1993 Custom Baraka 46

ESME is a 46-foot custom cutter built in 1993 in Florida by Rand Speas and Guy Erickson, based on a Chuck Paine design. Her hull is constructed from cold-molded marine plywood with epoxy and fiberglass sheathing, a building method featured in Boatbuilder Magazine as a case study. She displaces approximately 18 tons and draws 5'6", with a lead keel and skeg. The aluminum mast stands 63 feet, and her cutter rig suits both traditional handling and serious offshore work. A pilothouse-style raised deckhouse provides shelter and sightlines, while the aft cockpit helm is protected by a dodger.

Below, the boat is laid out for extended cruising and liveaboard comfort. Three cabins offer six berths, paired with one head. Storage is generous throughout, and the volume and systems reflect straightforward, proven cruising design. The 82 HP Westerbeke diesel with approximately 3,880 hours drives a Max-Prop three-blade propeller through a Hurth transmission. Fuel capacity is 54 gallons across two Moeller tanks, fresh water holds 200 gallons, and the holding tank manages 45 gallons.

Recent work includes new running rigging, mainsail, and staysail from Mack Sails in 2024–2025. The electrical system pairs 12V DC with 125V AC shore power, backed by a 200 Ah lithium house battery bank charged by two 100W solar panels and a Victron DC-DC charger. Ground tackle includes a 20 kg Rocna Vulcan anchor, 100 feet of 3/8" galvanized chain, and secondary Bruce and CQR anchors. A Walker Bay fiberglass dinghy with a 15 HP Mercury outboard (factory warranty through 2028) is included.