Sparkman & Stephens 97 Pilothouse

November 2019 survey available on request "CAVU" was created by the illustrious design office of Sparkman & Stephens (Design Number 2391) who are known for their innovative approach to yacht design and built by Stephens Marine. She features a pilothouse-style interior layout with a comfortable helm station, spacious cabins, and plenty of storage for those longer cruises. Refitted in 2006, she is a capable world cruising yacht, with her systems specifically tailored for offshore voyages in safety and comfort. The Sparkman & Stephens designed Pilothouse Cutter has become a symbol of quality and innovation for many and "CAVU" is a great example of the perfect cruising sailboat. Her siren call can be heard throughout any harbour or marina and still today it is one of the prettiest yachts on the market, drawing sailors in its beauty and grace. This S&S pilot house cutter was designed for long-distance cruising, providing comfortable living space for those wanting to explore further afield. It has become a timeless classic amongst yachtsmen and women alike, thanks to its well-thought-out design features such as plenty of storage space, easy access to all parts of the boat from inside the pilot house, and great visibility from within it. If you are just starting out or have been sailing for years, this vessel is sure to exceed your expectations! The deck space on S&S pilot house cutter is maximized for greater convenience and cruising pleasure. The hull designed by Sparkman & Stephens is known for its strength, seaworthiness and stability even in rough seas. General Description (See Full specification for full details)

"CAVU" is a 29.56-meter full keel yacht, from centre cockpit step into the wheelhouse with central helm station and dinette to starboard. Then step down into the main saloon with wet bar to starboard and settee to port then dinette to starboard and galley to port.

Then there is a double cabin to starboard, toilet/shower compartment opposite and four single berths in the bow. Back by the toilet are the steps down to the laundry, large commercial size upright fridge/freezer and engine room. Back up in the main cabin are the stairs down to the guest cabins both port and starboard sides with ensuites. Then at the very aft end is the owner's cabin with a queen bed fore and aft settee to starboard, desk to port and ensuite aft. The hull is constructed of 18mm aluminium on the bottom of the keel, 12mm aluminium on the sides of the keel then 10mm aluminium on the hull and is in good condition. Ultrasonic tests in 2019 found no thin spots. There is a well-secured fold-up seven-step stainless steel boarding ladder mounted in the middle of the transom. There is a five-blade bronze propeller mounted on a 70mm diameter stainless steel shaft. There is a well-installed American Marine hydraulic bow thruster. There are 18 well-installed portholes on the topsides. All the portholes have storm shutters so they can be well secured in bad weather. The deck is constructed of aluminium with teak decking on top. The cabin windows are safety glass rebated into the cabin sides. The deck hatches are all covered in teak and have good size drains. There is an aluminium wheelhouse with a white canvas Bimini with a stainless frame at the aft end that covers the exterior helm station. There are ten appropriate size stainless steel cleats for mooring "CAVU". The anchoring arrangements include a 180Ibs CQR anchor with 100 meters of 18mm Grade N short link chain. There is also a 2251b Manson Supreme anchor with 130 meters of 18mm Grade N anchor chain. There is a Chiavari hydraulic anchor winch to handle this equipment. The deck drains through scuppers in the transom, and in the mini bulwarks. The wheel is at the aft end of the cockpit with the instruments and single-lever engine control within easy reach. The steering quadrant is easily accessed through the aft locker. "CAVU" is cutter rigged with an aluminium mast that has three spreaders, two crows' nests and an aluminium boom. The starboard crow's nest has a helm station so you can control her from there. The mast is keel-stepped into a robust aluminium bracket in the engine room. There are two hydraulic furlers on the forestays and in-mast furling. There are five electric Barient 36 self-tailing winches and two electric Arco 2500 winches and six Barient 36 self-tailing manual winches. There is mainsail and two furling headsails. The interior is finished in white paint, varnished trim and panels, white vinyl, marble, stainless steel and brown upholstery. The interior of "CAVU" is in good condition and has been well maintained. There are three watertight bulkheads that have locking doors in them and various bulkheads that have been fully welded to the hull. Then there is 12mm x 75mm aluminium frames and 6mm x 50mm stringers. The hull interior structure is easy to access below the floor and the focsle area is unlined, so you get a very good idea of the interior hull structure. The hull interior structure is in excellent condition for a 36-year-old yacht. "CAVU" is fitted with three Marine Air air conditioning units, Village Marine Tec water maker, dryer, Daewoo washer, Panasonic microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, ice maker, Dacor oven and cooktop, four Vacuflush toilets and electric hot water system. There is a six-cylinder 440hp Caterpillar diesel engine Model 3406 fitted under the saloon floor. There is also a dripless seal on the shaft. There are TWO Northern light 33KVA generators on both the port and starboard side of the engine room. There are four 2653 litre aluminium diesel tanks and one 1775 litre aluminium diesel tanks. There are two 2463 water tanks and one 1775 litre water tank. There is a large holding tank. There is a large dive compressor mounted on the aft port side of the engine room. The engine start batteries are located in the engine room. Then under the guest cabins are 36 two-volt 500-amp batteries in their own boxes. There is an ICOM VHF, Raymarine wind gauge, Raymarine knot meter, JSB 196 SSB, ICOM VHF, Furuno Navpilot autopilot, Furuno Navnet Plotter, AMEC AIS, Simrad plotter, Bose sound system, Two televisions, two Mastervolt inverters and five Mastervolt battery chargers. There are five Rule 2000gph bilge pumps with Rule Float switches. There are eight fire extinguishers, EPIRB, Flares, lifejackets V-sheet etc. Owners comments 

The equipment [engine gen set water maker dive compressor etc etc] has been maintained by one of the most meticulous and knowledgeable gentlemen I've ever dealt with, he is down on the vessel every week making sure all is operational. To the point of charging unused batteries, polishing fuel, oil changes when required seals and pumps attended to, engine cranked over regularly etc. There is an exhaustive collection of spare parts on the vessel. The owners lived on boats all their lives and know that maintenance is paramount. Many vessel important parts are not maintained due to lack of use and $$, this boat is different. For the money you won't buy better. We need the boat ready to go within a minute's notice if there are any issues, she is all up to scratch keeping in mind she is a classic. Brokers comments
Viewing highly recommended.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Cavu's motivated sellers who are family estate executors and in different circumstances would very much like to keep "CAVU" however feel it best to move her onto someone who might use her more frequently and as such are looking forward to finding the right buyer and concluding a sale quicky. November 2019 survey available on request. Inspections from Surveyors or interested parties can be easily arranged.

The main comment from her last survey was related to the deck, where the Surveyor commented that the deck is in good condition for a 36-year-old yacht although some of the teak decking is worn in places and needs to be re-caulked. His summary was: "Re-caulk some of the teak deck seams would be my only recommendation, this is not a structural issue just a cosmetic issue. The owners keep "CAVU" in good condition and are always maintaining her. "