1987 Custom Weld Exploration

Franc Nord I is a 38-foot steel sloop designed by Gilbert Caroff and custom-built by Weld. The boat features a centerboard that allows for shallow draft, paired with a compact cockpit offering clear sightlines underway. Her stainless steel hull is built to withstand demanding conditions, combining classic design with practical cruising capability.

The yacht is powered by a 50-horsepower Volvo Penta inboard diesel engine with only 600 hours of use. She rides on a direct-drive system with a three-blade bronze propeller and includes a bow thruster for docking assistance. An electric windlass aids anchoring operations. The centerboard design and shallow draft make her well-suited for varied water conditions.

The boat accommodates a single head with a 30-gallon holding tank. Access to and from the water is straightforward via a sugar-scoop stern, with custom steps integrated into the rudder for safe re-entry. The boat is supplied with a 15-horsepower RIB tender equipped with a custom-welded davit system for launching and retrieval.

Power independence is supported by two 300-amp-hour lithium house batteries, four 200-watt solar panels, a 2,000-watt Honda generator, and a wind generator. Additional equipment includes a water maker and rail-mounted grill.