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Considering to buy a Maxi 1000
- Thread starter D&T
- Start date 26 Sep 2011
- 26 Sep 2011
I am relatively new to the forums, but have been an regular reader of views and boating issues and have found peoples responses very informative. I have been a dinghy sailor for many years and friends have gradually moved over to cruisers and have loved cruiser life when invited. I am now looking to purchase a cruiser and have been very tempted with a Maxi 1000. The reason for this post, is to see what views there on these boats and any recommendations or alternative boats. Our criteria is , a good stable boat, good cruising performance, point well, will hold value, reliable, well built. We will sail short handed, East Coast rivers, Thames, Medway, Orwell. Have looked at the AWB, but build quality does not seem as good and I beleive do not sail aswell, but I may be wrong. Ideal age would be mid nineties to early 2000's, budget 60K ish. Have been looking at 30-38', like rear cabin. We have looked at Moodys , most have been late 80's and seem dated, or requiring updating. Lastly, whats the view on the current market state?, are boats in this size and price selling? Thanks for any advise
Racecruiser
Maxis look like nice boats and I expect you'll have seen this but just incase: http://www.maxiowners.org/maxi-yachts/maxi-1000.html Quite a big boat to have a fractional rig with just one set of spreaders but then again so did the Sigma 36 although they had runners. The 362 (same hull) has a masthead rig and a good 362 may be a good choice. Might be worth looking at an Elan 333 similar size I think to the Maxi 1000 probably better performance. Others I expect will make some suggestions too. Just noticed you said east coast rivers - shallow although not my area. Maybe look for something with a shoal keel so long as the sailing performance is not compromised too much. Not much idea on the market currently but I tend to think the right boat at the right price well presented will sell - I imagine now may be a good time to buy as owners contemplate winter lay up and storage costs and an iffy stock market.
Lord High Commander of Upper Broughton and Gunthor
Maxi 1000 is a real nice quick boat... I would be inclined for the east coast towards a Starlight 35 wing keel myself based on that sort of price and preformance..
Active member
Sailed in a friends quite a few times, my only reservation is the heavy rudder I find it really excessive. If buying a tiller steered boat try to have a sail in it to make sure you are happy with the load. Not sure if some later ones have a balanced rudder or not his definately does not seem to be. Apart from that very well built if a bit dark down below.
billmacfarlane
The Maxi 1000 is a good bet if you like a well built, good performance boat with a sensible layout. I've always had my doubts about the single spreader rig but I've not heard of any problems with it on the Maxi owner's web site. You might want to look at a well looked after Moody 336 or Westerly Storm both having bilge keel options. SD Marine have 3 Maxi 1000's for sale.
- 27 Sep 2011
I would like to say thank you for the replies I have received so far the Elan 333 looks very interesting and have heard good reports of Elan Boats . The Sigma, also looks good, but a bit older, and I am concered with on going maintainence. I note two concerns of a fractional rig with only one set of speaders, but I also have not heard of any problems....has anyone? My knowledge is not that great, so I ask, why the concern and why would a well respected manufacturer use this set up? I believe the Maxi does not have a balanced rudder, is this correct? I can fully understand the reasoning for a shallow keel in the East Coast rivers, but is a keel of 1.7m a real disadvantage (seems to be many boats with fin keels)? Would it make the passage to other rivers, eg Crouch to Thames or Orwell restricted to high tide etc Thanks for any info The current situation is that we love the Maxi, but the million dollar question is ....Is it the right boat for us?, as it be an expensive mistake if not, and may find selling and buying something else not a real prospect in the current climate
"I can fully understand the reasoning for a shallow keel in the East Coast rivers, but is a keel of 1.7m a real disadvantage (seems to be many boats with fin keels)? Would it make the passage to other rivers, eg Crouch to Thames or Orwell restricted to high tide etc " No problem if you go the long way round, but with a deep(ish) keel you could not nip through Havengore (Crouch to Thames) at all. You'd be restricted to closer to HW for Raysand (Crouch to Blackwater). More restrictions for the Spitway (Crouch northwestwards) and into the Walton Backwaters, into the Deben and Alde/Ore than if you had a shallower draft. The Orwell is OK. Plenty of deep draft boats sail in the east coast rivers - they just have to be more careful to get the tide right, especially if they can't dry out upright and pretend they were there deliberately when they get it wrong! 1.7m would be OK for all but the real creek-crawling.
