1981 Skookum 53

This 1981 Skookum 53 is a center cockpit pilothouse ketch designed by Ed Monk Jr. and built in Port Townsend. The fiberglass hull measures 53 feet in length with a 16.5-foot beam. A Beta Marine diesel engine producing 105 horsepower provides power, with a cruising speed of 6.5 knots and a maximum speed of 9.5 knots. The boat cruises at 1.2 gallons per hour, offering a range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles under power. Main, staysail, and jib are all equipped with Harken roller furlers, while the mizzen is raised and lowered from its own mast. The design facilitates single-handed sailing, with all control lines led to the fully enclosed cockpit. Wide side decks and well-organized foredeck and aftdeck provide safe working areas with substantial handholds and lifelines.

The accommodations comprise two cabins and two heads. The aft cabin features a queen bed, abundant storage, an overhead hatch, and opening portlights. The forward cabin has two bunks and access to the chain locker. The spacious aft head includes a VacuFlush toilet, sink with hot and cold pressure water, a full shower stall, and partial tub. The forward head has a VacuFlush toilet and sink with hot and cold pressure water and a shower drain.

Belowdecks, the pilothouse wheelhouse station to starboard offers a captain's seat and navigation controls with forward visibility. The galley to port is fitted with double stainless steel sink, pressure-filtered hot and cold water, reach-in refrigerator and freezer, LPG stove and oven, and extensive storage. A U-shaped dinette sits to starboard. The salon features an L-shaped settee to port, a full work desk to starboard, bookshelves, and a Dickinson diesel stove. Large cabin windows throughout provide exceptional visibility. An aft breezeway includes a work bench and engine room access with substantial gear storage. The engine room features soundproof removable housing around the motor, a fuel polishing system, and well-secured batteries.

Significant upgrades were completed between 2015 and 2017, including a new Beta Marine engine and gearbox, new propeller and shaft, new standing rigging with refinished masts, new electrical system with battery monitoring, new Garmin, B&G, and Raymarine electronics, and new Harken roller furlers. The cabin house underwent major rebuilding with new windows, fiberglass work, and new portlights. A new 30-gallon 120V hot water heater with calorifier, new engine riser, and new starter and house 8D batteries were also installed. A three-quarter canvas cover is included with the boat.