Max Creese Pilothouse Motorsailer Yacht Under Contract

Huon Pine Motorsailer

Location Port Cygnet, Tasmania

Hull material 25 mm Huon pine over laminated frames

Built by Geoff Cuthbertson at Montague Bay (Hobart) using a Max Creece design intended for easy use by a couple.

Rebuilt between 2019 and 2021 at Cygnet Wooden Boats.

Wheelhouse rebuilt in NZ kauri with toughened glass and a new clear-view installed. Also decks replaced with epoxy sheathed marine plywood; new carlins, toe rails, combings, deck beams (where required), opening port lights, chain plates, cleats and engine vents. Extensive use of bronze fittings. A new boom-bag with lazy jacks has been installed.

The hull is strip planked and therefore very stable allowing for highly durable two-pack paint systems on the topsides. There is a lead ballast slipper and some trimming ballast secured in the bilges.

Mast stripped, rewired and repainted. Allspar roller furler reconditioned and both standing and running rigging replaced.

The engine (4236 Perkins), rated at 66 bhp, is well matched to a Borg Warner transmission which turns a 22 inch propellor. The engine was professionally assessed before and during the refit when it was refurbished in a workshop. Shaft 1 1/4 inch drawn and checked by marine engineers; heat exchanger, alternator (130A) and starter motor all reconditioned. Injectors serviced. New engine mounts, shaft seal (PSS), hydraulic steering and all hoses replaced. She runs well at 1500 rpm and will sit on 7 plus knots using about 5 litres per hour but we prefer winding back to 6 knots (about 1300 rpm) and saving fuel. This gives considerable range given that the fuel tanks hold about 400 litres.

A new electric anchor windlass, new 10 mm chain (60 meters), new secondary nylon rode with chain and 2 anchors take care of the 'stop department'.

This boat is fitted with a deck wash (for anchor rode), pressurised fresh water to the basin in the heads and galley, electric toilet, LED lights for navigation, cockpit and internally, new refrigerator, new diesel heater (Reflex) and a pressure kerosene cooker.

There is a LiPO house battery and an AGM start battery charged by a Victron solar controller or a Victron DC-DC charger.

This boat is the epitome of an easily managed couples boat which maintains some traditional features such as a work bench in the forepeak, but also provides the comforts of modern amenities.