How to replicate steel "Danish Gaff Traders"?

Where is the "Danish Gaff Trader"?


Hello everyone, I hope that some of you know a little about this type of boats. I can't find any information, I've even tried in Danish and dutch but nothing comes up!
I want to build this type of boat in Mexico, doesn't matter how long it would take.

What I think it'd work... (I'm not an expert as you are).
- Steel (low material and workmanship)
- 3 crew & 4 passengers (Lots of friends)
- <= 50 ft
- 8 ft max draft
- Aft cockpit
- "Hard chine" I think is the best in this case for "easy" construction.
- Upwind performance rig (SE average winds, 3-4 BS./Veracruz Mex.)
- Small cargo hold for Coffee beans 6 m3 (we own Mex Coffee)

Do any of you know how to get the plans? Here is the link where I found this beauty. Just point where, I'll study and make the project management with whatever I get.

Steel Gaff Ketch live aboard adventure sailing yacht For Sale https://woodenships.co.uk/sailing-yacht/steel-gaff-ketch-2/

FAIR WINDS!

 

https://www.researchgate.net/public...vessels_on_the_west_coast_of_Sweden_1850-1980

 

@gonzo Thank you for the link, already had it but no further information besides it, actually it is the most extensive information from Eastern Fishing Trawlers I found. Besides the next couple of links and files...I was expecting something a bit more detailed?.
Ritning https://digitaltmuseum.se/011024765596/ritning/media?slide=1
Nietlogger Fishing Boat - FreeShipPlans.com https://freeshipplans.com/free-model-ship-plans/nietlogger-german-fishing-boat/

Cheers!

 

Hi Roberto,
I have been smitten with these Northsea fishing trawlers converted into world sailers ever since coming across one in the Azores, almost 40 years ago. The deckhouse, the large foredeck and the bulworks all had me convinced they would be very comfortable world cruisers.

I haven't found much about steel conversions. I like steel, that is my preferred material, as well, but if you're building new, just talk to a designer to help build in all the elements that are important to you. Unless you need to be historically faithful, the lines and deck layout are the distinctive features that you can design around.
Convert a 54ft fishing trawler into a blue-water motor-sailer - Practical Boat Owner https://www.pbo.co.uk/expert-advice/boat-restorations/convert-a-54ft-fishing-trawler-into-a-blue-water-motor-sailer-68548
These trawlers were not just Dutch, so you might be able to find more if you expand your search to other North Sea regions.

Good luck.

 

Hi Roberto,
With the information provided by Gonzo you have more than enough to obtain the shapes of your boat. Another different thing is to reconvert that boat to be built in steel. That will probably change the shapes a little (for construction reasons) and change the total weight which will also have an influence on the shapes, fixed ballast, etc....

 

The names "Danish gaff trader" and "Baltic trader" are something invented in America and cover a wide range from original working sailboats to converted motor fishing vessels with the typical aft pilothouse. As such you can't find much information because in their home countries they are called by various other names, like kutter, logger, tawler, fishing boat, etc. Everything that wasn't a wide stern motorboat and sported masts became a "xxx trader".

There are several things about a "Danish gaff trader" that don't necessarily correspond with your stated criteria. For example the iconic tall aft pilothouse wich is a nice thing to have in the cold wet weather of the North Sea will have you running a big air conditioner full time in Veracruz. Under 50ft it's almost impossible to fit a decent cockpit behind the pilothouse. There is only so much upwind performance you can get from long keeld yacht.

Here is a design concept that comes close to what you want and for wich you can buy plans. 52' Steel Cargo Schooner ~ Sail Boat Designs by Tad Roberts https://www.tadroberts.ca/services/new-design/sail/steelcargoschooner52

 

@Will Gilmore First of all, thanks for the tip.
I've tried with Dutch, Danish, Scottish and so on, since they share some characteristics but not much info is out there.
I read the article and I must say that guy is a really handy guy.
Thank you for the info and I'll keep searching for my project. If you get another tip ok the way let me know please.

 

Roberto Hoz

you might find this design interesting:

https://www.kastenmarine.com/lucille_42.htm

this vessel also has a larger sister (50’ or so) which may be found on the same site.

 

Then I guess here is where I start the real stuff.
I'll look for further details as I could shape the "white paper" for it.

