I know that I will probably not find a Wiggers Nonsuch 33 manual, but does anyone have a .pdf of the NS 33 owners manual?
I am in the process of buying what I believe is Wigger’s second build and it might be useful for the survey.
Thanks,
Nick Burnett
Sugar Blues. 33W
Centerboard Yacht Club
South Portland, Maine
207.272.4956
The manual for the 33 Nonsuch is available to INA members on their site. The manual for the 354 is also there. The manual for the Wiggers is not on the site. If you have not been to the Nonsuch Photo Gallery you might want to check it out. There are photos and a short history of Sugar Blues when she was called Storm Cat.
https://pbase.com/nonsuch/33w_02_stormcat
Mark Powers
What a beautiful boat. Hopefully, it’s been well kept up since these photos were taken.
Ernie A. in Toronto
Thanks Ernie
I had found an ad from when Stormcat was for sale. I believe she is still in great shape. I’ll look again for the owners manual. I just paid my INA dues, so I expect I’ll be able to access more on the site soon.
Nick
Nick,
To the best of my knowledge, the Wiggers factory would have built using the same drawings as the Hinterhoeller factory. So the basic information contained in the original 33 manual on the www.Nonsuch.org website should be largely applicable. What’s most likely to differ would be be in the construction and the selection of OEM suppliers.
You can get to the manuals by logging on to the site, clicking the MEMBERS tab and selecting MANUALS. Once there, you might also want to download the New Nonsuch Owners Quick Guide, along with the 33 manual.
I was involved in salvaging the Nonsuch shop drawings (also on the MEMBERS tab, just below MANUALS). Those unfortunately don’t include any for the 33s, but I know for a fact that the person who turned them over to the INA rescued them from a dumpster at Wiggers when they shut down. That’s part of my basis for believing that Wiggers was operating off the same specs.
I’d be very surprised if Mike Quill, the original rigger for Hinterhoeller and since then the go-to expert for Nonsuch mast, boom, and rigging questions, wasn’t also involved with the Wiggers boats. Mike’s on retainer to answer questions for INA members, so you can use your membership privileges to see if he has any information for you. (Same MEMBERS tab, a little further down, click on MAINTENANCE to get started with that.)
The designer, Mark Ellis, was unique in that – unlike most designers – he retained the rights to the designs and licensed them to builders. Thus, he had to have some involvement with Wiggers. You can contact him through his website: https://www.markellisyachtdesign.com/
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Bob
Thanks for the all the info. Clearly, you have spent a great deal of time learning about the Nonsuch design. I have just found the manuals and Guide- a lot to absorb before my first sail on one.
Wiggers used the molds from Hinterhoeller, and, from the details I have seen, he must have been very conscientious in constructing the hulls. The fact that he updated the masts by using carbon fiber seems to indicate a desire to refine and improve the design.
Mike Quill sure seems to be a guy I should consult with as I move forward.
As you say, it is all the add on parts and equipment that will be different.
I’m sure I’ll have more questions, but I’ll check all the online conversations.
Nick