1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34
$45,000.
1983 SEA SPRITE LUDERS 34
Bristol Condition - Offshore Classic
The 1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34 by C.E. Ryder is a classic example of a well-designed and robust offshore cruising sailboat. With its Airex fiberglass construction, traditional layout, and reliable performance characteristics, it remains a popular choice for sailors looking to explore coastal waters and venture offshore in comfort and safety. Designed by Bill Luders and built by the C.E. Ryder company in Bristol, RI who have a strong reputation for producing high-quality sailboats.
This Sea Sprite 34 "Manasquan" enjoyed a successful pre-sale survey and was found by the surveyor to be "Bristol" condition. You will not find a better condition 80's vintage classic sailboat like this one. Will not last long on the market!
Here's a detailed review of the 1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34:
Design and Construction:
- Designer: Bill Luders, a highly respected naval architect known for his emphasis on seaworthiness and performance.
- Builder: C.E. Ryder Corporation, based in Bristol, Rhode Island, known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail.
- Hull: The hull is Airex cored fiberglass, providing durability and strength suitable for offshore cruising. It has a full keel with a cutaway forefoot, which enhances tracking and stability in rough seas.
- Deck and Cockpit: The deck layout is practical for cruising, with wide side decks and a spacious cockpit designed for comfort and safety.
Rigging and Sails:
- Rigging: The Luders 34 typically features a masthead sloop rig, which is common for boats of this size designed for cruising. The rigging is robust and designed for easy handling.
- Sails: It usually carries a mainsail and a genoa or jib. The sail area is adequate for cruising, providing good performance in a variety of wind conditions.
Interior Layout:
- Accommodations: Below deck, the Luders 34 is known for its traditional and practical layout. It typically includes a forward cabin with V-berth, a main salon with settees (which can double as berths), a galley equipped with essential amenities, a navigation station, and a head (bathroom) with shower.
- Woodwork: C.E. Ryder boats are noted for their craftsmanship in interior woodwork, often using teak and other fine woods.
Engine and Systems:
- Engine: Most Luders 34s were fitted with Universal diesel engines, 3 cylinder 24 horsepower, providing reliable auxiliary power for cruising.
- Tankage: Adequate fuel and water tankage for extended cruising, 18 gallons for fuel and 70 gallons for water.
Performance and Handling:
- Seakeeping: The Luders 34 is known for its excellent seakeeping abilities, making it a comfortable and safe offshore cruiser.
- Handling: The full keel and balanced design contribute to good handling characteristics, especially in heavier seas and when sailing on different points of sail.
Market Perception:
- Value: The Sea Sprite Luders 34 is highly regarded among cruising sailors for its build quality, design pedigree, and suitability for long-distance voyages.
- Resale: Well-maintained Luders 34s tend to hold their value on the resale market, reflecting their reputation and desirability among cruising enthusiasts.
For prospective buyers, ensuring a thorough inspection of the hull, rigging, and engine systems is crucial, as the boat's condition and maintenance history will greatly influence its suitability for continued cruising adventures.
Updates/Upgrades/Maintenance Log:
- New/Replaced Anchor Chain 2015
- Anchor Stern 2012
- Boom kicker w 8:1 tackle 2014
- Brightwork - exterior 2021
- Brightwork Interior 2014
- Chain plates 2018
- Chain plates Upper 2018
- Dodger and Canopy 2022
- Electrical Alternator (new replacement) 12V-51 AMP 2016
- Electrical Alternator Belt About every 2 yrs
- Electrical Batteries 2019
- Electrical Bow light 2010
- Electrical Mast Head Light 2010
- Electrical Transducer 2013
- Electrical wiring 2013
- Electrical wiring 2019
- Engine 1983
- Engine freshwater pump 2018
- Engine Diesel Pump 2018
- Engine Filter Diesel Primary annually Engine Filter Diesel Secondary every 2 yrs
- Engine Filter Oil annually
- Engine salt water filter 2020
- Engine Heat Exchanger - 2011
- Engine Heat Exchanger Zinc annually
- Engine Hoses 2011
- Engine Mounts 2019
- Engine thermostat 2018
- Engine ventilation fan/Dorade 2019
- Fuel Gauge and sender 2012
- Navigation Chart Plotter 2019
- Ports Cabin 2014
- Propeller (original) 2009
- Propeller Zinc annually
- Propellor (new) 2021
- Propellor Cutless Bearing 2021
- Propellor Shaft Seal 2014
- Pump Fresh water 2015
- Pump Macerator 2008
- Pump Pressure tank 2015
- Pump Salt Water 2018
- Sail - 135% Genoa 2010
- Sail - Gennaker 2010
- Sail - Main 2010
- Sail Cover 2024
- Self Furler 2010
- Stackpack 2024
- Tank - Fuel 2012
- Marine Head 2020
- Sanitary Hoses 2012
- Tank Holding 2008
- Through Hulls 2013
- Transmission 1983
- Transmission 2021
- Transmission Oil - Annually
- Winch - Halyard Stoppers 2012
- Winch - Jib Halyard 1983
- Winch - Main Halyard 2012
- Winch - Main Sheet 2012
- Winch - Primary 2012
- Winch Anchor 2012
- Wind Vane 2010
Specifications
Additional info, basic boat info, engines / speed.
