Doggersbank 63

1974 Doggersbank 63 — CONSTANT

$695,000 | Seattle, Washington
Steel Offshore Expedition Trawler | 3,500 NM Range | Proven Pacific Northwest Cruiser

A Dutch-Built Expedition Yacht with a 50-Year Legacy

Delivered in 1974, CONSTANT is a rare and highly respected example of a true Dutch offshore motor yacht—designed by Dick Boon of Vripack and built in Holland by Jongert.
At 19.20 meters (63 feet), she was the largest Doggersbank built at the time and the first of her series commissioned for export, marking an important moment in the evolution of the Doggersbank line of offshore trawlers.

Constructed of Corten steel with conservative scantlings and classic North Sea design elements, CONSTANT was built to operate safely and comfortably in demanding offshore conditions. Her deep forefoot, full-length keel, round bilges with hydraulic stabilizers, and canoe stern reflect a design philosophy rooted in seaworthiness, efficiency, and control—not speed or show.

Provenance & Cruising History

CONSTANT’s story is not theoretical—she has done the cruising she was built for.

Following early ownership in Europe and time spent cruising abroad, CONSTANT was purchased in 1982 by Jon and Ann Bowman of Anacortes, Washington, beginning a 40-year family tenure that firmly established her reputation in the Pacific Northwest.

The Bowmans lived aboard CONSTANT full-time for the first four years of ownership and then continued to spend six months each year aboard, cruising extensively throughout:

• Southeast Alaska
• The Inside Passage
• Vancouver Island
• British Columbia’s remote coastlines
• Alaska’s fjords and anchorages

Their style of cruising favored remote anchorages, self-sufficiency, and exploration, often avoiding ports for extended periods. CONSTANT served as a reliable and comfortable platform for extended voyages, shore exploration by RIB, and long seasons away from docks.

During their ownership, systems were simplified and optimized for reliability, the galley and master cabin were remodeled, and the vessel was maintained to commercial-minded standards. After four decades of adventure, advancing age—not condition—led to the Bowmans’ decision to pass CONSTANT to a new steward in 2021.

The current owner has continued this legacy of careful custodianship, investing significantly in maintenance, mechanical systems, and cosmetic renewal while preserving the vessel’s fundamental integrity as a serious offshore yacht.

Condition & Survey Overview (November 2024)

CONSTANT benefits from a recent Condition & Valuation Survey conducted by Rodger G. Morris, NAMS-CMS, a highly regarded Pacific Northwest marine surveyor.

Survey Highlights:

• Surveyor’s condition assessment: Very Good to Excellent
• Hull integrity confirmed with historical ultrasonic testing showing ~4% plate wastage over 37 years (well below replacement thresholds)
• No structural, machinery, electrical, or systems recommendations
• Vessel deemed fit for offshore service as a privately owned yacht

This survey tells a clean, confidence-building story: a well-built steel yacht that has been properly maintained, thoughtfully upgraded, and responsibly operated.

Hull, Construction & Design

• Hull:Corten steel
  • Original plating: 8 mm (garboards), 6 mm elsewhere
  • Exceptional long-term corrosion performance
• Displacement: ~171,000 lbs (light)
• Beam: 18’
• Draft: 7’
• Air Draft: 29’ (mast up) | ~17’ (mast lowered)
• Keel: Full-length
• Rudder: Becker articulated spade rudder
• Stabilization: Naiad hydraulic stabilizers with spare pumps
• Decks: Steel deck overlaid with 1” teak

This is a true displacement offshore hull, designed to move comfortably and efficiently at sea for extended periods.

