From the rugged coastlines of Sweden emerged Scanmar Yachts, a builder that, though no longer active, left an indelible mark on the sailing world. Known for their blend of thoughtful interior design, robust construction, and impressive sailing performance, Scanmar boats were a testament to Scandinavian yacht-building principles.
Scanmar Yachts originated from the vision of Swedish designer Nils-Erik Olofsson. Olofsson, with a keen eye for interior ergonomics and comfort, initiated the design concepts for the Scanmar line. His primary motivation was to create boats with exceptionally roomy interiors relative to their external dimensions, featuring comfortably placed amenities like a large aft cabin, a spacious forecabin to avoid using the salon for sleeping, and a generous galley and cockpit. He also prioritized strong engines, good sailing capabilities, speed, and ease of handling, including a self-tacking jib for the foresail.
Before Scanmar, Olofsson designed the Compis in 1974, which was also built by the Börjesson Brothers. The genesis of Scanmar itself came four years later, following Olofsson's desire for a larger vessel than the Contrast 33, a prototype designed by Rolf Magnusson. Magnusson, a native of Karlstadt, Sweden, who began his design career in 1965, agreed to tailor a boat to Olofsson's precise specifications, leading to the birth of the Scanmar 33. Olofsson entrusted the construction of these boats to the Börjesson Brothers shipyard in Bjästa, south of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, and managed sales through his distribution company, Scanmar Boats, based in Saltsjö-Boo.
History and Evolution
The collaboration between Nils-Erik Olofsson, Rolf Magnusson, and the Börjesson Brothers defined Scanmar's operational history. The brand's production run spanned from 1975 to 1991, during which six distinct models were introduced: the Scanmar 25, 31, 33, 345, 35, and 40. The Scanmar 25 was uniquely designed by Bernt Andersson, while Rolf Magnusson was responsible for the hulls of the other models, including the widely recognized Scanmar 33 and 40.
A significant corporate transition occurred in 1984 when Olofsson sold 50% of Scanmar Boats to the Börjesson Brothers. By 1986, he divested his remaining 50%, leading to the formation of Yachts of Scandinavia, which then handled both the production and marketing of the Scanmar line. The Börjesson Brothers' shipyard was a prolific builder, also producing Örnvik, Omega, and Maxi boats alongside Scanmar.
Scanmar's foray into the crucial American market began in March 1984 with the establishment of Pelorus Yacht Sales. Headquartered in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, with a main sales office in Rock Hall, Maryland, Pelorus successfully marketed the Scanmar 33 and 35, and to a lesser extent, the 31, appealing to American sailors who appreciated the Scandinavian craftsmanship and seaworthiness. The boats were noted for being reasonably priced compared to US-built boats of comparable size, despite a strong US dollar against the Swedish Krona.
However, the late 1980s and early 1990s proved challenging for Scanmar. A substantial portion, perhaps 50%, of Scanmar-built boats were destined for the US market. The imposition of a "Luxury Tax" on new yachts in the US in 1990 severely impacted sales, causing a plummet in new yacht purchases and contributing significantly to the closure of many marine businesses, including Pelorus Yacht Sales in October 1991. The loss of nearly half of its business from the US market proved to be a critical factor in the demise of Yachts of Scandinavia and the Scanmar line, leading to the closure of the Börjesson Brothers' shipyard in 1991 due to lack of work.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Scanmar Yachts quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality performance cruisers. The core of their design philosophy, championed by Nils-Erik Olofsson, revolved around maximizing interior volume for comfort and livability without compromising sailing prowess. This focus resulted in boats that featured generous cabins, practical galleys, and comfortable heads, ensuring the salon could remain a dedicated living space.
The collaboration with naval architect Rolf Magnusson was central to defining Scanmar's identity. Magnusson, whose extensive portfolio includes designs for Albin, Mamba, and Contrast boats, brought a blend of speed and seaworthiness to the Scanmar hulls. Scanmar boats were characterized by their "Euro-styled" aesthetics – sleek, low-slung, purposeful, and fast. This styling, while perhaps ahead of its time for some segments of the American market accustomed to more traditional designs, emphasized clean lines and efficient performance. Owners frequently describe Scanmars as "superbly finished" vessels known for their "high build quality" and ability to deliver a quick, comfortable sailing experience. The Scanmar 33, for instance, is highly regarded as a "fine durable well mannered boat that is a delight to sail" with a "good ballast ratio."
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Scanmar range, though limited in number, boasted several memorable models that gained a loyal following:
- Scanmar 25: The smallest in the line, and the only one not designed by Rolf Magnusson.
- Scanmar 31: A well-regarded cruiser that maintained the Scanmar ethos.
- Scanmar 33: Perhaps the most widely recognized and praised model, several hundred of which were built. It epitomized Olofsson's vision of a spacious interior combined with Magnusson's performance-oriented hull. It was particularly popular in the UK.
- Scanmar 345: A mid-sized offering that continued the tradition of comfort and performance.
- Scanmar 35: Another successful model, also popular in the UK, praised for its craftsmanship and lines.
- Scanmar 40: The flagship of the line, built between 1986 and 1991. It is considered a beautifully finished performance cruiser, capable of both speed and comfort.
While plans for a Scanmar 37 existed, the company ceased operations before its production. Despite the relatively short production run, Scanmar boats developed a reputation for being fast, seaworthy, and well-built, making them sought-after in the used boat market today. Owners frequently commend their durability and ease of maintenance, with parts still generally available.
The Scanmar Legacy
Although Scanmar Yachts, under the umbrella of Yachts of Scandinavia, closed its doors in 1991, the legacy of its meticulously crafted sailboats endures. The company's demise was a unfortunate consequence of broader economic factors, particularly the US "Luxury Tax" which devastated the new yacht market.
Nils-Erik Olofsson, the original visionary behind Scanmar, did not retire from boat design. He went on to establish Scanyacht, continuing to design and build sailboats at his factory in Saltsjö-Duvnäs. His Scanyacht line, with notable models like the graceful Scanner 391, bears a strong family resemblance to the Scanmar 33, a testament to his enduring design philosophy.
Today, Scanmars are cherished by a dedicated community of owners who appreciate their robust construction, comfortable interiors, and strong sailing characteristics. These boats continue to provide excellent value and performance, a lasting tribute to the Swedish craftsmanship and design innovation that defined Scanmar Yachts. They remain a testament to the idea that a yacht can be both a comfortable home on the water and a capable performer, a combination that truly sets them apart.