CHAPTER 16.

Sailboats 51’- 60’ - 15.5m -18.3m

Roberts 532, Voyager 542 & Voyager 544
The following designs are essentially the same ... all of the accomodation plans,
deck plans, pilot house arrangments and rigs will work with the Roberts 532,
Voyager 542 and Voyager 544. See below for a brief discription of the features of
each version of these great cruising boats and following pages for more details.

ROBERTS 532 STEEL . FIBERGLASS

FIBERGLASS
To build this boat from scratch you need the complete set of plans which include the full-size patterns
for all of the hull frames as well as stem and other important components of the hull deck and super-
structure. You can build this boat in Radius Chine steel or in Fiberglass. In either case you will be
building from a quantity of materials that you with the assistanceof the plans and patterns will use to
build your boat ‘from scratch’ as opposed to building from a steel or aluminum KIT .. see below for
more information of kits and cutting files. Do NOT be afraid to build ‘From Scratch’; over 30,000 of
our boats have been built that way by people just like YOU! If you have more time than money then
building from scatch may be for you. The radius-chine steel and aluminum hulls are designed, faired
and lofted in the computer, so you will have accurate full-size patterns. Naturally, it’s most important
to have accurate patterns from which to make your frames, and computer lofting is the best way to
achieve this As the radius sections are all of the same radius this means that you will not need to
transfer all of the radius curves to your loft floor. Transfer only the straight frame sections.

VOYAGER 542 STEEL KIT OR CUTTING FILES

The Voyager 542 is a developement of the Roberts 532. The dimensions of the V542 are the same as the
Roberts 532 so all of the deck, accomodation and sail plans will fit comfortably on both boats.
The Pre cut steel kit considts of all the metal parts required to build the complete boat. These parts are
computer generated and NC Plasma cut before they are packed and delivered ready for you to start assem-
bling and welding into the finished boat. We design and nest the package using our specialized computer
programs, then cut on a computerized plasma-oxygen cutter.These kits are shipped world-wide, each in its
own individual container.
This cruising sailboat is designed in accordance with German Lloyds for category 1 (unrestricted operat-
ing / sailing area), which is much better than the EU and other Classification Societies and the CE-A
require. Complete stability calculations to USCG offshore requirements are included in the design pack-
age. All calculations are also cross referenced against ABS requirements to ensure that the design meets
world-wide standards and specifications.

VOYAGER DS 544 KIT OR CUTTING FILES

The Voyager DS 540 features one unbroken sheerline and the latest in deck salon arrangements. By
careful design we have managed to reduce the height of the sheerline thus reducing windage and
improving performance. The Voyager DS 540 features the Roberts safety skeg which is designed to
take the best features from the LONG FIN / SKEG combination & add a SAFETY FACTOR. You
should be aware that skegs in general are vulnerable to damage so here is our answer to this problem.
ROBERTS 532 STEEL . FIBERGLASS
FIBERGLASS
The Roberts 532 was developed from the successful Roberts 53 and over 500 of this design have
already been built in fiberglass and steel. This one great cruising boat and a proven charter boat should
you want to earn your living whilst sailing the oceans of the world.

L.O.D..............................16.45 m 54' 4"

L.W.L................................14.8 m 48' 8"
BEAM.................................4.9 m 16' 0"
DRAFT................................2.03 m 7' 0"
DISPL......................30,845 kg 68,000 lb
BALLAST.................7,484 kg 22,000 lb
S/A - Displacement ratio..................20.86
Contemporary LONG KEELS: Above is the long
keel design for the Voyager 542. This keel has been
developed over the past 30 years and benefits from
our own experience & the hundreds of reports from Here we have shown just a few of the dozens of
owners of Roberts designed boats plus the use of ad- Roberts 532 photgraphs available & are included
vanced computer design techniques. in the STUDY PLANS ON CD package.
 LEFT:
Although I am not a great lover
of spinnackers in crusing sail-
boats I have to admit that this
Roberts 532 makes a fine sight.

RIGHT:
This is what it is all
about; lounging com-
fortably in the cock-
pit with one foot gen-
tly resting on the
wheel while otherwise
occupied reading a
favourite book !

LEFT:
Note the deck exten-
sion on the stern of
this Roberts 532.
This is essentially a
European idea and I
can not see any
negative issues pro-
viding the weight of
the structure is kept
to a reasonable
level.
 LEFT:
Note the light interior of
this Roberts 532 and
compare it with boats
with a more traditional
fit-out where much if not
all of the joinery is darker
varnished timber. The
choice between light and
dark is purely a matter of
personal taste.

BELOW:
Deck boxes on the stern
deck are a great idea;
good for stowage and
make excellent seats.

