a lot of them went to the Ron Swanson-designed Arends 33, while boats like John Buck's Northshore 27 and 33 and the Peter Cole-designed Traditional 30 picked up the modern end of the market."

At the end of 1979, Gunther decided to leave Compass Yachts and go to the performance end with his Farr 40s and 37s and later the Spider trailer yachts. One of his Farr 40s, Indian Pacific, sailed to victory in the notorious 1984 Sydney to Hobart Race.

Don Lees stuck with Compass Yachts and put his efforts into the centre cockpit Compass 33 Innovator, which was based on the Farr 1104 hull. The concept was ahead of its time and also totally foreign to the loyal band of Compass followers, who still wanted something traditional.

Don recalls that at the 1981 Sydney Boat Show, "The lights went out - it was recession time and no-one wanted to buy boats". It was certainly a sad time, since Compass yachts had put out close to 1000 yachts and had an excellent rapport with their customers.

I can recall picking up the last Compass 29 to come out of the factory - despite the obvious difficulties of a voluntary liquidation, Don had the boat ready on time, as promised. Just as we learnt to depend on Don, you can certainly depend on Compass Yachts.

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Duncanson 43

1992 Duncanson 43 now for sale exclusively with DBY Boat Sales.

This outstanding 1992 Duncanson 43 cutter ketch is a prime example of a Duncanson design with good looks, performance, comfort and reliability.

She was originally built for survey though never chartered, resulting in a super strong construction with watertight bulkheads throughout.

The hull is a composite of 25mm finished Canadian white cedar with 6mm Epoxy glass inside and out.

She has just arrived back from a world cruise.

She has been diligently maintained and is a proven ocean vessel.

 Her timberwork inside and out are in outstanding condition, including her replaced decks.

Set up for short handing she is easily handled by a couple.

An extensive inventory designed for long term live aboard - this is a wonderful opportunity to buy the complete and ready to go package at an affordable price.

Located in Newport Pittwater she is ready to show and sail away with a new owner.

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Cruising Yacht Association

CCYA History

The Careel 18 and 22 are based on designs by John Duncanson (C18) and Joe Adams (C22) and are built in Sydney by David Rose Yachts with some also having been built in Brisbane and New Zealand under licence.

From its inception, the Careel 18 (and later the Careel 22) quickly became the premier trailer yacht of its day. Along with the boats, the Careel Cruising Yacht Association (CCYA) was formed in 1970 by the Roses and a small group of dedicated owners to act as both a Class Association under Yachting Australia and also to form a social network to organise cruises, races and other social events.

The CCYA was originally based in Sydney and over the years grew to a membership of over 300 families (the Association sees the boat and her immediate family as members). More than 400 C18s and over 100 C22s were built over the years and most of these boats are still being sailed today.

David and Pam Rose sailing a Mk I Careel 18

A circa 1989 C18 Mk III being raced

Duncanson 42

Used yachts for sale, sail monohulls 40ft > 50ft,        duncanson boats for sale, duncanson 42 boats for sale.

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Duncanson 34 Boats For Sale in Australia

Found 3 listings.

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Duncanson 34

Built in South Australia the Duncanson 34 is just one model amongst many types and sizes ...

• 34' / 10.36m

1987 Duncanson 34 for sale exclusively with DBY Boat Sales. One of the best examples of ...

Duncanson 34 Custom Kit Boat

REDUCED Built to perfection 'Strega' is a very successful one off club cruiser / ...

• 2001 approx
• AU $69,500 Or nearest offer