Sonata 7 Just Listed

Built by Investigator Yachts in Cardiff NSW in 1985, the Sonata 7 is one of the most comfortable trailer Sailers available. 'Yillullay', for a 23 footer, is spacious, efficiently designed to comfortably accommodate 4 - 6, while performing wonderfully well under sail.
Sleeping is provided by six berths (that's right - 6!), which makes her the perfect family cruiser.
A separate toilet compartment is provided forward of the mast on the starboard side, which is more practical than those located under bunks. Storage under every berth, and ample locker storage under dinette, below the cockpit, and aft each side of the tiller.
A large pop-top provides standing headroom and plenty of fresh air.
The cockpit is large and self-draining. As well as the lockers each side the tiller there are two small combing lockers below each headsail winch.
The forehatch was updated in 2012 to a hatch better suited to coastal cruising. This gives access to foredeck for sail changes, and to set the anchor, as well as providing ample ventilation.
The standing rigging was replaced in 2021, and is a simple masthead configuration with all running rigging leading back to the cockpit for single-handed sailing.
The iron-core swing keel offers 409kg of ballast (40% ratio), and the king pin pivot bolt was replaced in 2020 during a full refit. The keel retracts into the hull inside a keel casing in the center of the vessel by means of a manual winch below the companionway. When retracted the vessel draws a very shallow 0.65m. Keel down, the draft is 1.45m (not accounting for cargo, of course).
Refit in 2020,'Yillullay' has many features updated from her maiden launch in 1986; including New stainless-steel chain plates, New stainless steel rudder assembly and pintles, New tiller handle, New tinted port & starboard portlight windows, 200AH of house battery storage, 12VDC Eva Kool refrigerator/freezer, 60W solar array, Porta-potti 360 cassette head, Kenwood stereo, Bose marine stereo speakers, Plastimo Contest bulkhead compass, Raymarine touch-screen Chart-plotter, Uniden VHF Marine Radio, LED cabin & navigation lights, robust stern ladder, modern halyard cleats and winches, Coastal-cruising forehatch, and lockable wave-proof pop-top latches. The motor transom bracket was also replaced, and allows for the motor to be lifted up while under sail.
At the time of refitting her bottom was fully epoxy painted, and antifoul painted. She was last professionally re-painted for antifoul in February 2024.
The trailer is a two-axel braked 7m galvanized roller trailer with brake-away system. The brakes are electrically controlled hydraulic actuated. The brake controller and lines were upgraded in 2022 by Felk Trailers at Warners Bay NSW. The Electric winch is 2:1 mechanical advantage, 2000kg and was refurbished in November 2024. Rust repairs were carried out on wheel arch mud guards in October 2024. Trailer is registered until October 2025.
Specs:
L. O. A - 6.9m
L. W. L - 6m
Beam - 2.45m
Weight - 1027kg (Unladen)
Ballast - 409kg
Sail Wardrobe - Main 1/4 batten 9.5m2, Gib #1,#2,#3,#4
Mast - 7.92m
Boom - 2.74m
Ground tackle - CQR with 5m gal 8mm chain, 60m 10mm nylon rode.
Safety - EPERB, Fire Extinguisher, Life Ring, All compulsory safety equipment for coastal cruising, including inflatable 150-class life jackets, electric bilge pump
Galley - two-burner Masie metho stove
Water - 160L potable
Fuel - 20L petrol with siphon hose
Motor - Mercury 8hp 2 stroke outboard
Extras - Boom tent, pop-top weather cover, Fenders, Docking lines, spinnaker pole, boat hook, cockpit & bunk cushions