BELOW:
Two more views of
Roberts 532. Note
the shaped slatted
seats in the cockpit;
will need cushions
for comfort but
should provide a
comfortable perch
for the crew.
 TOP:
This is the same Roberts 532 that is shown
elsewhere in this e-book as a varnished
hull that was built in Brazil. Note the
staysail schooner rig and the fact that the
hull is now painted instead of being fin-
ished in clear varnish !

ABOVE:
These steps may be practical but they look a bit ‘stark’
to my eyes; perhaps if painted the same color as the tran-
som the overall appearance would be improved.
RIGHT:
Note the twin headstays with roller furling set up side
by side; this arrangement could be successful provid-
ing there is adequate clearance between the equipment
and the furled sails.
Here is a selection of pho-
tographs of several Rob-
erts 532’s Note that the
study plans on CD feature
many large scale photos of
these boats.
 LEFT:
One of the
favourable things
about building your
own boat is that you
can customize it to
suit your personal
tastes. Providing you
do not get carried
away with unusual
features you can
hope that some pro-
spective buyer in the
future will love your
ideas!

RIGHT:
The fish-eye
equipped camera
used to take the pho-
tographs on the
right and below
right has distorted
the view but it still
reveals a very
attactive interior of
this Roberts 532
VOYAGER 542 STEEL KIT OR CUTTIN FILES
L.O.D...............................16.45 m 54' 4"
L.W.L.................................14.8 m 48' 8"
BEAM 4.9 m...................................16' 0"
DRAFT..................................2.03 m 7' 0"
DISPL.......................30,845 kg 68,000 lb
BALLAST...................7,484 kg 22,000 lb
S/A - Displacement raio....................20.86
Hi Bruce. Hope you are well. We have spo-
ken to numerous people who are interested
and some have cruised with us to evaluate.
The kit you supplied fitted great. Only way
to go. On "Western Grace" we offer Private
Charters or Join A Group trips in BC Canada
and Mexico, and offshore passages of 1-3
weeks, Mexico to Hawaii.

Another year has gone by. Western Grace

is now on here 4th voyage down South and
we have now 43000 NM ( In 3.5 years) un-
der the keel. Needles to say we are now even
more confident about her than ever. As we
run a charter operation we are very much on
a schedule and this means we need a all
weather vessel what can take some punish-
ment. The 532 is certainly the vessel for the
job. By all standards we are a very heavy
vessel but very comfortable. This spring on
the passage from Hawaii to Victoria we en-
countered a full Gale of 55 Kts for about 24
hrs. Behind the low a secondary low formed,
a small weather bomb. Around noon the ba-
rometer was at 1008 MB and be 2300 hrs
985. (45 KTS) Within 30 minutes down to
980 MB and winds of 75 KTS. Needles to
say a bit of a ride but we all did stay dry and
warm in the pilot house. By daylight seas
where about 33' and breaking over the deck.
A few grandaddies shook us up as we where
a few time clobbered and had tons of water
over the decks.
So if anyone who is considering se-
rious offshore sailing we feel a mod-
erate displacement steel vessel is the
only way to go. well and the time
savings are significant. Building
from a kit is the only way to go. Till
next time, Joanne & John Van
Strien SV Western Grace
VOYAGER 542 (Cont.)

THIS PAGE:
Here we see a selection of photographs
of the various features of the Voyager
542. Please remember that most of the
accomodation, sail and deck plans are
interchangable between the Roberts
532, Voyager 542 and Voyager 544
THIS PAGE:
Here we see a selec-
tion of photographs
of the various ar-
rangements that
builders have cho-
sen for their
Vouyager 542 sail-
boats
 LEFT:
As you can see the
generious beam of
the Voyager 542 al-
lows for a spacious
layout below decks.

RIGHT:
For those who have children or
if you want to be able to
accomodate as many guests as
possible the the twin berths lo-
cated one above the other makes
for maximum use of the avail-
able space.

LEFT:
This is either what we often re-
fer to as a ‘Cuddly double’ or
a generious single quarter
berth.
VOYAGER DS 544
FEATURES DECK SALON & ROBERTS SAFETY SKEG.
L.O.D...............................16.45 m 54' 4"
L.W.L.................................14.8 m 48' 8"
BEAM 4.9 m...................................16' 0"
DRAFT..................................2.03 m 7' 0"
DISPL.......................30,845 kg 68,000 lb
BALLAST...................7,484 kg 22,000 lb
S/A - Displacement raio....................20.86
KIT OR CUTTIN FILES
VOYAGER DS 544 radius chine kit is the latest refine-
ment of this world cruising sailboat and has all the quali-
ties that you will want in your cruising boat. This hull
has been designed for fast passage maker and can be cus-
tomized to suit YOUR requirements. We show possible
accomodation layouts; you can mix & match by taking
elements from one layout and switching it with another
etc., ing but is equally at home racing around the buoys.
 Bruce Roberts SAILBOAT KITS
Pre cut boat kits are all the metal parts re-
quired to build a complete boat. These parts
are computer generated and NC Plasma cut
before they are packed and delivered ready
for you to start assembling and welding into
the finished boat. We design and nest the
package using our specialized computer pro-
grams, then cut on a computerized plasma-
oxygen cutter. These kits are shipped world-
wide, each in individual containers.

