36′ Motor Sailer Ketch  Please refer to WWW.WOODENSHIPS.CO.UK  for more info.
£75000
Built in Ireland to fishing vessel specifications, the build was completed by an RNLI engineer and she was launched in 1991. A very robust hull of iroko planking on oak frames. RNLI alloy wheelhouse gives her a purposeful look. Her hull shape is unusually fine in the ends meaning she sails surprisingly well, this is not a blunt fishing boat hull. Interior fit out gives 6 berths in 2 sleeping cabins plus the saloon. New Beta 90hp engine in 2022. A large rig gives her surprisingly good performance under sail. New rigging 2018 and recent sails. A fantastic boat for northern climates, capable of long distance expedition sailing. Excellent 2024 survey available.
Designer: Traditional
Year: 1991
Location: Devon
Length on deck: 36'3"
Beam: 12'3"
Draft: 5'9"
Designer: Traditional
Year: 1991
Location: Devon
Length on deck: 36'3"
Beam: 12'3"
Draft: 5'9"
Full specification
Construction | Rig | Machinery | Accommodation | Equipment
Wooden Ships Comments on this 36′ Motor Sailer Ketch
The hull was built by boat builder Charles McElroy in Ardboe, N. Ireland and launched in 1991.
The uncompleted hull was purchased by local man Aiden Riley, a lifeboat mechanic, who completed the build with the help of cabinet maker Vincent Murphy.
Plans for the completed boat were drawn up by naval architects Barr & Associates with stability analysis by Strathclyde Maritime Design.
She is largely based on traditional fishing boat lines, however her fore and aft sections are finer giving her a good grip in the water and better sailing performance than a round bilge fishing boat.
The RNLI connection is evident throughout from the aluminium wheelhouse to numerous high-end fittings, attention to details and the general no nonsense finish.
Bought by the present owner in 2014, a thorough rolling refit commenced with upgrading of much of the equipment and systems.  Most of the rig is new, all electronics, nav systems and a Beta 90hp engine fitted in 2022.
In recent years she has been used for cruising the west coast of Scotland and the Hebrides, where she has proven herself as a very capable and comfortable sea-going boat, well known and much admired in many places. Her hull shape is most interesting with good grip in the water, giving her rather impressive sailing performance. Although a motor-sailer at heart, she has a big sail area and can stand up to her canvas. She will easily make 6/7 knots on a beam reach.
Often mistaken for a Fisher 37, she is superior in many ways to that design and is a very impressive yacht, superbly well equipped, and ready for any extended cruising.  Her large wheelhouse gives excellent space and shelter.  Dedicated sleeping areas in the forward and the aft cabins separates sleeping space from living space.
Whether the plan is to potter around the west coast of Scotland, or head north to Iceland, Svalbard and beyond, this is a boat capable of extended expeditions as well as relaxed local cruising.
April 2024 survey available.
The vessel is being moved south to Dartmouth in the spring of 2025.
 
Length on Deck                          36’3” / 11.06m
Beam                                            12’3” / 3.72m
Draft                                             5’9” / 1.75m