Storm 17

[Ged]

Hi All
I'm going to look at a Storm 17 this weekend.
On paper it looks just the boat I'm looking for.
I was wondering whether any Storm 17 owners could let me know if they have any quirks or shortcomings that I should be aware of?

Many Thanks

Ged

[Edwin Davies 2]

Is it a water ballasted Storm 17?

[Ged]

No water ballast. As far as I know they were not originally designed for it.  As I have been sailing much smaller higher performance dinghies, I'm expecting it to feel quite large and stable.

[Edwin Davies 2]

I am sure you will find it bigger and relatively more stable.  I find however that water ballast gives you more options.  I am currently re painting my S17 with WB with a view to selling it.  It will be a complete package with trailer, cover, outboard and every thing else required to tow, launch, sail and recover with confidence.
I have come to a stop at the moment having had an operation on one hand, the third in three years and one of the reasons for passing on this boat.  I will be  advertising the boat in a month or two.

[garethrow]

Ged

I bought the first production Storm 17 to come out of Swallow Boats when they were just beginning to get established - and have never regretted the decision. S17s sail like a big dinghy. The epoxy ply version (as opposed to GRP) is lighter with a harder chine and, being wood, enables easier tinkering in the future for the fixing of hooks / pockets or whatever.

If coming from dinghy sailing you will probably find the location of the tiller behind the mizzen to be a bit off putting - don't be! A little perseverance and one soon adapts. I added a short (abut 10") tiller extension to make helming position slightly more comfortable.

If ordering new and in epoxy ply, consider going for a deck stepped mast as it creates better storage space for oars / anchor etc under the foredeck. The sprayhood, although expensive, is worth investment to keep crew dry in windier conditions. As a later addition I went for a retro fit asymmetric spinnaker on a bow sprit which has proved a bonus on light wind days. Bear in mind though that more sail on a windier day doesn't really add to your speed  - as it is purely a displacement hull - being a double ender.

Drop me a private message with a phone number if you would like to talk anything through.

Regards

Gareth Rowlands
Gwennol Teifi S17

[Ged]

Thanks Gareth, that's just what I wanted to hear.
I've not managed to find a bad word said about them but there isn't much on line information so I just wanted to check.
Have you sailed yours in high winds and big seas?

pm sent

[Richard Cooper]

Hi Ged

I bought one of the very first GRP Storm17's from Matt, which I have had for 10 seasons sailing with no major issues. The GRP is a little heavier and slightly slower. (Well that's my excuse Gareth!)

Having moved down from a Drascombe Lugger, the Storm is lighter and more easily handled on dry land and on or off trailer with as big and usable cockpit. Its  probably not quite as stable, I  have had water over the side a bit but never capsized. If it ever gets really heavy, sailing on jib and mizzen is perfectly feasible so long as wind is about 60-70 degrees off.

-I think a swinging cradle trailer and a sprayhood are the two must have's
-The bespoke cover is less important, it tends to puddle with water very easily. During the winter I use a simple plastic tarpaulin, a bit more fiddly to tie down but being more rigid, does not fill with water, and at about £20 a piece you can replace every 3 or 4 years.
A few other little things to watch out for;-
-On the earliest boats the mizzen support band was screwed directly into the fibreglass, mine pulled out quite quickly, Matt replaced it with though bolts, very easy and quick to do and more secure.
-The cleat for the centreboard uphaul is a bit small and fiddly and can jam open.
-Check the towing eye on the bow is secure, it too can become slightly loose.

Maintenance wise it has stood up really well to regular use mainly in tidal conditions. I have not replaced anything of significance on the boat itself. I re-varnished the spars 3 years ago, and the non varnish woodwork gets a quick rub down and re-coat with Rustins Dansh Oil twice a year, it takes a couple of hours at most.  The trailer needs a bit more tlc. Mine is still on the original bearings and hubs after about 15000 miles, but I have replaced wheels and tyres, jockey wheel and winch strap.

Best of, they look just fantastic!

Richard
Storm 17, Little Grebe.

[Ged]

Thanks for the detailed replies.

How do you find reefing your boats on the water?

[garethrow]

Ged

Re query on sailing in high winds / seas. I have sailed intentionally in F5 and enjoyed,  and just about survived unintentionally in F6 - which is really too much for a Storm17. High seas - yes - steep waves in outer Teifi estuary of around 6 or 7' height - makes for good surfing! Very good sea boats indeed and drier than most thank to high seaboard. Double ender reducers amount of water coming over the stern when beaching with onshore wind / waves. Would agree with Richard's comments on jib / mizzen combination. I always thought though that this would be better still with a small amount of main showing - hence my suggestion of a 2nd reefing point.

Regards

Gareth
Gwennol Teifi S17

[Ged]

I am now the proud owner of a beautiful storm 17... I'm delighted.

[David Hudson]

Well done that man. I am sure will enjoy many, many great days sailing!

[Edwin Davies 2]

Well done that man indeed.   When familiar with the S17 and aware of the problems/advantages perhaps he could bend his metal working skills to produce a retro fit tabernacle?  Said partly in jest partly not.  I hope, Ged, you get as much satisfaction out of your boat (yacht) as I have had out of mine.

[Ged]

I've had my first sail in her, what a joy!
She was much admired... and that's at a club where Devoti D1s are becoming the norm!