1969 Custom Rhodes Motorsailer Steel Ketch

This 52-foot steel ketch was designed by Philip Rhodes and built in 1969 in Brielle, The Netherlands. The hull is steel construction with a beam of nearly 16 feet, giving solid seaworthiness and cruising capability. Power comes from a 4-53 Detroit diesel engine paired with a Lewmar 250 bow thruster for manageable handling in tight quarters.

The boat sleeps six across three cabins and two heads. The main cabin holds a double and single berth, the side cabin has two bunks, and the forward V-berth includes an additional bunk in the hallway. Storage is distributed throughout the accommodations. A diesel cook stove with oven and a cabin propane heater support comfortable living aboard. Fresh water capacity is 160 gallons; diesel fuel capacity is 350 gallons.

Navigation and safety systems include AIS (transmit and receive), a Furuno radar and plotter with depth sounder, Timezero navigation software running on a dedicated laptop with 24-inch monitor, an Icom M710 single-sideband radio, a modified CPT autopilot, and a backup camera. Electrical systems feature an isolation transformer for shore power safety.

The hull was fully sandblasted, welded, and faired about three years ago, then finished with five coats of epoxy barrier and five coats of bottom paint. Last hauled out 1.5 years ago, with a dive inspection completed last month showing zincs at 95 percent. Power generation includes wind and solar panels totaling 750 watts, supplemented by an engine-driven watermaker for extended cruising.