I had a Maxi 1000 for a few years, and loved it. Very nice boat. I had tiller steering, which I much prefered to wheel. Seemed well made, and sailed well. Wife loved the self tacking jib (we also had a full jennoa we used sometimes). Only two drawbacks spring to mind: - Small fresh water tank - Fairly tender Both probably due to the fact that the Maxi 1000 is classed as a cruiser/racer, I think. If you need any specifics, let me know. MD
Well-known member
D&T said: I would like to say thank you for the replies I have received so far I can fully understand the reasoning for a shallow keel in the East Coast rivers, but is a keel of 1.7m a real disadvantage (seems to be many boats with fin keels)? Would it make the passage to other rivers, eg Crouch to Thames or Orwell restricted to high tide etc Thanks for any info The current situation is that we love the Maxi, but the million dollar question is ....Is it the right boat for us?, as it be an expensive mistake if not, and may find selling and buying something else not a real prospect in the current climate Click to expand...
Twister_Ken
Looked at Maxis (1000, 1050, 1100) before buying different. Only one comment for this discussion - don't recall much stowage space below for stores and gear. Doesn't matter for day/weekend sailing, but might be important if you plan longer trips?
thanks Mobeydick, we have sent you a PM
Thanks Twister Ken, was not aware of the storage issue, but will re look Just wondering what you did buy? and what reasons over the Maxi, any information would be great
- 28 Sep 2011
Owned a Maxi 1000 for 3 years. Lovely boat, beautifully built. Quite tender and not as roomy as more modern designs but lovely to own. Will hold its value well. SD Marine are the guys for these.
Maxi 1000 and Élan 333 both excellent performance cruisers. Performance wise a league ahead of most
I seriously considered a Maxi 1000. I'd chartered a Maxi 34 a few times and liked the performance and handling. The older Maxi 1000s were more racey and had less wood, which is something worth taking into account when looking at the difference in prices between examples. As others have said, boats in the same general category are the X332, Elan 333, Sigma 33 (older), Dehler 34 (not quite as old as the Sigmas). I suspect the single spreader thing is driven by some rating rule or other. IRC certainly seems to penalise extra spreaders. As the Maxi 1000 was designed as a cruiser racer and appears to have had no (or few) problems when racing, and transferring the extra weight of half a dozen crew on the rail to the rig, you're unlikely to have a problem cruising.
- 29 Sep 2011
D&T said: Thanks Twister Ken, was not aware of the storage issue, but will re look Just wondering what you did buy? and what reasons over the Maxi, any information would be great Click to expand...
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Yachting Monthly
- Digital edition
Maxi 1100: Fast and stylish seagoing cruiser
- David Harding
- October 15, 2021
As an understated fast cruiser with racing potential and a nicely appointed interior, the Maxi 1100 has much to recommend her. David Harding reports
Although heavier than a typical modern performance cruiser, the Maxi 1100 is quick and easy to handle. Credit: David Harding
Product Overview
Manufacturer:.
Maxi 1100: A fast and stylish seagoing cruiser
Finding a boat that offers the right combination of comfort and performance is rarely easy. Every boat is a compromise, and you have to choose your priorities.
Then of course there’s the emotional element, which defies rational analysis.
As Phil Nicholas, the happy owner of a Maxi 1100, puts it: ‘I’m mindful of the saying that unless you’re a ferryman or a fisherman you don’t need a boat. For us, it had to be a love affair.’
To some people, like Phil and his wife Julie, a boat’s appearance and what you feel for her are important.
Phil and Julie Nicholas find that the Maxi’s deck layout is well suited to short-handed sailing. Credit: David Harding
‘When you look at so many modern boats with their towering topsides they’re really not elegant,’ he says. Few of us would disagree.
Given Phil and Julie’s enthusiasm for their boat, coupled with the amount of time they spend aboard and the number of miles they have covered, you might imagine that they had owned a number of yachts before buying Destiny .
In fact they hadn’t. Julie’s uncle ran a sailing club on the Thames, where she sailed dinghies as a child, while Phil had owned a series of small motorboats between some early dinghy sailing before succumbing to the urge to buy a cruising yacht.
Phil Nicholas started sailing in dinghies before moving to small motorboats and then bought the Maxi 1100 in 2007. He and his wife Julie have cruised extensively, while Phil also races the Maxi 1100 and on a variety of other boats. Credit: David Harding
The Maxi 1100 proved to be that cruising yacht. Once the urge had lodged, Phil became ‘a serial boat-show goer’ even though, when he started, he was still several years away from taking the plunge.
‘I liked Beneteau ’s First 31.7,’ he explains, ‘but I kept coming back to the Maxi 1100 for four or five years despite not being in a position to start looking seriously.’
Gently gently
Those of us who have been in the boat-sales business will recognise a message in Phil’s story: ignore someone just because he’s not about to write you a cheque there and then, and you might lose a sale a few years down the line.
Buyers of sailing yachts are often on a slow burn. So that’s how the Nicholas family came to buy a family cruiser – son Luke came along later – and it’s now 14 years on.
In that time, Destiny has covered a good many miles around the south coast from her base in Poole, both cruising and, though not initially, racing too.