- Make: Universal
- Model: 5424
- Fuel: Diesel
- Engine Power: 24hp
- Type: Inboard
- Propeller Type: 3 BladeBronze
- Engine Location: Center
- Drive Type: Direct
- Engine Hours: 275
- Request Info
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Though a dated design with short waterline and full keel, this boat sails better than her contemporaries.
The 1960s produced a whole passel of smaller production yachts of a similar style designed by the likes of Phil Rhodes, Carl Alberg, Olin Stephens, and Ted Hood. These are quite traditional boats with moderate overhang fore and aft, modest topside height, full keel, heavier displacement, low aspect rig, and perky sheerline.
One of the most popular and typical of this style of boat is the Luders 33 designed by Bill Luders and built by Allied Yachts of Catskill, NY, from 1966 to 1974. Luders, a former boatbuilder as well as designer, designed the 1964 America’s Cup contender American Eagle , a fleet of 44′ yawls for the US Naval Academy, and the Sea Sprite 34.
It is unfortunate that the builder of the Luders 33, Allied Yachts, had such a troubled existence, struggling for survival from the early 1970s until the firm finally succumbed for good in 1981. In its heyday in the late 1960s, Allied built some popular boats including the 35′ Seabreeze, the 39′ Mistress, and the semi-classic Seawind 30 (later the 32′ Seawind II) as well as the Luders 33.
The problem for the used boat buyer in considering a boat from a defunct builder is compounded in the case of Allied. In its struggle in its latter years the quality of the boats Allied built became inconsistent. This is more notable in the detailing and finish work than in basic construction, but it is a factor to consider. However, this should not be as much a problem for buyers of the 33 as for later Allied products.
A Close Look at the Boat
Throughout its nine year production run, a bit more than 100 Luders 33s were built. Still, like such similar boats as the Alberg 30, the relative scarcity and traditional styling have made it a bit of a cult object.
With her short waterline, heavy weight, short rig, large amount of wetted surface, and small prop in aperture, the 33 can hardly be termed a spritely performer under either sail or power. For instance, against the more modern (designed in 1968) but otherwise comparable Tartan 34, the 33 gives away more than 20 seconds per mile under PHRF.
At the same time the 33 is no slouch when sailing among heavier boats of her type. At her introduction, much was made of her hull design having been tank tested; indeed in the later 1960s, 33s compiled a creditable racing record. At their best in winds of 10 to 15 knots and smoother seas, a number are still successfully raced in PHRF events in the Northeast where winds are typically moderate. Although short, the rig with its big mainsail and masthead foretriangle provides plenty of sail power; however, a good reefing system is needed to prevent overpowering in a breeze. One advantage of the large mainsail is the ease with which the boat can be handled under mainsail alone, in contrast to the difficulty of sailing a modern tall, skinny mainsail design without a headsail.
For power the 33 will have either the original Gray 25 hp gas engine, the 27 hp gas Palmer (after 1967), or a small retrofitted diesel. All can provide enough push ahead, but the prop location and size hurts backing down.
Belowdecks the 33, like so many of boats of her size and type, is decidedly cramped compared to more recent 33-footers, although it’s spacious for a boat with a waterline length of merely 24′.
The forward berths are comfortable; the upper or pilot berth in the main saloon is handier as a catchall than it is for sleeping; the pull-out transom berth is not bad as either a seat or a berth; and the “convertible dinette” is just fine for those who want to have a double berth and who don’t object to the compromise.
