In this segment of A Boat Owner’s Insights we highlight a King Yachts 47
The King Yachts 47 Pilothouse is for sale by Waterline Boats / Boatshed Port Townsend. Find the direct link below.
This King Yacht 47 Pilothouse’s Grand Presence is Just a Hint at its Dependable Build
Approaching the bow of this vessel it’s apparent that this boat means business: at 53 feet it’s an impressive yacht, and along with a 75-pound yellow anchor hanging down and clear view disc storm windows above, there’s no mistake that this boat is sturdy and ready for action.
Which makes sense, after all, given that this boat was custom built by King Yachts in Taiwan in 1985, under the strict oversight of the Navy. With teak throughout (floors, walls and ceilings), aircraft grade copper used in all piping, and a samson post that is embedded into the keel, there were absolutely no shortcuts taken when this boat was constructed. With that, the dependability of this King Yacht 47 Pilothouse is quite impressive.
A Pleasure Yacht with A Work Boat Attitude
A surveyor once commented that they thought this boat is overbuilt, but, when the current owner cruised 8000 miles with the only issue being a lightbulb going out, perhaps a more apt description is that this boat was built just right. Dependability, after all, was a main reason the owner had the boat custom built in the first place. Truly this is a pleasure yacht built with a work boat attitude.
With the mindset of a dependable pleasure yacht, the boat includes:
• Extra fuel tanks, and ability to transfer fuel from one tank to another for stability
• A bulbous bow (added), which adds seaworthiness – especially in a following sea
• Back-up manifold system
• The railing is rated to withstand a 300-pound object dropped from 9 feet
• A Bimini top made from the same material Ferrari uses on racing cars – at seven years old the material has yet to show any wear and tear
• Entire inventory of extra parts
• Glass cooktop and an electric oven
• A secure place for valuables
Additionally, one of the reasons the current owner loves this boat so much is its simplicity. While they certainly could be added, at this point there are no complex electronics, and, as the owner puts it, while underway it really is just, “…running a boat.” The owner also added that he would be happy to spend some time with whomever purchases the boats to show them the ins and outs.
Traveling Far and Wide
It’s quite amazing listening to the owner talk about where he’s taken this King Yacht, and the adventures that have ensued. From withstanding 90 knot winds whipping off Nicaraguan mountains while at anchor via the samson post, to sharing aged Madeira with Costa Rican Navy officers and subsequently being personally escorted out of the harbor by a Navy vessel as a gesture of friendship.
The owner has cruised all the way down to Santa Barbara on this boat without having to fuel up, then taken it around Point Conception. The boat has been all the way up to Skagway, then down through the Panama Canal, and is registered with the Panama Canal authority – the number is still current, and with that is ready to take the next owners on their own adventures!
The owners favorite place he ever took the boat, though, is a secluded spot in Canada called Winter Cove. Winter Cove has a very narrow entrance, a big reef, and a nice anchorage. He liked to land his dingy on the shore there and watch the tide change.
On these adventures, the owner reports that the King Yacht cruises well at 7 knots, and that the galley set-up made dining quite comfortable.
Passing on the Helm
The current owner is ready to move on to the next stage of retirement, and to let go of this magnificent boat that he says, “…will get you there and get you home in style.”
With that, perhaps this is your opportunity to make your cruising or owning a charter vessel dreams come true!
Where to Learn More
This spectacular King Yacht, with its rich interior and sturdy build, is a unique opportunity not to be missed. To learn more about this one-of-kind vessel, visit the Boatshed Port Townsend listing presentation.