Much of the racing has been with Poole Yacht Racing Association (PYRA). Phil had given no thought to competitive sailing at first.
Barber-haulers and blocks for the spinnaker guys are attached to strong-points inboard of the solid wooden toerail. Credit: David Harding
He did, however, sail throughout the year and quickly learned that 20 knots of wind on a hot summer’s day is very different from 20 knots in the middle of winter.
Then, on the way back from the Solent one day, he found himself in the midst of a racing fleet heading the same way.
‘We asked what was going on, found it was PYRA racing back to Poole, and have been racing with them ever since,’ he says.
Given the way things have turned out, it’s just as well that the Maxi 1100 is capable of giving a good account of herself on the race course.
Regular PYRA competitors include everything from an Elizabethan 29 to a 50ft ex-Admiral’s Cupper, so Destiny sits pretty much in the middle size-wise even if she is closer to the cruising end of the spectrum.
The cockpit, with its high and comfortable coamings, provides plenty of space for leisurely sailing and also works well with a racing crew. Credit: David Harding
Weighing in at over 6,000kg (13,000lb) she’s appreciably heavier than many comparable boats and, not surprisingly, goes best in a breeze .
Phil’s racing results show that, when the wind picks up, Destiny can outperform a lot of boats that one might expect to be faster.
It follows that light airs are not her favourite conditions, especially upwind when the relatively wide sheeting angle on the minimal-overlap headsail limits her pointing ability.
Phil suspects that the Maxi’s keel profile might not allow her to point higher even if the sheeting angle were narrower.
He knows that he can’t rely on boat speed to be competitive in under about 6 knots of wind and that other strategies are needed – which he often deploys to good effect.
He also accepts that, had he bought a boat principally for racing, he would probably have chosen something else. ‘For the reasons we bought it, the Maxi 1100 has been ideal,’ he says. ‘For racing, I could use more of a boy’s boat that I could bash around a bit more – something like a Sun Fast 3200 or a JPK’.
The right balance
On a boat with a nicely finished mahogany interior, bundling wet spinnakers down the hatch is something you try to avoid unless you have plenty of protection in place for the woodwork.
It’s the sort of compromise faced by many people who cruise with the family and race with friends, but the Maxi 1100 has proved to be a pretty successful cruiser-cum-racer and has stood up well to being treated from time to time in a way that Phil hadn’t envisaged when he bought her.
Her interior looks remarkably fresh for a 14-year-old boat. It’s testament to the way she has been looked after and to the way she’s built.
Destiny’s sails are carbon with a double taffeta for durability. Credit: David Harding
There’s no doubt that she’s several cuts above the average in the way she sails, too.
I have seen Destiny and other Maxi 1100s – including Maxi Magic , which graced Yachting Monthly’ s July 2021 cover – racing and cruising in a wide range of conditions and have always thought they look pretty competent all-rounders.
When I went for a sail with Phil and Julie, we had winds that were on the light side of moderate, so it was interesting to see how Destiny handled in 8-10 knots and the sort of chop that even a gentle easterly often kicks up in Poole Bay.
For a relatively heavy boat with a small headsail, the performance was impressive.
The minimal-overlap headsail sheets to tracks on the coachroof, though the sheeting angle is wider than on racier boats. Credit: David Harding
The Maxi 1100 comes with genoa tracks fitted as standard but the majority of 1100s have never used overlapping headsails .
Phil has found the headsail settings that work best and, when the wind across the deck nudged 12 or 14 knots, we typically clocked 6.5 knots with the apparent wind at little over 30° in the flatter patches.
The rest of the time we had to keep the nose down a few degrees to punch our way through the chop, the Maxi’s weight and fine, rounded entry allowing us to do so quite comfortably.
Once she gets into her stride, she has an easy, relaxed feel. There’s no definite groove, so you don’t instantly know whether you have got everything right.
Not all Scandinavian yachts come with workable anchoring arrangements, but the Maxi 1100 has a double bow roller and a good anchor well with space for a windlass. Credit: David Harding
It’s a subtle process of getting to know exactly what the boat likes.
Whatever you do, the Maxi 1100 is nicely responsive to the wheel.
It gives good feedback from the rudder, has 1.5 turns from lock to lock and, with its 51in (1.3m) diameter, lets you sit comfortably on the coaming.
Both the mainsheet and the Lewmar 46 primary winches are within easy reach of the helm.
Stainless steel cleats all round are big enough to accept chunky warps, while chafing strips protect the woodwork and topsides. Credit: David Harding
As Phil says: ‘One of the good things about this boat is that it is of a size and layout that you can manage singlehanded .’
In heavier conditions, Destiny has never given her owners any concerns – and much to be grateful for.