Other than the dinette, the layout of the 33 is definitely “traditional” with an athwartships galley aft, a small head, and an icebox lid that doubles as a chart table. The raised cabin trunk with large windows was a popular feature in production boats of this era, providing headroom, light, and cockpit protection.
The interior decor of the 33 was intended to be plain and functional, although a number of owners report dressing it up with wood, replacing Formica surfaces. The quality of the joinerwork and finish varied somewhat during the production run but in general can be deemed about average.
The cockpit is short by modern standards but has more abundant stowage space in seat lockers and lazarette than in later boats fitted with quarterberths and cockpits extending to the transom. The original design was for tiller steering, but many 33s have been subsequently fitted with wheel steering. Owners report wheel steering preferable for ease at the helm but are divided on whether it should be located forward or aft in the cockpit.
The decor might be plain, but there seems no question that the basic construction of the 33 is rugged. The weight of the boat apart from ballast amounts to a whopping 8,000 pounds, a weight that today is closer to the all-up displacement of boats with waterlines 2′ to 4′ longer.
What to Look For
As with so many boats built more than, say, 10 years ago, weaknesses such as inadequate hull-to-deck joints, poor bulkhead tabbing and the like have long since become apparent and should be found in any professional survey. What may be less apparent in the 33 is deck and cabintop delamination—separation of the laminate from the balsa core.
Similarly there are reports of gelcoat problems (crazing, voids, etc). And, as with any deck-stepped mast the step and under-deck support system should be carefully checked. So too should the rudder and its hangings.
In the era in which the 33 was built, strength was often obtained by using heavy fiberglass scan’tlings in place of good construction engineering, one result of which is sloppy glasswork although not necessarily a weaker hull structure.
With a boat of the type of the 33, upgrading and refurbishing seems a worthwhile investment. Performance can be markedly improved with slab reefing, a roller traveler, good sails, etc. The looks of the boat can be dramatically enhanced with well finished exterior wood trim and refinished gelcoat surfaces. Thus, in considering used 33s, look for those in which past owners have worked—and spent—to make their boats better. The alternative is to look for a sound but unimproved model at the right price and plan to invest in bettering her. Finding the right one may take time and effort, but they do come on the market. As one owner put it, “Look for three years and close the deal in three minutes if you find her.”
Conclusions
Given the price on the used boat market of similar “traditional” boats such as Cape Dories, Sea Sprites, and Albergs, the Luders 33 strikes us as a most promising alternative. The 33 sails better than most of her full keel/short waterline kin, is built to last as long, and should represent good equity. In return, the 33 may need some refurbishing, perhaps a new diesel engine if not already retrofitted, but the result is a superb boat at a price that should be well below that of other production boats of her type.
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Also called the LUDERS 34. Sailboat Forum. View All Topics: ... A Ballast/Displacement ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more powerful boat that will be better able to stand up to the wind. Bal./Disp = ballast (lbs)/ displacement (lbs)*100 ... HS = 1.34 x √LWL (in feet)
Luders preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Luders used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... 34' Catalina Catalina 34 Sag Harbor, New York Asking $15,000. 12' topaz vibe Egg Harbor, Wisconsin Asking $5,500. 13' Hobie Cat Wave Port Sanilac, Michigan
The Sea Sprite 34, also called the Luders 34, is an American sailboat that was designed by Bill Luders as a cruiser and first built in 1980. [1] [2] [3] The design is the largest of the series of Sea Sprite Sailing Yachts .
The 1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34 by C.E. Ryder is a classic example of a well-designed and robust offshore cruising sailboat. With its Airex fiberglass construction, traditional layout, and reliable performance characteristics, it remains a popular choice for sailors looking to explore coastal waters and venture offshore in comfort and safety.
The 1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34 by C.E. Ryder is a classic example of a well-designed and robust offshore cruising sailboat. With its Airex fiberglass construction, traditional layout, and reliable performance characteristics, it remains a popular choice for sailors looking to explore coastal waters and venture offshore in comfort and safety.
Find Sail Luders boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Luders boats to choose from.
1981. 33'11'. 10'3'. 5''. Louisiana. $19,900. Description: This auxiliary sailboat has been used for pleasure sailing in the Cheasapeake Bay area and more recently in New Orleans. It is a boat well loved by the families that owned it, but sadly with a recent death in the family, it has no captain.
