Custom Motor Sailer Ketch 50’ Pilothouse

1975 Fred Petersen 50’ Ketch Pilothouse – “Charlotte”

LIVE-ABOARD OPPORTUNITY BRENTWOOD BAY AREA - VANCOUVER ISLAND

****** FINANCING AVAILABLE *******

Location: Brentwood Bay, BC

Builder: Donald McBet, White Rock, BC

Designer: Fred Petersen

LOA: 50 ft | Beam: 13’ 7” | Draft: 7’ 6”

Engine: GM Detroit Diesel 3-53, 85hp (rebuilt 2012)

Hull Material: Red cedar strip plank

Mast Rig: Ketch – Laminated spruce (rebuilt 2005)

Overview

Charlotte is a classic, hand-crafted, ketch built by Donald McBet in White Rock, BC, to Fred Petersen’s design. Launched in 1976, she was constructed with durability and timeless character in mind — from red cedar strip plank construction to her clipper bow and counter stern. With continuous upgrades, including a rebuilt diesel engine, generator, windlass, and major electrical overhauls, Charlotte is a proven offshore cruiser with decades of maintenance and pride of ownership behind her.

She’s currently moored in the desirable Brentwood Bay, BC, as a live-aboard opportunity with the option to transfer a sought-after mooring ball and dinghy spot at a five-star marina and spa. Included with the sale is a 2022 12.5’ inflatable tender with a 2020 Mercury 20HP 4-stroke outboard.

Specifications

Construction

• Hull: 1 ½” x 1 ¾” red cedar strip planks
• Frames: 1 ½” x 2” oak on 12” centers
• Deck: Mahogany & plywood with teak overlay
• Cabin: Timber and mahogany
• Hull Shape: Full keel, round bottom, displacement
• Transom: Square | Stem: Clipper
• Caulking: Monocaulk with epoxy-glued seams
• Ballast: Interior & exterior
• Rudder: Wood on sternpost
• Fastenings: Non-ferrous clinched nails
• 2 watertight bulkheads

Rigging & Sails

• Ketch rig with laminated spruce main and mizzen (2005)
• Standing rigging replaced 2005 (galvanized, stainless forestay)
• Harken II headsail furling
• Sail Inventory:
• Mainsail (2003)
• Genoa (re-cut 2004)
• Jib, Mizzen & Staysail in good condition
• Winches:
• 3 Barlow #18
• 1 Barlow #10
• 2 Lewmar #43 (2-speed)

Machinery

• GM Detroit Diesel DDA 3-53 (1972, rebuilt 2012)
• Approx. 800 hrs since rebuild
• Max speed: ~6 knots
• Northern Lights 5kW generator (2012)
• Zero hours on new panel, ~1,200 prior
• Fuel Tank: 200 gal in aluminum tanks
• Propeller: 19.5” LH 3-blade bronze
• Shaft: 1½” stainless (2012), dripless seal
• Gear: Borg Warner Velvet Drive, rebuilt 2012
• Cooling: Closed, heat exchanger
• Ventilation: Natural

Steering

• Wagner hydraulic (two stations)
• Emergency tiller backup

Electronics & Navigation

• Radar: Furuno NavNet (2007)
• GPS: Interphase & Loran
• VHF: Horizon Eclipse
• Auto Pilot: Wagner Mk IV
• Instruments: Tach, oil pressure, water temp, voltmeter, ammeter
• Compass: Saura & Gemini (6”)
• Depth Sounder: Lowrance X25A
• Knot meter, rudder angle indicator, searchlight

Electrical System

• 4 x 6V (House) & 1 x 4D (Start) – Replaced with Lithium in 2024
• 2 x 120W solar panels w/ digital controllers (2020/2022)
• 30A Shore Power
• Panels: Fuses & breakers, extensive rewiring

Interior & Domestic Systems

• Stove: Force 10 – 3 burner propane w/ oven (2011, broiler pad replaced 2023)
• Fridge: 12V/110V
• Heating: Dickenson Newport propane fireplace + electric heat
• Fresh Water Tank: 250 gal
• Hot Water: 6-gal 110V tank (2025, ready for install)
• Heads:
• Dometic MasterFlush electric (2020)
• Manual Jabsco (new, not installed – fittings in place)
• Shower: Separate stall
• LED lighting in galley, salon, and mid-berth (2023, remote controlled)

Ground Tackle

• Anchors:
• 85# CQR
• 86# SS Navy
• Chain: ~300 ft of 5/8” galvanized
• Windlass: Muir 2500 12V (rebuilt April 2024)

Bilge Pumps

• Electric:
• 750 GPH (engine space)
• 1100 GPH (keel)
• Manual: Whale pump (wheelhouse)

Additional Notes

• 2020 12’ inflatable tender + 2020 Mercury 20hp 4-stroke
• Mooring available in Brentwood Bay ($177/mo; subject to marina approval)
• Numerous service upgrades in past 5 years (engine, generator, batteries, water systems)
• Surveys by respected professionals available from 2013, 2018, and partial from 2022
• Owner has invested over $40,000 in insurance during ownership

Ownership Remarks

“It’s time for me to part ways with Charlotte. She’s been a labor of love for over two decades”