Spindrift 43 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of 42.5 feet, the Spindrift 43 blends traditional aesthetics with capable sailing performance, embodying the builder's ethos of creating solid, displacement-oriented yachts. Its design lineage also includes being known earlier as the Young Sun 43 and later evolving into the Formosa 44, indicating a consistent design philosophy across its production run.

History and Design

The Spindrift 43 began its production in 1982, emerging from the active shipbuilding landscape of Taiwan, where Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd. was a prominent yard known for its traditional-style fiberglass yachts. The design, penned by Ron Amy, reflected a philosophy centered on creating high-quality, durable hulls specifically engineered for ocean crossings and extensive cruising. Amy was recognized for the excellent quality of his hull designs, aligning well with Formosa's commitment to robust construction.

Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd., active from the 1970s, focused on constructing heavy-displacement vessels, often featuring full or modified-full keels and an abundance of exterior teak. This approach aimed to deliver yachts known for their comfortable motion in a seaway and superior directional stability, qualities highly valued by bluewater sailors. During its production, the Spindrift 43 was also offered in a pilothouse version, providing owners with enhanced shelter and interior living space, a notable variation on the standard cutter rig. The model's evolution, being known as the Young Sun 43 and subsequently the Formosa 44, underscores a continuity in its successful design. While Formosa boats were celebrated for their robust build, a common characteristic of Taiwanese yachts from this era was the potential for specific construction challenges, such as moisture intrusion into cored decks and hulls, often necessitating diligent maintenance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Spindrift 43 is characterized by its heavy displacement and long keel, contributing to a stable and comfortable ride. With a displacement of 34,810 pounds and a waterline length of 35.58 feet, it exhibits a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 345, firmly placing it in the heavy displacement category. This substantial weight, combined with its long keel, ensures excellent directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for offshore conditions.

The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.3 suggests that while not a light-air speed demon, the Spindrift 43 is a reasonably good performer for a heavy cruiser. Its generous sail plan of 1,141 square feet, coupled with its cutter rig, allows for versatile sail combinations to adapt to varying wind conditions, a common feature for boats designed for long-distance sailing. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.29, while not exceptionally high, still contributes to the boat's stability, and owners frequently praise its "reasonably stable / stiff" nature and "excellent righting capability." Under sail, the Spindrift 43 is noted for tracking well and offering a nice ride once underway, capable of maintaining a cruising speed around six knots. Its full keel enhances its stability and course-keeping abilities, particularly in challenging seas.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Spindrift 43, while varying between individual boats and the standard or pilothouse configurations, generally offers a spacious and traditional layout typical of Taiwanese-built cruisers of its era. Owners often describe the boat as having a two-cabin or twin-cabin arrangement, with some pilothouse versions offering up to three cabins and sleeping five. These vessels were designed with extended living aboard and long-distance cruising in mind, providing ample interior volume.

While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented across all models, the generous beam of 12.96 feet contributes to a feeling of spaciousness below deck. The interior finish typically features an abundance of wood trim, reflecting the traditional aesthetic favored by Formosa. Essential cruising amenities such as a galley, salon, V-berth forward, and quarter berths are common. Storage is generally abundant, catering to the needs of liveaboards and long-distance cruisers. The Spindrift 43 also boasts a substantial water capacity of 300 gallons, emphasizing its design for self-sufficiency on extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Spindrift 43 consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics, often citing its ability to handle challenging ocean conditions with a comfortable and safe motion. Many see these boats as excellent platforms for bluewater cruising, with some owners meticulously preparing their vessels for extended world cruises. The robust build and traditional lines are frequently highlighted as major strengths, appealing to those who appreciate a classic yacht with heavy-duty construction.

However, like many Taiwanese-built yachts of its vintage, the Spindrift 43 can present common maintenance challenges, notably potential issues with moisture intrusion into cored decks and hulls, often referred to as "core problems." Addressing these issues typically requires diligent inspection and, in some cases, significant refitting work, which prospective owners should consider. Despite these potential drawbacks, the strong community of Spindrift 43, Young Sun 43, and Formosa 44 owners on online forums actively shares advice and troubleshooting tips, underscoring the enduring appeal and loyalty these characterful vessels inspire.