2014 Custom Aluminum Expedition

This 53-foot aluminum expedition yacht was designed and built to exacting standards with voyaging safety as the primary consideration. The hull features all welds below the waterline dye tested, watertight bulkheads, a double bottom, and a full hardtop with dodger. The boat is built around an oversized lifting keel that reduces broaching risk during ocean passages while delivering superior sailing performance. The design incorporates a 560-square-foot self-tacking Solent working jib on a traveler, capable of being flown in winds up to 35 knots without sail reduction and achieving an 11-degree sheeting angle.

The boat carries nearly 1,000 gallons of fresh water capacity and is powered by a single 110-hp Volvo diesel engine with just 75 hours of running time. Power generation relies on an extensive solar array feeding a 2,354 amp-hour AGM battery bank with inverter-chargers. Heating comes from a diesel-fired central system that warms the cabin and cockpit. A large keel-cooled refrigeration and freezer system is heavily insulated—up to a foot thick—to minimize energy draw. The entire hull is sprayed with closed-cell polyurethane foam for insulation, acoustic dampening, and additional floatation.

Below deck, the main cabin showcases traditional joinery with Brazilian Jatoba cherry trim and solid Brazilian Cumaru teak soles. Large lexan windows in the raised dinette provide panoramic views. The galley is purpose-built for seaworthiness and secure operation. A workshop forward includes a workbench and drill press; an aft technical lazarette provides access to major systems including a washer and dryer. The boat offers two cabins and two heads. The shower features a mixer valve that redirects incoming water to a tank, preventing scalding from the 165-degree output of the engine's heat exchanger. Deck safety includes 40-inch-high lifelines, Treadmaster covering, and numerous handholds throughout.

The boat was fully commissioned and tested in 2022, then placed back at rest. Systems have been routinely maintained and tested throughout its ownership. A comprehensive photo gallery documenting all systems and features is available.