Machinery & Systems

Main Propulsion

• Engine: Caterpillar 3408
• Power: 365 HP @ 1,800 RPM
• Installed: 1981
• Hours: ~10,190 (approx. 237 hrs/year since installation)
• Transmission: Caterpillar 7211, 4.48:1
• Propeller: 5-blade bronze (39” pitch) + spare 3-blade bronze prop onboard

Recent Major Engine Work (Oct 2024):

• New turbocharger
• Seawater pump
• Cooling circulation pump
• Rear exhaust manifold
• New stainless steel wet exhaust silencer
• Documented investment exceeding $45,000

Generator

• Northern Lights 16 kW дизel generator
• ~4,300 hours
• 120/240V AC output

Electrical & Energy

• DC System: 24V
• House Bank: (12) 2V deep-cycle batteries
• Inverter/Charger: Magnum MS4024 (4,000W)
• Shore Power: 50A / 240V with isolation transformer
• Redundant AC transformers for 50/60 Hz operation
• Marine-grade wiring throughout
• Professional Mariner corrosion monitoring system

Tankage & Range

• Fuel: 2,700 gallons (integral steel tanks + day tanks)
• Fresh Water: 1,200 gallons
• Watermaker: Village Marine LW-200 (~8.3 GPH)
• Holding: 100 gallons

Cruising Profile:

• Cruise Speed: ~8.5 knots
• Hull Speed: ~9.6 knots
• Estimated Range: ~3,500 nautical miles

This is a vessel designed for autonomy, not marina hopping.

Navigation & Electronics

• Simrad NSS EVO2 navigation system (radar, GPS, AIS, depth)
• Simrad AP48 autopilot
• Furuno SC-702 satellite compass
• Garmin GPSMAP 4208 backup system
• Dual helm stations (pilothouse & flybridge)
• Engine room CCTV
• EPIRB, satellite phone, multiple VHFs
• Redundant compasses and manual steering override

Deck Equipment & Ground Tackle

• Windlass: Lofrans Titan B (24V)
• Anchors:
  • (2) 220 lb stainless anchors
  • Fortress FX-55 aluminum anchor
• Chain: 1/2” HT galvanized (145’ port / 365’ starboard)
• Full anchor washdown system
• Heavy-duty bitts, chocks, and extensive mooring inventory
• Self-lowering mast and boom with electric winches

INTERIOR & ACCOMMODATIONS

Designed for Long-Range Living, Cold-Weather Cruising & Real Sea Time

The interior of CONSTANT reflects the values of her Dutch design and her long history as a true cruising vessel: warm, functional, durable, and thoughtfully arranged for extended time aboard. Unlike modern yachts that prioritize volume over practicality, CONSTANT’s interior was designed to be lived in while underway and at anchor for weeks or months at a time.

Throughout the vessel, the craftsmanship is unmistakably European—solid joinery, well-fitted cabinetry, practical sightlines, and excellent ventilation. During the most recent survey, all interior spaces were described as clean, uncluttered, well-ventilated, and in very good to excellent condition, showing far less wear than expected for a yacht of this age.

Pilothouse – The Operational Heart of the Vessel

The pilothouse is a defining feature of CONSTANT and a space clearly designed for long passages and watch-standing comfort.

• Centerline helm station with full-width console
• Excellent visibility forward and to both side decks
• Port and starboard watertight doors for immediate deck access
• Raised upholstered bench seat with table aft to port — ideal for crew or guests underway
• Stairway aft to starboard leading down to the main salon
• Redundant helm controls, autopilot integration, and emergency steering capability

This is a working pilothouse, not a decorative one — a space where one can comfortably run the vessel for hours while maintaining situational awareness and communication with the deck.

Main Salon – Warm, Inviting, and Sea-Kindly

Located aft and down from the pilothouse, the main salon is designed as a comfortable refuge in cold or wet climates, while remaining secure and usable at sea.

• Built-in upholstered settees with generous storage below
• Custom cabinetry for books, equipment, and entertainment
• Large windows providing excellent natural light and visibility
• Soapstone wood-burning cabin heater with stainless exhaust — a standout feature for high-latitude cruising
• Direct access to the aft deck
• Forced-air heating and ventilation throughout

This space has served as a true living room for extended cruising, socializing, and cold-weather anchoring — not merely a pass-through.

Galley & Dining – Purpose-Built for Self-Sufficient Cruising

Down and forward from the salon is the full-width galley and dining space, positioned low and near the vessel’s center of gravity for comfort underway.

