Description

Boatshed Essex are pleased to be presenting this one-of-a-kind 40ft steel auxiliary ketch, purpose-built for ocean cruising.

Designed with a traditional trawler-shaped hull and a graceful canoe stern, she combines classic lines with a robust, seafaring presence—qualities that we've been told, have earned her admiration wherever she sails!

Over her lifetime, she has been proven as a capable and seaworthy vessel, extensively cruising the Baltic, Mediterranean, Black Sea, North Sea, Scotland, and Ireland, as well as navigating Europe’s inland waterways. She has journeyed through the Danube River to the North Sea and crossed the Caledonian and Crinan canals multiple times. The 'kindly' motion she has provided has ensured a comfortable ride, even in challenging conditions.

Her last major voyage before coming ashore for refit was an approx. 600-mile journey from the Firth of Clyde to the River Crouch in Essex. What could have been a punishing passage across the August North Sea was handled with ease— taking everything the sea threw at her without hesitation.

In early 2021, she was dry-stored at Rhu Marina, later moving to Sandbank Marina in 2023 for further storage.

The current owner acquired her in June 2024, undertaking a comprehensive recommissioning in preparation for a journey south. She was hauled out and placed into a fully enclosed workshop to begin her refit. She now rests on hard standing, poised for her next adventure.

Stepping aboard, one is welcomed into a well-fitted and comfortable interior that immediately feels like home. The accommodation includes a double fore-cabin, a twin aft cabin, and a convertible saloon double, comfortably sleeping six. The saloon and galley are located forward of the wheelhouse, while a heads/shower compartment is neatly positioned to starboard, between the saloon and fore-cabin.

When not under sail, the Gardner 4LW 65hp diesel engine, renowned known for its legendary reliability powers her along. Her full sail wardrobe includes a main, mizzen, self-tacking jib (boom-footed), storm jib, and two downwind cruising sails—all rigged for long-distance cruising with durability in mind. Designed for versatility, her tabernacle-mounted masts and spars allow for easy lowering, making her ideal for canal passages.

A true passage-maker, she is ready to embark on her next great voyage, wherever the winds may take her.

Comments by the Current Owner:

"In early 2024, I was simply looking to charter a boat for a family cruise around Scotland during the summer holidays. By chance, I came across this boat, quietly laid up in the shed at Sandbank Marina on the Holy Loch, near Dunoon. Though she was in a rather tired state, her solid build and undeniable charm shone through—and I was hooked. Less than two weeks later, she was mine.
That initial spark quickly turned into a full commitment. I had her repainted, conducted basic
checks, and had her relaunched. The legendary Gardner 4LW engine was recommissioned by Joe McCool of Tangent Engineering (Gardner specialists), who performed a sea trial and gave her a clean bill of health—along with giving me the confidence to undertake our first voyage.

Our maiden journey took us from Oban to Essex via Inverness over nearly two weeks. She never missed a beat. The Gardner engine proved relentless, powering through 15-hour stretches without complaint, even when conditions turned against us. That voyage gave me a real sense of what she could do—and what would be needed to prepare her for more ambitious passage-making.
Over the following six months, I oversaw a comprehensive refit with no area left untouched. Every onboard system is now new or upgraded. The Gardner engine has been professionally overhauled, and her electrical system has been entirely modernised. It’s a first-class, over-
engineered installation with thoughtful redundancy built in for reliability and ease of maintenance. A solar array contributes up to 600W on clear days in May, supporting most onboard systems with ease. For added assurance, a backup generator recently overhauled and in perfect working order—ensures full off-grid capability.

We cruised extensively as a family, including a memorable summer voyage with our two
small children aboard. Safety was never a concern. The high gunwale and sturdy rail gave us complete peace of mind, allowing the kids to move around freely—even while underway—something I would rarely feel comfortable with on other boats of her size. Her seakeeping is another of her standout traits. Compared to other boats in her class,
she has a notably deep keel, to which a previous owner added additional ballast. Combined
with her yard-fitted bilge fins, this makes her remarkably stable and reassuring at sea—ideal
for both novices and seasoned cruisers alike. Sail handling is also reassuringly straightforward; I’ve managed all of the sails single-handed while underway, making her a very practical choice for solo or short-handed cruising.

She’s also been set up for true independence afloat. With 1,000 litres of fresh water, 1,000
litres of fuel, central heating, hot water, and even a washing machine on board, she is
thoroughly prepared for extended, self-sufficient cruising. Whether you’re coastal cruising,
island hopping, or anchored in a remote loch, she’s ready for it all.

Beyond her seaworthiness and systems, she comes with an unusually rich and well-preserved history. She carries extensive journals from previous voyages, offering a fascinating record of her life afloat. All historical bills and documentation from past refits are included, alongside a detailed and organised file covering every aspect of the work completed during my ownership.
Importantly, she has seen very little hard use over the years. Previous owners stored her ashore during winters and used her sparingly. To my knowledge, she has only spent one winter in the water, while awaiting haul-out for refit in Guernsey. This careful history has helped preserve her condition and character.

In May 2025, I conducted thorough sea trials following the completion of her refit. These included
extended runs under power and sail. Any minor issues that emerged during the natural shake down period were promptly addressed. At this point, every system on board is fully functional and operating at optimal capacity. She is practically and mechanically turn-key.

Sadly, my circumstances have changed, and work now takes me to the Global East. As such, I must reluctantly offer her for sale. She is comprehensively refitted, well-documented,
and fully proven, ready for her next chapter with an owner looking for a capable, characterful, and secure cruising vessel".

If you would like to know more, have any questions or would like to arrange a viewing , please do get in touch and we would be delighted to help.

These boat details are subject to contract.
Note: Offers on the asking price may be considered.

Register with Boatshed to see 206 extra photos of this Steel Ketch Motor Sailor Steel Ketch One-off steel auxiliary ketch motorsailer.

This Steel Ketch Motor Sailor Steel Ketch One-off steel auxiliary ketch motorsailer has been personally photographed and viewed by Jayne Markham of Boatshed Essex.

Specifications

Construction

Steel