On one memorable trip from Brest to Ushant, they were flying the kite in 20 knots of wind with the autopilot in charge and the crew sunbathing in the cockpit as they surfed down the waves at 10 knots.
The highest speed to date has been 14 knots.
Sensible upgrades to the Maxi 1100
Being keen to sail the boat efficiently, whether racing or cruising, Phil has made sure all the rig and sail controls work.
Most of the hardware and systems were fitted from new, such as the jamming foot-blocks for the headsail sheets, but he has upgraded quite a lot of the kit too.
Nearly all the halyards are now Dyneema, the bottlescrews are in phosphor-bronze rather than stainless steel, the mainsheet is a 4:1/16:1 purchase and the backstay is 64:1.
The original folding companionway door has been replaced by acrylic washboards to let more light down below. Credit: David Harding
The sails, by Sanders, are carbon with a double taffeta and tend to stay on most of the time except for the summer cruise, when they’re replaced with a suit in Dacron.
For cruising, the large cockpit locker to port provides good stowage. The calorifier and fuel tank are underneath, abaft the heads, so it’s big but not cavernous.
A full-depth locker is in each quarter. For smaller items, you find an open-fronted locker each side in the coaming – just what you want for keeping things like binoculars, a hand-bearing compass, pilot books and so on close at hand.
Those of us who were brought up sailing on boats with coaming lockers wonder how anyone manages without them. It seems extraordinary that they’re rarely seen on modern boats.
The Maxi 1100’s wheel is responsive, giving good feedback from the rudder. Credit: David Harding
Moving forward from the cockpit is easy thanks to the wide side decks .
Outboard is a wooden toerail, and strong-points are fitted along the gunwale for attaching barber-haulers, spinnaker guy blocks and so on.
The chunky stainless steel cleats forward, aft and amidships are worthy of mention because they’re big enough to use with thick warps.
So often one finds them way too small. In the bow is a good anchor well and a double stemhead roller, while overhead the double-spreader, keel-stepped Seldén rig supports the generous spread of sail that’s balanced by the lead keel – the 2m (6ft 7in) version in Destiny ’s case, as opposed to the 1.5m/4ft 11in alternative.
Verdict on the Maxi 1100
For a boat that’s heavier than a typical modern performance cruiser, the Maxi 1100 is pretty quick.
She has a comfortable motion, is easy to handle and incorporates features such as those oh-so-useful cockpit coaming lockers that lesser boats (including many that might not consider themselves to be lesser boats) don’t offer.
Below decks she differs from the modern norm in being finished in mahogany.
Below decks is a practical seagoing layout with good detailing and a high standard of finish. Credit: David Harding
The interior doesn’t feel in the least bit dark, however: there’s a good window area as well as a centre hatch.
Phil also replaced the original hinged companionway door with acrylic washboards to let more light in.
While mahogany might no longer be appreciated as widely as it once was, it’s still one of the most hard-wearing of timbers and far more practical in any number of ways than many of the paler alternatives that have become fashionable in recent years.
On the Maxi 1100 it’s nicely finished too, with well-matched grain, plenty of solid trim, radiused edges and properly aligned doors.
A purist might point out that, for example, the drawers have plastic sides and a tray moulding forms the interior up to bunk level, whereas on boats from some Scandinavian yards you will find no plastic (except in the heads) and all joinery bonded directly to the outer hull .
A chart table with a hinge-down switch panel and drawer space close at hand. Credit: David Harding
None of this is obvious until you start poking around in the Maxi 1100, and the general level of detailing is way above that seen on most production cruisers.
Significantly, the bulkheads are bonded directly to the hull and deck. Then there are touches such as the anti-rattle fabric edging the lifting sections of the sole boards.
It has all been thought about. This is an interior that not only gives you confidence in the boat but also makes it a pleasure to spend time down below.
There’s little to complain about when it comes to day-to-day functionality either.
To starboard by the companionway, the well-equipped galley has plenty of light, ventilation and stowage. Credit: David Harding
It’s a relatively conventional arrangement and one that incorporates useful features such as a wet locker abaft the heads.
Because the tankage is aft (arguably a concession to cruising convenience, because it means the weight isn’t concentrated amidships), all the under-bunk space in the saloon and forecabin is usable for stowage.
Plenty of handholds are fitted and the layout lends itself to seagoing use.
]What matters most is that the owners of this particular Maxi 1100 have been, and still are, more than happy with their choice.
Phil reckons that, with the benefit of hindsight, he might have bought something second-hand rather than new so as to reduce the inevitable worry about every knock and scrape on a brand new boat.
Nonetheless, in almost every respect that matters, Destiny has proved to be just the boat her owners wanted.
Expert opinion on the Maxi 1100
Nick Vass B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS, Marine Surveyor www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk
If money was no object I would buy a Starlight 35 or a Maxi 1100.