 

Yes Tom indeed, and also checked a few months ago The 120' Cargo Skipjack as well, nice and "simple" design for relatively easy construction.
https://www.kastenmarine.com/cargo_skipjack_100.htm

 

If we are departing the pointy stern/tall pilothouse league you should also look at Dix's designs. He has a steel 50 that comes in many different options, from full yacht to full cargo, including a semi-cargo design that might suit you nicely. The price on the plans is really good.
https://www.dixdesign.com/hb50.htm
https://www.dixdesign.com/cargo50.htm

 

Sorry the late response, I've been quite into designs to understand and researching about the names you pointed in your answer. If there's any link, info available from your side to really understand the pros and cons from those ships, even the history behind them I'd love to check it out.
Why northern Europe Ships?
I am amazed at its simplicity and effectiveness based on mechanical elements of basic physics to meet that period needs. As well as the transformations for different jobs that the hulls of the last century underwent and that some are still useful even as homes.

About the tall Aft pilot house I'm considering your advice , even if it's ok for me a 60 or 70 feet boat. Maybe you can add up to your vision from it, we have a meteorologic event every year here called "Norte", meaning north wind, rinsing up 40 + Knots sometimes explosively and some times progressively, depending on the developed isobars from each event, 20 events per year average. Just last week we had 8 °C (wind chill), could be just a fresh and lovely day for some of you but for us is enough to pull penguins out of our armpits, considering our average 28 °C. For that reason I'm open for advises about it.
Upwind performance is a MUST, I get the point, the need for itself demands long hulls.

Regarding Tad Roberts designs I'll say I'm fan of his work and I'll summon some designs I've found attractive, .

Tad Roberts:
Steel 60' Cargo Schooner
Steel 60' Cargo Schooner ~ Sail Boat Designs by Tad Roberts https://tadroberts.ca/services/new-design/sail/steelcargoschooner60
(BTW take a look at his new concept "Shallow draft metal cargo hauler...")
Tad Roberts https://www.facebook.com/p/Tad-Roberts-100009398593049/

Derek Hallard:
SECRET TRADER 50
Go Sail Cargo | Secret Trader 50 https://www.gosailcargo.com/secret-50.html
*Lovely designs, but full electric boat could be an issue here in México for the cost of it (1.5X Germany price)

Kasten Marine:
SKIPJACK 100
https://www.kastenmarine.com/cargo_skipjack_100.htm
*Still a concept I think so, but easy construction sounds good to me.

Dudley Dix:
CARGO 50
https://www.dixdesign.com/cargo50.htm

Ted Brewer:
ALBATROSS
https://tedbrewer.com/sail_steel/albatross.ht

Bruce Roberts:
TRADER 65 & 765
https://www.bruceroberts.com/public/HTML/descriptions/trader65_description.htm

Thank you for your information so far I hope we could learn more from you all guys.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela

 

Researching the originals will not bring you much for your project. The windward performance of a long and shallow full keel just isn't very good. Yachtmen recognized this early on and began shortening and deepening the keel until they arrived at the fin with bulb type. If draft was a consideration centerboards or lifting keels were used.
When you say "upwind performance is a MUST" you are saying "the boat needs a fin keel or centerboard/daggerboard". What was considered good upwind performance in 1900 is mediocre at best in 2025.

With the appearance of the engine most vessels lost significant rig area, they became motorsailors at best, sometimes the sails were used only to steady the boat while trawling.
Here are some links, please note the difference in sail plans (100 sqm less).
A fishing boat for the North Sea by Max Oertz: Risse https://www.yachtsportmuseum.de/suche/risse/details/RISS-s214 Risse https://www.yachtsportmuseum.de/suche/risse/details/RISS-s215 Risse https://www.yachtsportmuseum.de/suche/risse/details/RISS-s216 Risse https://www.yachtsportmuseum.de/suche/risse/details/RISS-s213

17m Kutter type D: VEB Yachtwerft Berlin - Archiv 1. Abteilung: Fischerereifahrzuge https://www.veb-yachtwerft-berlin.de/YWB/Archiv/1%20Fischereifahzeuge.html

What I would do to the pilothouse is simple, I would transform it into a hard bimini over the cockpit. What you gain is a pilothouse frame that can be closed off and that you can heat with a diesel heater when needed. What you loose is the toilet and chart table they have to be moved downstairs. When the Norte comes you have plexiglass inserts or vinyl curtains that are installed in the frame. For a real authentic look you can make wood panels with only few windows.