Sundeer 60 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just under 60 feet and a long waterline, the Sundeer 60 was specifically designed to excel in extended voyages, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and safety that appeals to discerning sailors seeking to explore the world's oceans. Its design prioritizes functionality and ease of maintenance, reflecting Dashew's deep understanding of what makes a successful offshore vessel.

History and Design

The Sundeer 60 is part of a lineage of innovative bluewater designs developed by Steve Dashew, with the concept originating as early as 1978. The Sundeer line itself represented an evolution in Dashew's thinking, following his Deerfoot designs, all aimed at creating optimal offshore boats. Production of the Sundeer 60 began in 1994, with a total of 17 units built, encompassing both the 56 and 60-foot models. These yachts were constructed on a semi-custom basis, leading to minor variations between individual boats, including different mast sizes and foretriangle arrangements.

TPI Composites, the builder, played a crucial role in bringing Dashew's vision to fruition. Known for their mastery of composite materials and the revolutionary Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Molding Process (SCRIMP), TPI was able to produce stronger, lighter, and more durable hulls. This advanced manufacturing technique was a significant advantage for a performance-oriented cruiser like the Sundeer 60, allowing for consistent quality and high-performance laminates. The collaboration between Dashew's meticulous design philosophy and TPI's cutting-edge construction methods resulted in a yacht renowned for its structural integrity and efficient hull form.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sundeer 60's design ratios underscore its identity as a light, performance-oriented bluewater cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.27, the vessel is well-equipped for good performance in lighter air conditions, suggesting it can maintain momentum even when the wind isn't strong. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, remarkably low at around 79.34, clearly indicates a lightweight hull relative to its long waterline. This characteristic contributes significantly to its ability to achieve impressive daily mileage, with Sundeer 60s regularly averaging over 200 miles a day.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.315 suggests a design that, while prioritizing speed and efficiency, might offer a different feel of stiffness compared to heavier displacement, full-keel boats. Owners have noted that while the Sundeer is not as comfortable as traditional heavy-displacement cruisers, it is considerably more comfortable than many modern shallow-draft performance boats. Its long, narrow hull and distinctive plumb bow are key to its efficiency and speed, although some discussions indicate that its relatively shallow 6-foot draft for a 60-foot vessel might make it less close-winded than some other designs. Despite this, the Sundeer 60 is praised for being easily handled by a couple, with a cockpit optimized for shorthanded sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sundeer 60 is characterized by a functional and well-thought-out layout, designed with long-distance cruising in mind. Upon stepping inside, visitors often comment on the spaciousness. The typical arrangement features a two-cabin layout, accessible from a central companionway. This often includes a large owner's stateroom forward, complete with a double berth, providing a comfortable and private retreat.

The living spaces are segregated from the mechanical systems, which are typically situated in an accessible, enormous utility space, highlighting a focus on ease of maintenance and quiet living areas. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design prioritizes livability during extended periods at sea. Interiors often feature varnished woodwork, emphasizing a blend of practicality and traditional marine aesthetics. The focus on interior design is pure function, superbly conceived and executed to support life on passage, with ample storage integrated throughout the vessel to accommodate the provisions and gear required for long voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Sundeer 60 consistently praise the vessel for its solid construction and its suitability as a circumnavigating sailboat, particularly for a couple. Many express that owning a Sundeer 60 has been a dream, reflecting the strong reputation built by Steve and Linda Dashew for designing expert offshore sailing vessels. The boats are well-fitted with high-quality equipment suited for serious offshore conditions, making them easy to sail and reliable in challenging environments.

Among the frequently mentioned strengths are the boat's impressive passagemaking speeds, with owners routinely logging over 200 miles a day. The design also minimizes concerns about corrosion or catastrophic rigging failures, thanks to its robust construction. The functional layout and dedicated spaces for mechanical systems are also highly valued for simplifying maintenance.

Regarding common points of discussion or potential weaknesses, some owners have noted that crazing in the fiberglass is not unique to Sundeers but has been observed in many TPI models of similar age. Forum discussions also indicate that early hulls might have experienced "dry spots" during the initial construction phase, though this likely refers to isolated issues rather than widespread problems. Despite these minor points, the overarching sentiment from owners is one of satisfaction with a highly capable and well-engineered offshore yacht.