Both are great looking ‘proper’ sailor’s boats; the cockpits are compact and safe with good foot holds.
Maxi has favoured low coachroofs and wide side decks on all models which is attractive but can slightly reduce headroom and accommodation.
Upgraded systems on Destiny include the backstay’s 64:1 purchase. Credit: David Harding
Maxi yachts were not cheap and so tend to be well looked after. I have found several 1100s with corroded seacocks, especially around the sea toilet/holding tank outlet.
The stainless steel holding tanks can rust too. Maxi 1100 keel bolts are a little problematic to check as access is not great.
The production of Maxi yachts was taken over by Nimbus Boats in the 1990s, and the yard has a reputation for producing well put together motor and sailing vessels.
The Maxi 1100 was a development of the 34 which followed the Maxi 33 and Maxi 999.
The pre-1985 yachts had a distinctive blue band around an unusual superstructure together with rather high topsides.
They have all been trendsetters but new models have been evolved and are improvements on earlier craft rather than radical changes.
All Maxi yachts were fitted with Volvo engines which give little trouble if properly serviced and are smooth and quiet.
However, make sure that the saildrive diaphragm ring seal has been replaced. Maxi yachts extensively use foam as a hull and deck stiffener in favour of balsa.
This material is not so prone to moisture ingress and provides a lot of insulation whilst being very light.
Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA)
www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk
I’ve had the pleasure of surveying many of the Maxi range and Pelle Petterson’s designs and attention to detail is always impressive.
The Maxi 1100 had quite a short production run, which does make them hard to find for sale in the second-hand market.
Several of the vessels I’ve surveyed have had a light teak internal finish, which makes them airy and bright.
Wide side decks mean moving forward from the cockpit of the Maxi 1100 is easy. Credit: David Harding
To find issues with the Maxi 1100 is to be really nitpicking. The hull is woven rovings with a PVC core, which is generally quite reliable.
Ben Sutcliffe-Davies has been in the marine industry for over 40 years as a long- time boat builder, has been surveying craft for over 20 years and is a Full Member of the YDSA.
Her keel is lead, and I’d recommend the torque settings of her fastenings are checked every 15 years.
It is important to confirm the servicing of the Volvo MD2030 saildrive engine’s drive leg; the gator rubber seal should be replaced every seven years.
The engine is a Perkins base unit and quite reliable; parts are also available globally.
The fastenings of the stainless steel framework for her bow roller and anchor arrangement on her stem do need an occasional check.
I have surveyed a few which had heavy staining and on removal, the fastenings were found to have some crevice corrosion to the threads.
The deck has a PVC foam core, and as with any second-hand yacht purchase, pay close attention to any loose deck fastenings.
Lastly I’ve surveyed several 1100s which had leaks around the port lights and fixed glass, but this is not an unusual issue in craft of this age.
Alternatives to the Maxi 1100 to consider
Starlight 35.
With a lead keel bolted to the bottom of a moulded stub, the Starlight 35 has a low centre of gravity and is a powerful performer. Credit: David Harding
Introduced nearly 10 years before the Maxi, the Starlight 35 followed the Starlight 39 (which was originally launched as the 38).
Both Starlights were designed by Stephen Jones and built with closed-cell foam between the outer hull and the full interior moulding.
The idea was not to make the boats unsinkable, as with the earlier Sadlers, but to enhance structural rigidity along with thermal and acoustic insulation.
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In terms of performance and seakeeping ability, the Starlight 35 set standards that were matched by few boats at the time and have been surpassed by surprisingly few since.
She’s a remarkably quick boat for her weight and the builder’s demonstration model immediately proved as much in the early 1990s by giving a good account of herself in events such as the Round the Island Race (despite being helmed by Yours Truly).
Most Starlights have always been cruised, however, and have appealed to owners who like being able to cover the ground quickly and comfortably in a boat that also has a thoroughly practical seagoing interior.
Apart from the double-skinned hull construction, a distinctive feature of the Starlights is the wing keel.
Raked stems and overlapping headsails still offer benefits in a cruising yacht. Credit: David Harding
In the case of both the wing and the fins – deep and shallow fins were on offer too – the keel was cast in lead and bolted to the bottom of a moulded stub.
This achieved a low centre of gravity and provided the luxury of a good bilge sump.
Thanks to the stub, the lead and the high ballast ratio, there was no need for the hull lines to be compromised to contribute to form stability, so the Starlight remains notably well balanced when hard pressed.
The wing keel further enhances the balance, by moving the centre of lateral resistance aft as the boat heels.
Compared with newer boat designs , the Starlight has a relatively large foretriangle so a little more winching is called for.
And some of the later boats moulded by a sub-contractor to Rival Bowman had structural issues and were subsequently rebuilt.
