1977 Mercator Boat Works Mercator Offshore

This 1977 Mercator Offshore 30 is a robust cruising sailboat designed for Pacific Northwest waters. Built from a hull known for exceptional structural integrity—with hand-laminated fiberglass construction, all bulkheads and longitudinal members screwed to fiberglass flanges and glassed over—the boat has proven itself suitable for serious exploration, with a sistership having completed a circumnavigation. Her heavy displacement, encapsulated keel, and skeg-hung rudder are engineered to handle steep coastal chop and challenging conditions with confidence.

The interior layout suits small-boat cruising well. Forward is a V-berth with the head to port. The main salon features a U-shaped settee to port that converts to a double berth and a single settee to starboard, both configurable with lee cloths for underway rest. The galley to port includes a 4-burner propane stove with oven, single sink with hot and cold pressure water, and large insulated icebox. A compact navigation station to starboard keeps electronics within reach of the cockpit. An aft quarter berth to starboard completes the accommodation plan. The boat is fitted with both a Wallas 30 GB diesel cabin heater and Force 10 Cozy propane heater, making year-round cruising comfortable.

Major systems were recently upgraded. In 2019, the boat received a new 29 HP Yanmar 3YM30 diesel engine and new standing rigging with swaged fittings. Electronics were comprehensively overhauled with a Raymarine Axiom 7 touch-screen multifunction display, Quantum radar dome, ST1000 tiller pilot, and CP 370 digital sonar. New Precision Sails main and genoa (135%) were added in 2019. Deck hardware includes a Harken Mark IV jib furler, two Lewmar 40ST primary winches, and a 15kg Rocna anchor on a bow roller with chain and rode. The boat carries dual deep-cycle batteries, a Pro-Matic 30-3 charger, and comprehensive safety equipment including a Lifesling two-person overboard system.