These cruising sailboats are designed in ac-

cordance with Lloyds category 1 unrestricted
operating / sailing area, which is much bet-
ter than the EU & other Classification Soci-
eties and the CE-A require. Com-
plete stability calculations to USCG
offshore requirements are included
in the design package. All calcula-
tions are also cross referenced
against ABS requirements to ensure
that the design meets world-wide
standards and specifications.

In the case of KITS, all plate parts belonging to the hull, deck and superstructure that are accurately
cut to size are included. The parts are marked with the appropriate part number and engraved matching
marking lines to assist in the assembly and location of the part in its position. Cutting method is Plasma
/ Oxygen, ensuring highest accuracy and smooth edges.

Plate parts are cut from Lloyds approved A Grade Shipbuilding quality STEEL that has been coated
with factory applied Sigma weld MC welding primer. We use and recommend steel plate that has the
official designation ISO standard 10474 or EN 10204 with 3.1.B certificate.
Voyager 542 & Voyager DS 544 kit assembly
The following photographs illustrate the assembly of this Voyager and also
shows how you can add to and customize your own Voyager sailboat.

LEFT:
First thing to do after
unloading all of the
plates and profiles is to
sort and check the parts
against the list that is
supplied with the kit.
Make sure to advise the
supplier as soon as
possible in the unlikely
event of shortages or
damage to the plates
or profiles; you will find
it is much easier to have
any faults rectified
sooner rather than
later!

RIGHT:
Here we have the pre-assembled
jig that is part of your kit and will
be used to support the hull
through to completion of the boat.
BELOW:
You will find simple to assemble the
frames and bulkheads from the cut
parts that come with your kit.

BELOW RIGHT:
The transom is easily and quickly
assembled from the pre-cut parts.
 LEFT:
The two bottom plates are
placed on to the building jig;
these plates naturally take up
the required shape; The
plates have been tack welded
along the centerline. The
holes on the centerline will
be required later to give
access to the keel for welding
and for later stowing of trim
ballast etc. The bottom
stringers have been added
and this will stiffen the
structure at this early stage.

RIGHT:
Here we have the pre-
assembled frames and
bulkhead which has the
stiffeners pre-installed
and these can be either
L or T angle depending
on the materials
specified and supplied
with your particular kit.

LEFT:
Note the cross bar that has
been temporally welded
across the bulkhead at the
balance point; this will
make handling, installing
and final location of the
bulkhead much easier to
effect than if the weight is
taken anywhere but at the
balance point; this rule
applies to any large part
you are installing on you
boat.
 LEFT:
Here we see the side
decks in place, cockpit
space and the small
webs that will support
the coaming plates.

RIGHT:
Now the cockpit, seat
and coaming plates are
all tacked into position.
THIS & PROCEEDING PAGES:
These photographs tell the story. You
will also receive written instructions as
well as step by step photos with your
kit or cutting files and plans.
ABOVE:
Note the main hatchway
GARAGE that is now in place.
LEFT:
This is the method used to
install the bow thruster tube.
Not all saiboats use bow
thrusters but they can be very
useful when berthing in
adverse conditions.
LEFT:
Here is an overview of
the side decks and also
note the cap rail is being
installed at this stage.

BELOW:
The cap rail is now
tacked in place. A
reminder. NEVER fully
weld any parts until the
complete boat is
TACKED welded together.
THIS PAGE:
Here we have the
bowsprit being custom
built using the plans
that are supplied with
your kit. This item
along with life rail
material can be
ordered with the kit.
TOP: Here we have the pre-assembled bow sprit installed on the bow of this Voyager 542
ABOVE: In these photos you can see considerable detail including the main sheet horse and other
fittings that were custom made by this builder and installed on his Voyager 542 built in Sweden.
 LEFT AND ABOVE:
In these photos you can
see details including the
chain plates and many
fittings that have been
custom made by this
builder and installed on
his Voyager 542

RIGHT:
These attractive and
sturdy davits were
custom built by the
builder of this
Voyager 542
ABOVE: In these photos you can see the fairing built over and just ahead of the companionway to
accept the windscreen and bimini that may be added to give extra protection to those in the cockpit;
these features are very popular in Europe where this Voyager 542 was constructed from our kit.
NEW YORK 55 Fiberglass . RC Steel . Aluminum
The first plans to be drawn for this design were for the fiberglass version, currently being built for a
French customer. We have already drawn up other versions of this sailboat in radius chine steel and
aluminum. We have refined this hull design using the latest versions of yacht design software. This is
a very fast boat and one that will make extended passages with maximum speed and comfort. It is a
large boat with a relatively low displacement length ratio of 220. This boat will be VERY fast and the
cruising sail area of 1420 SQ FT ( s/a Displ ratio 14 ) may be increased if you prefer a larger rig.