Genoa tracks are fitted, but a self-tacking jib was standard long before it became popular on cruising yachts. Credit: David Harding
This sporty Swede from the drawing board of Ron Holland was in production from the mid 1980s to the early 1990s, so she’s a good deal older than the Maxi 1100 but in similar vein as a nicely finished Scandinavian performance cruiser.
Several features mark her out as an earlier design, such as the relatively flexible, low-fractional rig (with a keel-stepped mast as you would expect) and a narrower stern than found on most modern equivalents.
The hull was slim by the standards of the day anyway, so you won’t find as much space down below but she still fits in a decent chart table, galley and aft cabin.
There’s also a single cabin in the stern abaft the heads. Below the waterline, as on the Starlight, the lead keel is bolted to a moulded stub for a low centre of gravity and a decent bilge sump.
Similarly, the rudder is hung on a partial skeg. The hull is a solid laminate below the waterline with Divinycell core in the topsides, while the deck is cored with balsa.
Because of her constructions and slim lines, the Omega is appreciably lighter than many boats of her length, tipping the scales at just over 5,000kg (11,000lb).
This contributes to her impressive performance even with a self-tacking jib.
She was quick to make her mark on the race course and is still a competitive boat in the right hands.
The relatively light weight combined with the speed and crisp handling give her a distinctly sportier feel than some, but she’s nicely balanced, well behaved and a good choice if you want a spirited performer that’s easy to handle.
Westerly Typhoon 37
Despite coming from a builder with a name for out-and-out cruisers, the Typhoon has been successfully raced. Credit: David Harding
To some, it might seem strange to mention a Westerly in the same breath as beautifully finished performance cruisers from Scandinavia.
Nonetheless, just as the Starlight 35 found owners who had previously been looking at boats from Sweden or Finland, so too is the Typhoon well worth considering.
Designed by Ed Dubois, the Typhoon was launched in 1990 and was instantly praised for her sailing performance.
She didn’t sell particularly well, though, because not everyone liked the fact that the galley and chart table took up a lot of space and pushed the saloon well forward.
Then, in 1994, the design was upgraded to become part of the Regatta range along with revamped versions of the Spirit 25, Merlin 29, Tempest 31 and Storm 33, which respectively became the Regatta 260, 290, 310 and 330.
Some of the new Regatta models were given fractional rigs instead of their original masthead configurations, whereas the Typhoon was fractional to start with.
The big changes were down below. Ken Frievokh was commissioned to redesign the interiors, and that’s exactly what he did.
Westerlys had always been tough and functional when it came to layout and joinery, but Frievokh gave them a distinctive style that set them apart from anything seen before.
Sadly, this still wasn’t enough to turn around the boat’s fortunes and the hull was then used for the Ocean 37 for a couple of years before Westerly finally folded.
This is definitely one of Westerly’s underrated designs.
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The Maxi 1000 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators
The Maxi 1000, a moderate displacement fractional sloop, was designed by Pelle Petterson and built in Sweden by Nimbus Boats AB.
The Maxi 1000 has captured the attention of sailing enthusiasts and prospective boat buyers worldwide. This Swedish-made vessel, crafted by the renowned Maxi Yachts, is a blend of comfort and performance, making it a popular choice among those who appreciate quality and style.
Published Specification for the Maxi 1000
Underwater Profile: Bulb-fin keel & spade rudder
Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)
Length Overall: 33'5" (10.2m)
Waterline Length: 26'11" (8.2m)
Beam: 10'8" (3.3m)
Draft: 5'7" (1.7m)
Rig Type: Fractional rig
Displacement: 9,921lb (4,500kg)
Ballast: 3,307lb (1,500kg)
Designer: Pelle Petterson
Builder: Nimbus Boats AB (Sweden)
Year First Built: 1992
Year Last Built: 1999
Number Built: 110
Design Ratios: The Key Performance Indicators
- To begin with, the Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of the Maxi 1000 is a crucial aspect to consider. This ratio is a measure of the sailboat's power to carry sail area relative to its weight. A higher SA/D ratio indicates a more potent boat that can better handle light winds, while a lower ratio suggests a slower, heavier boat better equipped for stronger winds. The Maxi 1000 has a SA/D ratio of 16.94, indicating a well-balanced mix of speed and stability.
- Next, the Ballast/Displacement Ratio (B/D) is another critical factor. This ratio indicates the boat's stability and its resistance to capsizing. The Maxi 1000 has a B/D ratio of 34.84%, signifying a decent level of stability and making it a safe vessel for cruising.
- The Displacement/Length Ratio (D/L) is a measure of the boat's speed potential. Lower D/L ratios are often associated with faster, more performance-oriented boats. The Maxi 1000 has a D/L ratio of 204.08, suggesting it is a moderately light boat with good speed potential.
