Lifeboat BC

Originally built as a Davidson FRP lifeboat, Virago has been professionally converted into a rugged, efficient trawler. Designed for simplicity, reliability, and low operating costs, she’s ideal for long coastal cruising, off-grid living, or compact commercial applications. She was built in 1966, and refit / converted in 2010. The owners are currently in Port Hardy, and are looking to sell the boat as soon as possible. 

Hull & Structure:

• 24' LOA | 8' Beam | 3.5' Draft

• Displacement: ~5,500 lbs

• TC-approved original hull with plaques (originally rated for 40 persons)

• Construction: Single-skin FRP with "egg crate" framing, poured ballast, and skeg-mounted rudder

• Sliding Diamond Sea-Glaze windows, watertight cockpit hatch, stem striker plate, and tow eyes

• Fully insulated interior and vinyl flooring

• Dry exhaust system and keel cooling via bronze keel coolers

Propulsion & Mechanical:

• Universal/Kubota 3-cylinder 24HP diesel engine (Model #5424)

• ~750 hours since install (1,200 total)

• Cruise: 1.5 L/hr | Max: 2.0 L/hr | Range: 1800–2100 RPM

• Transmission: HURTH HBW-150, 1.88:1 forward / 1.95:1 astern

• Shaft: 1 3/8" stainless steel

• Propeller: 14RH9 bronze Campbell (2014) + spare

• Dual alloy fuel tanks – total capacity: 144L

• Custom alloy water tank: 80L

Navigation & Electronics:

• Standard Horizon VHF

• Ritchie compass, Hummingbird 160 depth sounder

• LED nav, anchor, and steaming lights

• Manual and electric wipers

Interior & Accommodations:

• Galley with Dickinson Pacific diesel stove and Force10 propane backup

• Single SS sink with SHURFLO pressure and seawater pumps

• 7'x7' V-berth with custom velour cushions

• Manual downrigger, insulated icebox storage

• Stereo with CD player, berth reading lights, demister, and heater fan

Deck & Equipment:

• A-frame mast and boom, drying out legs, bow roller

• Stern Danforth anchor + bow anchor with 20m chain/rope

• Alloy cleats, stern rail, and step rungs from WL to cockpit

• Emergency tiller, Rule bilge pumps, 450kg forward concrete ballast

• Two 6V house batteries (440Ah) + one 12V start battery

• Sport YAK dinghy (stows under mast)

Recent Maintenance:

• Injectors serviced (June 2014)

• New Campbell propeller (July 2014)

• Antifouling and zincs (August 2015)

• Flooring replaced (June 2015)

Virago is a purpose-built vessel that reflects practical design, intelligent refit work, and a foundation built for endurance. She’s not a yacht—she’s a tool for voyaging and self-sufficiency.

Serious inquiries only.