Custom Carol Ketch

Classic sailing boat from 1982, 38-foot Carol Ketch, built entirely of solid wood. This is an oceanic ketch with timeless classic charm, designed as the "big brother" of the famous Tahiti Ketch, known for its structural robustness and excellent seaworthiness. Built by the renowned shipyard Pfister/Sirvent in France (Aigues-Mortes), this model combines proven solidity, safety, and ocean sailing capability with the warmth and elegance of wooden interiors.

History and Construction

The Carol Ketch was designed by John G. Hanna (1930) as an enlarged version of the Tahiti Ketch (from ~30’ to ~38’), maintaining its traditional layout and marine qualities. The hull is made of solid iroko (thickness ~35 mm) with frames in acacia, assembled with copper rivets – a classic and robust construction designed for long voyages. The keel is long with cast iron ballast (displacement about 14 tons), ensuring stability and a smooth ride on the waves. In 2024, the hull was refitted where necessary, resulting in excellent structural condition today. All through-hulls have been replaced with new ones (May 2024). The rudder is traditional (tiller) connected to the long keel.

Deck and Sail Rigging

The sail rigging is the classic auric ketch: main mast with gaff mainsail, mizzen mast with its auric mainsail, and a rich inventory of sails. Included are a genoa on a bowsprit, jib (foresail), and self-tacking staysail, as well as a storm jib for bad weather conditions. All sails are in decent general condition (well-preserved and fully functional). The running rigging (sheets and halyards) shows normal wear, with no immediate need for replacement. The rigging is made of spiral steel: the shrouds of the mizzen mast are new from 2024. Winch: the deck equipment includes 2 original winches, overhauled and fully functional. The deck is covered in teak, recently revarnished; the teak is in decent condition (no immediate refurbishments needed). The deck structure made of plywood and resin (cockpit/deck area) is solid, with gelcoat in good overall condition. All portholes in plexiglass are in excellent condition, with new seals and perfect watertightness. The deck also features teak walkways and cockpit, a table in the cockpit, and a practical sunshade and sprayhood to protect the cockpit.

For anchoring, the boat is equipped with a perfectly functioning electric windlass, with 50 meters of 8mm chain and a 20 kg Danforth anchor. This equipment, along with the boat's overall robustness, offers safety and comfort in anchoring maneuvers.

Engine and Onboard Systems

The engine is reliable and powerful: Mercedes OM 616 4-cylinder diesel with 70 HP (inboard/outboard in line shaft). The engine has about 1200 hours of operation and has benefited from recent major maintenance: new injectors in 2024, heat exchanger disassembled and cleaned (with new gaskets), new fresh water pump, regular servicing every year. In 2025, the engine silent blocks were replaced and the gearbox overhauled (transmission Tecno Drive 3:1). A completely new shaft line in AISI316 stainless steel was installed in 2025, with a new shaft seal and new thrust bearing. The propeller is a three-blade bronze (right-handed). These measures ensure high reliability; cruising speed is around 7 knots @ 1500 RPM with very low fuel consumption.

The tanks provide good autonomy for extended cruises: there are double fuel tanks and double fresh water tanks (two for each system). The water system includes running water and an autoclave pump (hot water not installed). The electrical system is 12V DC with auxiliary 220V AC system: there are 2 service/engine batteries (newly replaced in 2024) with parallel connection, linked to a shore charger and an inverter to power 220V loads. A solar panel is also installed to maintain charge at anchor. Safety is ensured by an automatic electric bilge pump and a manual backup bilge pump.

Instrumentation and Electronics

The navigation instrumentation is complete for coastal and offshore cruising: GPS, chartplotter, VHF, depth sounder/sonar, magnetic compass, and autopilot. No radar or AIS is installed. All other electrical and electronic systems – navigation lights, engine fan, engine instruments, etc. – are functional. Complete safety equipment is in compliance with French regulations (self-inflating life raft, fire extinguishers, etc., updated as per French charter license).

Interiors and Habitability

The interiors, entirely made of fine wood, offer a warm and maritime atmosphere, well-maintained and free of damage (flooring and furniture in excellent condition). The layout includes 2 double cabins separated + convertible dinette, for a total of 6 berths. At the bow is a master cabin with a double bed; a second double cabin is at the stern. The central saloon is spacious and bright, with a convertible dinette: the drop-leaf dining table allows for an additional double bed if needed. The kitchen is L-shaped and equipped with a 2-burner gas stove and oven, 12V refrigerator, sink, and various storage spaces – ideal for long voyages. The bathroom is a dedicated space with marine toilet and sink. Heating is present on board (forced air system, for comfort even in cold climates).

Recent Maintenance and General Conditions

The boat has received constant care and updates in recent years, making it ready to sail safely. Hull brought to zero and complete antifouling done in April 2025: application of epoxy primer (Ticoprene) and 3 coats of new antifouling. Year 2024-2025: various refitting interventions already mentioned (new mizzen rigging, engine injectors and auxiliary components replaced, new propeller shaft, silent blocks and transmission overhauled, new through-hulls, etc.).

Documentation and History

Vessel registered in France (French flag) with commercial navigation license (used for daily charters in the Mediterranean). It has never been used in races, only for quiet cruises and charter outings.

In summary, this 1982 Carol Ketch is a rare example of a classic wooden yacht with undeniable charm, robust and well-equipped. It is the ideal choice for experienced boaters and enthusiasts of classic boats looking for a safe and reliable vessel capable of facing the open sea and long voyages in total comfort. Ready for new adventures, this boat awaits to continue its story with a new owner.