- The Comfort Ratio (CR) is a valuable indicator of a boat's comfort at sea, especially during rough conditions. A higher CR suggests a more comfortable ride, while a lower CR indicates a sportier, less comfortable boat. The Maxi 1000 has a CR of 25.92, indicating a comfortable cruising experience.
- Lastly, the Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) is a predictive indicator of a boat's suitability for offshore cruising. A lower CSF is desirable, indicating a lower risk of capsizing. The Maxi 1000 has a CSF of 2.05, suggesting it is relatively safe for offshore cruising.
Based on these design ratios, the Maxi 1000 is a versatile sailboat that offers a balance of speed, comfort, and stability. It is well-suited for a variety of sailing conditions and is designed to provide a pleasant and safe sailing experience.
But what is the thinking behind the design raios and how are they calculated?
Interior Design & Layout
The Maxi 1000 is designed to maximize space and comfort while maintaining a sleek and efficient layout. The interior is finely crafted with a modern Scandinavian design, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with its teak woodwork and practical features.
This sailboat features two cabins, providing comfortable accommodation for up to six people. The aft cabin, located under the cockpit, features a double berth, while the forward cabin, traditionally referred to as the V-berth, can sleep two persons.
The saloon area is spacious with a layout that includes a large folding leaf table and two settees that can be used as single berths, providing additional sleeping space. Large windows and multiple hatches provide plenty of natural light and ventilation, adding to the overall comfort.
The Maxi 1000 includes a single head, located on the starboard side of the boat, between the saloon and the forward cabin. This compact but well-designed space includes a marine toilet, sink, and a shower.
The galley, located to port, is well-equipped for preparing meals onboard. It comes with a two-burner stove, an oven, and a refrigerator. There's also ample storage space for food and utensils, and a double sink for easy cleanup.
The navigation station is opposite the galley, on the starboard side.
Overall, the Maxi 1000's interior layout and design are thoughtfully planned to provide a comfortable and convenient living space for extended cruising or short weekend trips.
In a Nutshell
The Maxi 1000 is a well-regarded Swedish sailboat that has been a favorite among sailing enthusiasts since it was first introduced in the mid-1990s. Known for its combination of performance and comfort, the Maxi 1000 offers a smooth sailing experience that is suitable for both competitive racing and leisurely cruising.
Measuring just over 10 meters in length, the Maxi 1000 is designed by Pelle Petterson, a renowned naval architect who's known for his innovative designs. The vessel features a sleek, modern hull design that not only looks appealing but also contributes to its impressive speed and handling capabilities.
The boat's interior is surprisingly spacious for a vessel of its size, with ample room to comfortably accommodate up to six people. It includes a full galley, a head with shower, and multiple berths, making it ideal for overnight trips or longer voyages.
The standard sailplan of the Maxi 1000 includes a fractional sloop rig, with a fully battened mainsail and a furling headsail. This setup provides a good balance of power and control, making the boat easy to handle even in challenging conditions. Optional sails such as a spinnaker or a cruising chute may also be available, offering added versatility for different sailing scenarios.
In summary, the Maxi 1000 is a versatile, well-built sailboat that is suitable for a wide range of sailing activities. Whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a competitive edge, or a family looking for a comfortable cruiser for weekend outings, the Maxi 1000 is definitely worth considering.
The Maxi 1000: A few FAQs...
Is the Maxi 1000 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?
The Maxi 1000 is no longer in production. Production ended in 2005, and while the exact number of units built isn't publicly available, it's estimated that several hundred were made.
How many people can sleep on board a Maxi 1000?
The Maxi 1000 can comfortably sleep up to six people with two in the forward cabin, two in the aft cabin, and two in the saloon.
What is the average asking price of a secondhand Maxi 1000?
The average asking price of a secondhand Maxi 1000 can vary widely depending on the boat's condition, age, and location. As of now, prices typically range from $50,000 to $100,000.
I wrote this article using GPT-4, OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model, as a research assistant to develop source material. I wrote the final draft in its entirety and believe it to be accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Dick McClary, creator and owner of sailboat-cruising.com
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- Sailboat Guide
Maxi 1000 is a 33 ′ 5 ″ / 10.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Pelle Petterson and built by Maxi Yachts between 1996 and 1999.
Rig and Sails
Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3
- SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
Displacement / Length Ratio
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort Ratio
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening Formula
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
The Maxi 1000 was a development of the Maxi 999 that was produced between 1985 and 1992 when the 1000 started production. The model remained in build for 10 years with more than 1,000 built. Gemini was hull no. 1042, launched in early 2002 and was one of the later boats. Having reached 20 years old, Gemini hides it well; a few loose areas of ...