One of the most popular and typical of this style of boat is the Luders 33 designed by Bill Luders and built by Allied Yachts of Catskill, NY, from 1966 to 1974. Luders, a former boatbuilder as well as designer, designed the 1964 America's Cup contender American Eagle, a fleet of 44′ yawls for the US Naval Academy, and the Sea Sprite 34.
The 1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34 by C.E. Ryder is a classic example of a well-designed and robust offshore cruising sailboat. With its Airex fiberglass construction, traditional layout, and reliable performance characteristics, it remains a popular choice for sailors looking to explore coastal waters and venture offshore in comfort and safety.
View a wide selection of Sea Sprite Luders 34 boats for sale in your area, explore detailed information & find your next boat on boats.com. #everythingboats
The 1983 Sea Sprite Luders 34 by C.E. Ryder is a classic example of a well-designed and robust offshore cruising sailboat. With its Airex fiberglass construction, traditional layout, and reliable performance characteristics, it remains a popular choice for sailors looking to explore coastal waters and venture offshore in comfort and safety.
We're down on the Southern coast of Massachusetts this week checking out the latest sailboat for sale... and navigating some ice on deck in this episode! It ...
Find Luders boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Luders boats to choose from.
I've sailed on a 34 about six times - although never offshore. They were one of the first to use foam cores - innovative for the time. But where I'd worry would be the bulkhead tabbing, chain plates, rudder reinforcement, hull/deck joint, etc. You are right to worry about that furling main.
Luders preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Luders used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... Luders Design Built by CE Ryder Sea Sprite 34: Length: 33'11' Beam: 10'3' Draft: 5'' Year: 1981: Type: daysailer: Hull: fiberglass monohull: Location: New Orleans Municipal Yacht Harbor ...
Alfred E.(Bill)Luders spent most of career working at Luders Marine Constuction, originally founded by his father. During WWII, the company built more than 100 vessels for the Military including minesweepers, patrol craft and submarine chasers. During the 1930's, Luders had great success as designer and skipper in the six meter class. In 1958, the yard built the America's Cup boat ...
FOR SALE: 1967 Luders 33, Walkabout, Hull #26. Well maintained Allied Luders 33. Sail all winter and then store for $140/month or sail her home. Many upgrades. Newer through-hulls and seacocks, Lofrans Tigres windlass, Rocna anchor, newer sails, pro-furl, solar panel, Raymarine autopilot-wheel pilot 4000. Westerbeke 21 with new exhaust, cutlass ...
Allied Luders preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Allied Luders used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... 34' Catalina Catalina 34 Sag Harbor, New York Asking $15,000. 30.9' Cat Ketch Corp Herreshoff 31 Patchogue, New York Asking $22,000. 12' topaz vibe Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
40 to 50 indicates a heavy bluewater boat; over 50 indicates an extremely heavy bluewater boat. Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam^1.33), where displacement is expressed in pounds, and length is expressed in feet. Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): Designed to determine if a boat has blue water capability.
Sea Sprite Luders 34. $61,858 Listed price: US$45,000 Anacortes, Washington, United States. Close Map. Print; Facebook; Twitter; New Arrival. PREVIOUS NEXT-of -images Like this boat? Find out more. Pacific Cruising Yachts LLC Anacortes Marina . 2415 T Ave. Suite 106 . Anacortes, WA, 98221 United States 360-543-4593. View Seller Inventory Call ...
I am a very big fan of the Bristol 34 which was a Halsey Herreshoff design and represented a big leap in build quality, seaworthiness and sailing ability over the earlier Bristol 32's. ... boxy looking - sorry - may be a better sailor but for tooling around on the bay I would think ithe Luders 33 would make a great boat and Investment. I would ...
Luders Marine preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Luders Marine used sailboats for sale by owner. Home. Register & Post. View All Sailboats. Search. Avoid Fraud. ... 34' Catalina Catalina 34 Sag Harbor, New York Asking $15,000. 12' topaz vibe Egg Harbor, Wisconsin Asking $5,500. 28' Pearson Triton Provincetown, Massachusetts
33' Classic Luders 33 Sloop "Panache" hull 82. Solid boat, sails, dodger, brightwork, anchor windlass, solar panel, roller furling,but needs new engine. On mooring in Wickford, RI.