Bruce Roberts 45 Pilothouse Staysail Ketch Just Listed

Big Chief
45' Roberts Pilothouse Staysail Ketch - Launched in 1980
A True Off grid, solid fibreglass, blue-water cruiser

Key Features:

Soild fibreglass hull
883L fuel capacity between 3 large tanks
1455L integrated between 4 water tanks
900ah Lithium Iron phosphate house batteries
85L per hour water maker - NEW Feb 2026
1500w bifacial solar panels
2m+ headroom
Queen size main berth (midship)
Large V berth
Double bed available by lowering the table in the saloon.
Large engine room with access to all sides
Walker Bay 310RID tender with sailing Kit
200L eutectic chest freezer using OZEFridge - NEW 2024
Aw480 air and water cooled compressor -NEW 2024
160L eutectic fridge using OZEFridge aw480 air and water cooled compressor. - NEW 2024
Comprehensive sail wardrobe/inventory (more detail below)

We have owned Big Chief since 2023, carrying out extensive updates to the off grid capability of the boat in preparation for extended full time travel. We have travelled from South Australia to Queensland and it is now time for the next owners to take this turn key boat on it's next adventure.

Full osmosis treatment carried out at Bilge Rats Marine in Hobart in 2021. All blisters removed and reglassed, and epoxy coat done below the waterline.

Last slipped in March 2025 for 2 coats of Altex no. 5 antifoul and propspeed on the folding hydralign propeller.

All tanks cleaned and inspected in 2025 with new deck fill fittings installed

Fibreglass over marine ply housetop and deck.
Foam cored fibreglass wheelhouse/hard dodger.
Volvo Penta MD21a engine with approx 4300hours in large engine/systems room.
Lead acid stand alone start battery.
883L fuel capacity between 3 large tanks in the keel above the lead ballast, with day tank in engine room.
Dual racor fuel polishing system between keel tanks and day tank.
1455L integrated water tanks, also above the ballast in the keel.
Large, comfortable stand up shower.
Compo closet composting toilet. - through hulls still present if wanting to revert back to marine head.
3x 100/50 Victron MPPT controllers
30a Victron DCDC charger
3000w Renogy inverter-charger
1200w ac water heater with engine heat exchange loop.
Substantial aluminium davits incorporated into solar array - NEW 2024
33kg Vulcan primary anchor on 80m chain
Large stockless marsh secondary anchor excellent for thick weed.
25kg spare CQR anchor spare
Spare chain/rode
Induction cooktop
Electric air fryer 8in1 combination oven
Twin tub washing machine

Comprehensive sail wardrobe consisting of:
120% genoa on furler
Mainsail with 2 reef points
Mizzen sail with 1 deep reef point
Light air genoa option for furler
Staysail
Storm jib
Asymmetric spinnaker in sock
Blooper
Mizzen staysail spinnaker

Price: $125,000 AUD (Negotiable)

If you are looking for your next adventure on a trusted and tested turnkey blue water cruiser, then please get in touch. We are currently based in Brisbane for viewings. Happy to answer any questions.