The Maxi 1000 is a good bet if you like a well built, good performance boat with a sensible layout. I've always had my doubts about the single spreader rig but I've not heard of any problems with it on the Maxi owner's web site. You might want to look at a well looked after Moody 336 or Westerly Storm both having bilge keel options.
The Maxi 1100 was a development of the 34 which followed the Maxi 33 and Maxi 999. The pre-1985 yachts had a distinctive blue band around an unusual superstructure together with rather high topsides. They have all been trendsetters but new models have been evolved and are improvements on earlier craft rather than radical changes.
The Maxi 1000 Sailboat. The Maxi 1000, a moderate displacement fractional sloop, was designed by Pelle Petterson and built in Sweden by Nimbus Boats AB. The Maxi 1000 has captured the attention of sailing enthusiasts and prospective boat buyers worldwide. This Swedish-made vessel, crafted by the renowned Maxi Yachts, is a blend of comfort and ...
LOA including bowsprit: 10.7m / 35.1 ft Reported SA includes main + self-tacking jib (standard equipment). Genoa 1 = 31 sqm / 333.7 sqft Furling genoa = 28 sqm / 301.4 sqft Rig dimensions courtesy of Maxi 1000 owner Nick Trimming (from owner's manual).
Have a look at our Maxi 1000 from 1999 called Bacchus i. Currently ashore on Deacons Marina and for sale with Whyboats. Let us know your thoughts and questio...
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Maxi 1000 is about 178 kg/cm, alternatively 999 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 178 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 999 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
Maxi 1000. There were around 1000 Maxi 1000's produced in the ten years following it's introduction in 1992, and it was a worthy development of the Maxi 999 of which about a further 600 had already built. ... Practical Boat Owner Volume 589 (Summer 2015) contains a comprehensive review written by Peter K Poland of all Pelle Petterson's ...
Maxi 1000 is a 33′ 5″ / 10.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Pelle Petterson and built by Maxi Yachts between 1996 and 1999. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session.
The Maxi 1000 is one of the most popular yachts from the Maxi stable. Fast and stable upwind and very adaptable for either club racing or family cruising. Th...
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Nimbus Maxi 1000 is about 222 kg/cm, alternatively 1243 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 222 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1243 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
The Maxi 1000 is a modern aft-cockpit fast cruiser with a particularly easy to handle fractional rig, with single line reefing and a self-tacking staysail for "cruising mode". ... with two friends, set up a company in 1969 to import yacht parts, and in 1972 built their first yacht, the Maxi 77, which proved a commecial success. Two years later ...
The Maxi 1000 is a Scandinavian sailing cruiser that bears all the hallmarks of craft built in that region - great looks, a fine reputation for performance and a high quality standard of finish. The Maxi 1000 is a particularly attractive yacht that manages to pull off the difficult trick of having good below decks accommodation without ...
Launched in 1972, Maxi Yachts went through a number of owners. After a bankruptcy in 1991, Maxi was purchased by Nimbus Boats AB. Nimbus continued to develop several new models including the 1000, 1100 and 1300. In 1999 Nimbus partnered with Storebro and formed the Nimbus Group of which Maxi Yachts was a part. In 2012 Maxi Yachts was purchased by Dephia Yachts More than 16.000 boats have been ...
Maxi 1000 Yachting Life Review. Published 18th February 2010 | By chris. We are most grateful to Yachting Life for permission to include their own October 1996 review of the Maxi 1000, reproduced here in full. Just click the image to view in pdf format in a new window. Posted in Maxi 1000.
Under gennaker, reaching at angles from 110°-130° TWA, the Maxi 1200 achieved speeds up to 9 knots, with no pressure on the helm and was a joy to sail. With the wind further behind us I was able ...
Find Maxi 1000 boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Maxi boats to choose from. ... Bluewater Yacht Sales, LLC- Wrightsville Beach | Greenville, North Carolina. 2024 Sea-Doo Switch Sport 18. £28,287. Performance East Inc | Goldsboro, North Carolina. 2024 Excel 1651 F4 Shallow Water.
Rig of Maxi 1100 anno 2000. The boat equipped with a fractional rig. A fractional rig has smaller headsails which make tacking easier, which is an advantage for cruisers and racers, of course. The downside is that having the wind from behind often requires a genaker or a spinnaker for optimal speed.
Published 18th February 2010 | By chris. Tim Thornley's 1050 was featured in Sailing Today, April 2005 (Issue 96). Back copies of this 4 page review can be ordered from www.sailingtoday.co.uk. Permission to reproduce the first page (click the image to view a higher resolution version) is gratefully acknowledged. Posted in Maxi 1050/1060.
While yachts larger than 30.51m (100ft) compete in their own Super Maxi class, the IMA Maxi fleet today encompasses yachts of 18.29m (60ft) to 30.51m (100ft), as published annually in the IMA Maxi ...