Design and Construction
The Wanderer MS has a long, straight keel of encapsulated cast iron. Its foam-cored, vacuum-bagged hull is joined to the deck with a sealed seam and stainless fasteners.
Above the waterline, the aft cockpit takes its shape from a powerboat fantail. High coaming sides offer protection, while the cabin acts as a windbreak for those seated in the cockpit. The foredeck is deeply recessed at the bow and open at the stem. A 17-foot rub rail and six stainless cleats give the exterior a rugged, workmanlike appearance.
The boat displaces 8,800 lbs and draws 2 feet 10 inches. Those figures reinforce its role as a mast-optional hybrid cruiser rather than a lithe daysailer. The cored hull keeps the structure light without sacrificing the solid feel implied by the bolted deck joint.
Rig, Power, and Handling
The distinctive feature of the rig is its tabernacle-stepped mast, which can be lowered relatively easily. This allows the Wanderer MS to pass under bridges, slip beneath trees in shallow backwaters, or convert to pure power-cruising mode. The boat’s priorities lean toward protected-water cruising under power as much as sail.
The standard 50-horsepower diesel sits low in the bilge area between the main-cabin deck and the hull. The Wanderer is designed to cruise at 10 knots and reportedly burns three-quarters to one gallon per hour at 10 to 12 knots.
It can also be trailered behind a large SUV, allowing access to remote lakes or lagoons as well as coastal waters. Sail area at 100 percent is a modest 216 square feet, consistent with a boat intended as much for protected-water cruising under power as for sailing.
Accommodations
Inside, the helmsman sits at a cozy steering station on the forward starboard bulkhead of the saloon. The surrounding space doubles as the dining area. Large windows on all sides give the main cabin an open, airy character more often associated with a trawler than a sailing vessel.
The L-shaped galley is forward and down to port, with an overhead hatch for light and ventilation. Opposite is an enclosed head with a separate shower compartment. Farther forward, the bow stateroom contains a large berth and provides private access to the head—a rare concession to privacy on a boat of this length.
Verdict
The Nimble Wanderer MS is a curious and capable hybrid that trades outright sailing performance for sheltered-water versatility and liveaboard comfort. Its tabernacle rig, trailerable portability, and enclosed shower make it a compelling choice for cruisers who value flexibility more than speed.
Pros
- Mast-optional layout, with a mast that can be lowered relatively easily for bridges or power cruising
- Inside steering and trawler-like windows create a sheltered, open interior
- Separate shower compartment and private head access from the forward stateroom
- Foam-cored, vacuum-bagged hull with a bolted deck joint
Cons
- Modest 216-square-foot sail area limits wind-driven performance
- Power-cruiser profile may not satisfy traditional sailors
