Klipper 60 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Klipper 60 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, characterized by a long keel or a deep fin with a substantial skeg-hung rudder. This configuration provides exceptional directional stability, making it an easy boat to trim for long passages under autopilot or wind-vane steering. While the sheer mass of the vessel—often exceeding 30 tons depending on the fit-out—prevents it from being a "light-air flyer," it excels when the wind rises above 15 knots.

Most Klipper 60s were rigged as ketches, a choice that allows the sail plan to be broken down into smaller, more manageable sections for a short-handed crew. This versatility is critical for a vessel of this size; in heavy weather, sailing under a "mizzen and staysail" configuration keeps the center of effort low and balanced, minimizing heel and weather helm. According to archival design notes from the yard, the hull's high volume and relatively soft bilges contribute to a predictable, comfortable motion at sea, avoiding the "snappy" recovery found in flatter-bottomed modern designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because the Klipper 60 was primarily sold for owner completion, the interior arrangements vary more significantly than almost any other boat in its class. However, the sheer scale of the 60-foot hull—combined with its generous beam—offered a massive canvas for designers. Many versions feature a large raised deck saloon that provides excellent 360-degree visibility and protection from the elements, a feature highly prized in the British and North European markets where Colvic was most popular.

Standard layouts often included a massive aft owner's stateroom, taking advantage of the hull's width. Forward of the saloon, it was common to find multiple guest cabins, sometimes in a four-cabin, four-head configuration for charter work, or a more spacious three-cabin layout for private use. The joinery quality is entirely dependent on the specific yard or individual who completed the boat; some reflect the highest standards of professional cabinetry, while others are more utilitarian. Prospective owners should look for the "Colvic Craft" hull molding stamp, but understand that the "fit and finish" is not a factory standardized product.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Due to the unique "kit boat" nature of the Klipper 60, the primary concern for any buyer is the quality of the original installation of systems. A professional survey is mandatory, with specific focus on three areas:

1. Professional vs. Amateur Fit-out: The electrical and plumbing systems are the most common failure points. In boats completed by amateur builders, wire sizing, circuit protection, and through-hull installations may not meet modern ISO or ABYC standards.
2. GRP Hull Condition: While Colvic hulls are legendary for their thickness, older hulls from the 1970s and 80s are susceptible to osmosis. A thorough moisture meter reading of the hull below the waterline is essential.
3. Rigging and Chainplates: On a 60-foot ketch, the standing rigging is a significant capital expense. Given the age of many Klipper 60s, the chainplates—which are often glassed into the hull or bolted through heavy-duty knees—must be inspected for crevice corrosion or stress cracking.
4. Engine Access and Maintenance: Because the interiors were custom-built, engine access can range from excellent to nearly impossible. Buyers should verify that all daily service points on the large diesel engines (typically 120hp to 200hp) are reachable.

Community & Resources

The Colvic Owners Association serves as the primary repository for technical knowledge regarding these vessels. While the manufacturer is no longer in operation, the association remains active, providing a vital network for owners to share structural drawings, original brochures, and advice on refitting these massive fiberglass hulls.

The Verdict

The Colvic Klipper 60 is a "ship-sized" yacht for the price of a much smaller modern production boat. It is a vessel built for those who value safety, volume, and the ability to customize their environment over raw speed or slip-maneuverability.

Pros:

• Massive Volume: Offers more living space than almost any other GRP yacht in its price bracket.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement and ketch rig provide a stable, safe motion in offshore conditions.
• Robust Construction: The hulls were over-built to withstand significant impact and long-term stress.

Cons:

• Variable Build Quality: The "kit boat" origin means systems and interiors vary wildly in quality.
• Maintenance Costs: A 60-foot vessel carries high costs for anti-fouling, berthing, and rigging replacement.
• Maneuverability: Its size and displacement make it challenging to handle in tight marinas without a powerful bow thruster.