Piewiet 1100 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Piewiet 1100 is characterized by its moderate displacement and a relatively high ballast ratio, which contributes to a stiff and predictable motion at sea. Under sail, it displays the classic characteristics of a fin-keel cruiser of its generation: it tracks well and maintains a high degree of directional stability, even when the wind increases. The rudder is typically semi-balanced and mounted on a partial skeg, providing a balance between helm sensitivity and protection against debris.

Owner experiences frequently highlight the boat's ability to maintain pace in heavy weather. While it lacks the light-air acceleration of modern performance cruisers, its hull form—featuring a sharp entry and moderate beam carried aft—prevents excessive slamming in a head sea. The rigging is almost universally a masthead sloop configuration, often over-specified in terms of wire diameter, reflecting its North Sea heritage. When properly trimmed, the 1100 exhibits minimal weather helm, though like many yachts of its era with a deep-V forefoot, it requires active helming when running downwind in a following sea to prevent rhythmic rolling.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Piewiet 1100 is a showcase of traditional Dutch craftsmanship, predominantly finished in high-quality teak or mahogany. The layout is standard for a 36-footer of the 1980s but feels remarkably spacious due to a generous beam. It typically features a classic "U-shaped" galley to port and a proper forward-facing navigation station to starboard. The main salon consists of two longitudinal settees with a central folding table, which can often be converted into additional berths.

Accommodation is usually split between a V-berth in the bow and a dedicated aft cabin. Interestingly, the Piewiet 1100 saw several internal variations depending on the original owner’s requirements. A common sibling variant is the Piewiet 1050, which shares many design DNA traits but lacks the extended waterline and additional storage capacity of the 1100. There was also a larger Piewiet 1200, which utilized a similar hull philosophy but provided a second head and a more expansive owner’s suite. Headroom in the 1100 is a notable strength, often exceeding 1.90 meters (6’3”) in the main salon, making it a viable long-term liveaboard for taller sailors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Piewiet 1100 should approach the vessel with a focus on its age-related structural components. While the hulls are generally "bulletproof," three specific areas require scrutiny:

1. Osmotic Blistering: Early to mid-80s models did not always use isophthalic resins in the outer layers. While rarely a structural failure, many Piewiets of this vintage have undergone or currently require an epoxy treatment to address hull moisture.
2. Deck Delamination: The deck is a sandwich construction (often using balsa or PVC foam). Areas around high-load deck hardware, such as the stanchion bases and the windlass, are prone to moisture ingress. A percussion test (moisture meter) is essential during survey to identify soft spots.
3. Window Seal Failure: The Piewiet 1100 uses large, aluminum-framed cabin windows. Over decades, the seals tend to perish, leading to leaks that can damage the interior woodwork. Owners often report that re-bedding these windows is a labor-intensive but necessary maintenance task.
4. Rudder Moisture: The skeg-supported rudder is a hollow GRP structure. It is common for these to take on water over time. A buyer should check for weeping at the bottom of the rudder blade once the boat is hauled out.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and social connection is the Piewiet Kring (Piewiet Circle), a Dutch-based owner’s association that maintains an archive of historical brochures and technical drawings. While their primary communications are in Dutch, the community is known for being highly supportive of international owners seeking parts or refit advice. Technical support for the original designs can sometimes be found through the archives of Van de Stadt Design, as many Piewiet models were either designed by or influenced by the Van de Stadt office during their collaboration with Van de Rest Nautic.

The Verdict

The Piewiet 1100 is a "sailor’s boat" that trades modern, wide-open cockpits for safety, sea-kindliness, and enduring build quality. It is an ideal choice for a couple or small family looking for a budget-friendly offshore-capable yacht that can handle more than the occasional coastal hop.

Pros:

• Exceptional structural rigidity and heavy-weather capability.
• Traditional, high-quality wooden interior with excellent headroom.
• Deep, secure cockpit suitable for offshore passages.
• Strong value-to-length ratio on the used market.

Cons:

• Aesthetic design may feel dated compared to modern "Mediterranean-style" cruisers.
• Potential for high maintenance costs regarding the sandwich deck and older GRP.
• Moderate speed in light wind conditions.
• Parts and specific technical documentation may require translation from Dutch sources.