L.O.D...............................16.97 m 55' 8"

L.W.L...............................20.50 m 50' 10"
BEAM5.................................05 m 16' 7"
DISPLACEMENT.....29,484 kg 65,000 lb
SAIL AREA................132 sq m 1,420 sq ft
AUX. POWER..................... 80 TO 120 hp

NEW YORK 55 - VERSION A NEW YORK 55 - VERSION A

 LEFT:
Here we see the large berth as featured
in the master cabin ....Photos show a re-
cently launched NY 55 built by Ian and
June Thorpe

RIGHT:
Another view of the spacious master
cabin in the NY 55 B ... Photos show a
recently launched NY 55 built by Ian
and June Thorpe

SAFETY SKEG IS AVAILABLE

The Roberts safety skeg is de-
signed to take the best features
from the LONG FIN / SKEG com-
bination and add a SAFETY FAC-
TOR. Many of you are aware that
skegs in general are vulnerable
to damage; here is our answer..

ABOVE & RIGHT:

Here are two more photographs of this beautiful New
York 55 that was built by Ian and June Thorpe
ROBERTS 58 STEEL . FIBERGLASS
FIBERGLASS
Several Roberts 58's have already been completed and have made extensive voyages including many
crossings of Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The standard version of this design has a draft of 7'0" but this
could be reduced by using a modified shoal keel. Custom keels and sail plans are available, as are
custom interior layouts. The standard sail plan is a ketch rig and the layout as drawn has a spacious aft
cabin. You can build the Roberts 58 in either Round Bilge Fibreglass or Radius Chine Steel or Alu-
minium. The complete plans and Full Size Patterns include many sheets of large-scale drawings, plus
full-size patterns for the hull, deck and cabin top beams, etc.
L.O.A......................................................17.83 m 58' 6"
L.W.L.....................................................14.71 m 48' 4"
BEAM......................................................5.02 m 16' 6"
DRAFT...............................1.68 to 2.1 m 5' 6" to 7' 0"
DISPLACEMENT..........................27,216 kg 60,000 lb
BALLAST.........................................9,072 kg 20,000 lb

Built in Russia by André who writes "We bought

the project in 1993. We built yacht & called it
Faith (VERA) sails on Lake Baykal in Siberia.
Now we are building second boat also a Rob-
erts 58 this Yacht - IS GOOD! Regards André

UPDATE: 1st NOVEMBER 2005

First of all let me express my deep respect to-
wards you & your work. I am ordering the Plans
CD for the Cat 60 A. If You remember there is a
photo of my R58 built according to your plans
still on your site. Sincerely Yours Andrei
 LEFT:
Here is a very
attractive wheel;
also note the
very comfortable
cockpit cushions
and the slope on
the backrests;
which are much
more comfort-
able than the ver-
tical ones the one
occasionally
sees on some
boats

RIGHT:
Some builders have
installed a tradi-
tional transom on
their Roberts 58’s;
this does add extra
deck room and inte-
rior space but you
lose the boarding &
swim platform &
also be careful of the
additional weight aft
.

LEFT & ABOVE:

Another two Roberts 58’s
 ABOVE: Hi Bruce, We are currently
the owners of a Roberts 58 steel ketch,
very happy with it, and are consider-
ing building a large catamaran, such
as yours. Cheers Richard Taylor

ABOVE: This ROBERTS 58 Amor Fati is a proven cruiser that has both been there and come back
again. She is outfitted for the serious cruiser. Once again, she is on the high seas on her way from
Rome to San Diego. She left in late October 2005, will depart the Canaries in late November to
cross the Atlantic and arrive in Barbados before Christmas. Her sail plan then calls for stops in
Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada before the New Year. In January, she will see Curacao,
Bonair, Aruba, Cartagena, San Blas, Puerto Bello, and Colon Panama. She is expected to transit
the Panama Canal in the third week of January and then head for the West Coast and San Diego.

Roberts 58 Built by Put Veini in Latvia -

No the gentleman is not a midget - this is
one big sailboat !
ABOVE: Here we see a selection of interior photographs from two of the many Roberts 58’s cur-
rently in service world-wide. The study plans on CD include many large scale photos of this design.