Galley (Starboard):

• U-shaped layout with excellent bracing and workflow
• Dickinson 4-burner LPG stove with oven and broiler
• Double stainless steel sink with pressure water
• Built-in refrigerator (~10 cu ft) and freezer (~12 cu ft)
• Two remote Copeland refrigeration compressors (converted to R-134a in 2021)
• Nutone built-in food processor (with spare motor)
• Excellent ventilation and abundant storage

Dining Area (Port):

• Extendable dining table with seating
• Built-in cabinetry for provisions and galley stores

This galley has supported remote cruising, extended anchoring, and family living aboard, with systems sized appropriately for real use rather than weekend outings.

Owner & Guest Accommodations – Three Staterooms, Two Heads

CONSTANT offers three private staterooms and two heads, arranged to provide separation, privacy, and quiet while underway or at anchor.

Owner’s Stateroom – Port Aft

• Queen-size berth
• Extensive built-in cabinetry and lockers
• Private ensuite head with marine toilet
• Tub with enclosed shower
• Sink and vanity
• Warm, quiet location well removed from guest spaces

Aft Guest Cabin / Office – Starboard Aft

• Single berth
• Office or study layout
• Ideal as a guest cabin, library, or ship’s office
• Converted from the original captain’s cabin during long-term family ownership

Forward Guest Cabins – Port & Starboard

• Upper and lower berths in each cabin
• Built-in lockers and storage
• Naiad stabilizer actuators located aft in each stateroom (excellent accessibility)

Heads

• Forward port head with marine toilet, sink, and vanity
• Forward starboard shower room with sink and vanity
• Type III MSD system with VacuFlush toilets

This layout has proven ideal for family cruising, hosting guests, and accommodating crew when needed, without sacrificing owner privacy.

ENGINE ROOM & SERVICE SPACES (Interior Context)

Accessed via spiral stairs from the aft deck, the engine room is clean, well-lit, and logically arranged, consistent with the vessel’s commercial-influenced design.

• Single Caterpillar 3408 main engine
• Northern Lights 16 kW generator
• AC & DC electrical distribution panels
• Inverter/charger
• Watermaker
• Stabilizer hydraulics
• Fuel manifolds and filtration
• Fixed fire suppression system

Surveyor notes describe the engine room as painted, clean, dry, and well maintained, with excellent access to critical systems.

MAINTENANCE & STEWARDSHIP HISTORY

Documented Care, Recent Investment, and Ongoing Upkeep

CONSTANT’s condition today is the result of decades of responsible ownership and recent, well-documented investment, not deferred maintenance or cosmetic shortcuts.

Major Recent Mechanical Work (2024)

Performed by Radtke Marine Inc., Seattle, WA:

• Turbocharger replacement
• Seawater pump replacement
• Cooling water circulation pump replacement
• Rear exhaust manifold replacement
• New stainless steel wet exhaust silencer
• Total documented investment exceeding $45,000

Reawakening & Refit Period (2021–2023)

2023

• Full exterior repaint: hull, bulwarks, scuppers, deckhouse, and mast
• Dry-dock for prep, inspection, and paint
• Forepeak and bilge prep and paint
• Windshield wipers repaired and renewed
• Engine room bilge pumping systems repaired and renewed
• Anchor chains marked at 25’ intervals
• New Sunbrella handrail covers installed
• Continued varnish renewal and deferred maintenance elimination

2022

• Mast base and rotation point rebuilt
• New aluminum spreader fabricated and installed
• Mast and boom electrical overhauled
• Standing and running rigging overhauled and secured
• Mast hoisting and lowering systems serviced and proven
• Mast, spreader, and boom prepped and painted
• Rendova RIB overhauled (antifouling, cover, outboard service)

2021

• Haul-out for bottom paint, prop coating, and zinc replacement
• Sea chest service
• Replacement of anchor windlass with new Lofrans Titan B
• Refrigeration system conversion from R-12 to R-134a
• Installation of new refrigeration compressors
• Began comprehensive varnish restoration
• Moved vessel to freshwater moorage