S&S One Ton -1966 Buyer's Guide
The S&S One Ton –1966 on the brokerage market is a wooden Sparkman & Stephens fin-keel sloop with a racing pedigree that reaches back to the original “terrible twins” of 1966. Built by Clare Lallow and Carlini, the model pairs a 36 ft 9 in overall length with a 26 ft 7 in waterline, a 9 ft 10 in beam, and a 6 ft 3 in draft over a lead-ballasted fin. What you find used today is less a cruiser than a classic offshore racer whose value lies in provenance, original construction, and the care each individual hull has received.
Layouts on the Used Market
Because the series was lightly fitted out in 6mm ply to save weight, the cabin you inspect will be utilitarian rather than plush. The original deck height was low until at least one early owner raised the foredeck about 4 in to gain headroom, producing a turtle-back profile and a 2 in forward cabin-side wedge with blocked portholes; later restorations have reversed that, so you may see either configuration anchor. The counter stern with small reverse transom is consistent across the class, and the skeg rudder and fin keel define the underbody. Expect a traditional masthead-sloop rig on a wooden mast unless a specific boat has been re-rigged.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Used boats vary widely in fitted gear, but the most consequential upgrades for a buyer cluster around helm and rig. Wheel steering appears on some hulls and, as Yachting World recorded of a sister, failed during the 1979 Fastnet, so a tiller or a verified wheel installation matters anchor. Rig-related changes such as plain bronze winch tops in place of self-tailers, a recreated “plank” boom, and a new wooden mast reflect restoration to original rather than modernization. Sail inventories on restored boats may include narrow-panelled mainsails and mitre-cut foresails in classic cream cloth, while a refurbished Blake heads replaces modern units. Beyond those, judge power, canvas, and navigation as each listing shows them.
What to Inspect
The known issues are few but specific. Examine any wheel-steering conversion closely, since a sister yacht’s wheel jammed early in the 1979 Fastnet and forced retirement anchor. Check the deck configuration: a raised turtle-back deck with reduced cabin sides and blocked forward portholes indicates the mid-life modification, while a lowered deck with new beams and replaced cabin sides signals a return to original. Inspect the hull planking and frames; one heavily raced sister required little hull work, but wood of this age demands scrutiny of fastenings and moisture. Confirm whether the interior remains the original 6mm ply or has been rebuilt.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Look for used S&S One Ton –1966 boats where classic wooden racers are traded. For a buyer, the checklist is short: verify hull integrity of the mahogany-over-larch construction, confirm the rudder and fin keel are sound, assess any wheel-steering gear, and establish whether the deck retains the raised or restored-low profile. A well-kept One Ton –1966 is a piece of racing history; a neglected one is a wood-boat restoration project.
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
2 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Rogers 32 | 32' | $ 31,278 | 71 | 16 |
| Sparkman and Stephens S&S 34 | 33.42' | $ 27,224 | 17 | 3 |