Investigator 563 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Investigator 563 is defined by its stability and predictable motion. While it lacks the light-air acceleration of a dinghy-style trailer sailer, its performance shines when the wind builds. According to reviews frequently highlighted by the Investigator 563 Owners Association, the boat tracks exceptionally well due to its long, shallow keel, requiring less helm correction than its flat-bottomed competitors.

The sail plan is manageable for solo sailors, typically featuring a masthead rig with a relatively small mainsail and a larger headsail. Because the ballast—approximately 340kg of lead or cast iron encapsulated in GRP—is positioned so low, the boat can carry full sail longer than most 18-footers. When the centerboard is lowered, it improves upwind tracking and reduces leeway, but even with the board retracted, the boat maintains significant stability. Its "sea-kindliness" is a recurring theme in editorial retrospectives, noting that the hull’s displacement helps it punch through chop rather than bouncing over it, a trait that endears it to those cruising in more exposed coastal waters.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel measuring only 5.63 meters (18.5 feet), the interior of the Investigator 563 is surprisingly functional, designed with overnighting in mind. The layout typically offers four berths: a V-berth forward and two quarter berths extending under the cockpit seats. The absence of a large, intrusive centerboard case—thanks to the ballast being housed in the external keel—opens up the cabin floor significantly, providing a sense of space uncommon in this size bracket.

The "Mk I" and "Mk II" variations primarily differ in deck moldings and interior finishes. Some later models featured a "pop-top" coachroof, which significantly increases standing headroom while at anchor. Storage is localized under the berths and in small lockers, though the boat's "unsinkable" reputation comes from the extensive foam buoyancy built into the hull voids, which does slightly limit total stowage capacity. Materials are typically utilitarian GRP with teak or mahogany accents in earlier models, focusing on durability and ease of maintenance over luxury.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Investigator 563 occupies a legendary status in Australian maritime lore due to several high-profile coastal passages. It is most famously cited for numerous successful crossings of Bass Strait—the treacherous stretch of water between mainland Australia and Tasmania. These voyages have been documented in various Australian sailing journals to illustrate the hull’s "big boat" capabilities. The model also maintains a high-signal presence in regional sailing media, often featured by John Crawford Marine in their educational series on classic Australian trailer sailers, where it is frequently ranked as a top choice for safety-conscious sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Investigator 563 is overbuilt by modern standards, several age-related areas require inspection.

• Centerboard Pivot Bolt: Because the centerboard is housed within the ballasted keel, the pivot bolt is submerged and prone to electrolysis or wear. Buyers should check for excessive "clunking" while underway, which indicates a worn pin or hole.
• Foam Buoyancy Saturation: The foam used for flotation can, in some older hulls, become waterlogged if there have been historical deck leaks or if the boat was left with water in the bilge. This significantly increases the boat's weight and affects sailing performance.
• Window Leaks: The original acrylic windows were often fastened with screws and sealant that degrade over forty years. Crazing of the acrylic and evidence of water ingress on the interior liners are common.
• Keel-to-Hull Join: Although the keel is integrated, any evidence of "smiling" or cracking at the junction where the ballast is encapsulated should be scrutinized for potential water entry into the laminate.

Community & Resources

The model is supported by one of the most dedicated owner groups in the southern hemisphere. The Investigator 563 Owners Association serves as a vital technical repository, offering digitized original brochures, rigging guides, and a forum for structural repair advice. This community is instrumental in keeping these vintage hulls on the water, frequently organizing rallies and "raid" style cruises.

The Verdict

The Investigator 563 is a quintessential "mariner’s trailer sailer," prioritizing safety and structural integrity over raw speed or modern aesthetics. It remains a premier choice for retirees or small families seeking a boat that can be towed by a standard vehicle but capable of genuine coastal exploration.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and safety due to the ballasted fixed keel.
• High-quality GRP construction with built-in positive buoyancy.
• Spacious interior for its length with a minimal centerboard trunk.
• Strong resale value and a very active, helpful owners' community.

Cons:

• Heavier than many 18-footers, requiring a more robust trailer and towing vehicle.
• Fixed shallow keel makes it slightly more difficult to launch at very shallow ramps compared to full swing-keel boats.
• Not a competitive racer in light air or downwind due to its displacement-oriented hull.