PRICE $46,000 USD
S/V Shearwater is a unique 1982 43’ cat ketch also known as the Offshore 43, designed by Yves-Marie Tanton and built by Ta Chiao Shipyard in Taiwan. These vessels were built of quality construction, designed for both offshore and coastal cruising. There were approximately 48 of the 43’ cat ketches built. These one-of-a-kind vessels feature freestanding (unstayed) carbon fiber masts with aluminum wishbone booms, with the sails divided almost equally between the mainsail and mizzen. Sailors have reported that handling the sails is never overwhelming even when sailing shorthanded, and the absence of standing rigging allows the boat to effortlessly sail wing and wing.
On the interior this 43 Tanton has plenty of storage and space throughout with a 13’1” beam and 6’4” head room. The teak and mahogany woodwork throughout is in fair condition but will be stunning once refinished. This vessel sleeps 4 with the stateroom forward featuring a double bunk, the table surrounded by L shaped seating in the main salon converts into an extra bunk to provide more sleeping. The galley is equipped with a stainless Force 10 four burner propane stove with oven that may need repair or replacement. For refrigeration, there are 2 independent drop-in units in the port counter top that are usable as refrigerators or freezers. The double stainless sinks have pressure hot and cold water and there is also a charcoal canister water filter system for drinking water at the galley sink. The head is equipped with a Raritan manually operated head that is plumbed through a “Y” valve to a 15-gallon holding tank. There are 7 quality stainless opening ports by New Found Metals to provide plenty of ventilation.
S/V Shearwater already has some of the equipment you would need to go cruising. She has two 210-watt solar panels with Victron Energy MultiPlus 12/2000/80 charger with a 2000w inverter. There is also a Honda 2000 generator for your extra power needs. The batteries consist of an almost new custom made 600 AH lithium battery house bank and the dedicated engine start battery is a 100 AH gel. The S/K reverse osmosis, 15 gallons per hour water maker will keep the 60-gallon stainless water tank full. There is no shortage of ground tackle which includes: an electric Lofrans Tigress windlass, a 48lb Spade anchor with 200ft of chain, and a 48lb Bruce anchor with 80ft of chain with 100ft rode.
This vessel is powered by a fresh water-cooled Caterpillar Model 3034 diesel engine with only 1573 hours. The engine is easily accessible and well-ventilated with access located inside the cabinetwork in the main salon. There are 2 fuel tanks, one 37-gallon aluminum and one 34-gallon iron with a transfer and polishing system. The sails consist of: a mainsail partially battened in fair condition, a mizzen partially battened in fair condition , and the mizzen staysail looks to be in good condition but would need some rigging and deck fitting to be put into service.
This Tanton 43 Offshore is being sold with a generous assortment of parts and supplies on board, along with a new set of stainless hawse pipes. While S/V Shearwater does require some work to bring her up to cruising standards, most of the needed improvements are cosmetic with some components needing replacement.
With its solid reputation, S/V Shearwater represents an excellent investment opportunity for those willing to put in some tender loving care to prepare her for the open seas. Currently docked in the beautiful Rio Dulce, Guatemala, this vessel is priced to sell and eagerly awaits her next adventure.