Custom Ketch Twin Keel

Custom Ketch Twin Keel

This world cruiser proven by a circumnavigation and two Atlantic crossing, is now available at a fraction of replacement cost. Shibumi is suitable for family cruising or chartering - a true turn key operation.

Designed by Alan Wright, “SHIBUMI” is a 65 foot custom built twin keel composite constructed, ketch rigged cruising motorsailor with enclosed pilothouse specifically designed for comfortable, long term, bluewater cruising in remote areas. The vessel is built to heavy scantlings and layschedules for offshore cruising. She is an “all weather” “go-anywhere” vessel that can be handled by two people. Built in 1973 in Auckland, NZ, her current owners have upgraded and modernized her over the last 16 years, including a new teak deck, custom pilothouse configuration, interior layout and finishes, and mechanical systems. We have lovingly maintained her Gardner 8LXB Diesel, including rebuilding the complete fuel injection system in 2011, and her Hundested variable pitch propeller system which we rebuilt in December, 2011. SHIBUMI’s layout includes a master cabin and second guest cabin aft, a forward guest cabin, saloon, galley, and navigation station forward with a large pilothouse above the engine room. Her walk-in engine room and shop provide easy maintenance of all systems. SHIBUMI is in “sail away” condition and is a big boat for people with big plans.

The triple fiberglass and double end grain balsa core hull is 2.5-3.0 inch thick to a depth of 9 inch below the waterline, then transitioning to solid glass approximately 1 1/8 inch thick. Decks are ¾ inch plywood double treated then 5/32 inch fiberglass layup and covered with ¾” inch teak planking. The original teak decks were replaced in 2002. Beam shelf carlines and deck beams all select New Zealand heart Kauri. All fastenings are bronze or stainless steel. The steel fabricated keels each weigh 5.5 tons with approximately 4.5 tons of lead. Each has capacity to hold approximately 170 gallons of fuel. Twin steel rudders and stainless steel shafts with protecting skegs. Cabin sides are thicknesses of 7/8 inch spinal solid core Rosorcinal glued plywood and 1/4 inch teak ply inside and glassed outside up to a ¼ inch thick on the turns. All tanks, water and fuel, are vented above deck level. The ship has a high capacity engine driven emergency bilge pump with five permanently plumed pickup positions selectable by manifold valves in the engine room. Virtually the entire bottom of the boat is tankage forming a “double hull”. In addition to the engine-driven bilge pump, there are two electric bilge pumps forward and two electric bilge pumps in the engine room with automatic float switches and high water alarms in each area. The alarms and bilge pump controls are wired to the pilot house. The twin keel design produces an extremely stiff boat. SHIBUMI rarely heals more than 12° regardless of the wind velocity or sail set. The twin rudders and the propeller are also protected by a skeg. There are two steering stations, one in the pilothouse, the other on deck aft. The steering gear was completely rebuilt in 2012 including rudder bearings and tubes. The entrance doors to forward and aft accommodations from the pilothouse are 1/4 inch aluminum plate and can be partially or totally closed. Lockable stainless steel grates provide an alternative secure ventilated closure for long term storage or insecure anchorages.

Construction and Vessel Highlights • Triple fiberglass and double end grain balsa core hull to 9” below waterline • Twin Keel, twin rudder, with 4.5 tons of lead and integral secondary diesel Tankage of 170 gallons per keel • 1100 gallon diesel Tankage; 720 gallon water Tankage • Holding tank, lubricating oil and hydraulic oil integrated tankage. • Forward and aft watertight “collision” bulkheads • Watertight bulkhead fore and aft of engine compartment with sealing hatches. • Stainless steel companionway security grates • ¼” Aluminum plate sliding companionway closures • Enormous below decks and topside storage.

Deck Storage • Forward and Aft huge “jump in” lazarette • Vented Deck storage for 3 or more 20 pound propane/Butane tanks • Aft Deck boxes for lines, fishing gear, life raft, toys. 

Ground Tackle - Maxwell Marine H3000 Hydraulic Forward Anchor Windlass, Aft Anchor Windlass, 24V, Delta Anchor – 110 pound, Bruce Anchor – 33 Kg, Danforth Type Day anchor – 50 pound, 5/8 galvanized ACCO High test main anchor chain, new in 2012, Forward and aft anchor rode/chain

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