1940 Vintage Brigantin / Tourisme

This 1940 Brigantin was built in Vendée as a working tuna boat and has since served as a cargo carrier, dive charter, and day-trip vessel. The hull is wooden, maintained regularly with stainless steel fasteners throughout the planking. The boat measures 46 feet in length with a 14.3-foot beam and carries a single Baudouin diesel engine of 80 horsepower, scrupulously maintained. The propulsion system includes a 70mm steel primary shaft and stainless secondary shaft, a wet-exhaust setup, and a four-bladed bronze propeller of 700mm diameter. The rudder is fitted with a 70mm stock, four anodes, and hydraulic actuation.

The deck and structural layout reflect decades of working service. The Iroko wood deck was relaid in 1994 at 35mm thickness and is kept under regular maintenance. Forward, a bowsprit arrangement and raised hatch serve as passenger seating; the aft deck features varnished benches. Two masts (main and mizzen) support the traditional rigging. The hull incorporates three interior compartments: forward and aft holds and an engine room accessed from the wheelhouse. A large stainless steel bathing ladder is fitted for dive operations.

Accommodation is minimal but functional: one head, a small berth, and a refrigerator. The boat is equipped for passenger transport under French commercial regulations (divisions 240 and 241), with three electrical systems at 24V and 12V (plus 12V backup), a 220V inverter, and shore power connection. Navigation equipment includes three VHF radios, GPS, depth sounder, compass, and autopilot. A Lofrans electric windlass, mooring cleats, and multiple winches complete the working inventory.