2004 Custom Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

This 44-foot wooden pilot cutter was built in 2004 to the traditional Isles of Scilly design by Luke Powell, one of the most respected builders of this type. The boat combines classic construction with straightforward systems suited to cruising and handling by a small crew. A powerful gaff cutter rig and a 65 hp Nanni diesel engine provide reliable propulsion, with cruising and maximum speeds of 6 and 7.5 knots respectively.

The hull is built of larch planking with oak in the upper strakes, bronze-fastened throughout and supported by closely-spaced oak frames. The external ballast keel is lead, complemented by internal ballast in the bilges, giving a displacement of 20 tons. Bronze screw fastenings, galvanized standing rigging, and ash blocks create a traditional working boat. The wide Opepe decks are straight-laid and traditionally caulked. A tiller connects to a large oak rudder post and keel-hung rudder. Recent major work includes replacement of the sternpost and 28 planks aft in 2023, and a complete rig overhaul with new paint and varnish completed in early 2025.

Below deck, the boat offers accommodation for six in berths plus two settee berths. The saloon is spacious with good headroom, varnished oak trim, and a large drop-leaf table. A separate galley to port features a three-burner gimballed stove with oven, top-loading fridge-freezer, and double sinks. The nav station to starboard includes a full-sized chart desk with modern electronics. A dedicated heads compartment to port contains an electric Jabsco toilet and hot-water shower. Interior refits over the past two years include new cushions and mattresses, freshly painted bulkheads, a diesel cabin heater, and new running rigging throughout.

Equipment is comprehensive: Garmin chart plotters and radar, VHF, Furuno AIS, electric anchor windlass with chain and spare anchor, and a clinker-built sailing dinghy. Power comes from a 145-gallon fuel capacity, an 80-gallon fresh water system with electric pump, multiple battery banks with shore and engine charging, and a 6-gallon hot water heater. All seacocks are cast-bronze Blake valves, and the boat carries offshore flare packs and medical kits.