Back to top

1978 Custom Ketch 45

San Diego, California

$79,000

Sail Away in Style: Custom-Built 1977 Ferro-Cement Ketch

Dreaming of the perfect sailboat for cruising and living aboard? This stunning 1977 ferro-cement ketch, designed by renowned naval architect Paul De Grasse and built in Huntington Beach, CA, is the vessel you've been waiting for. Lovingly maintained and meticulously upgraded, this spacious sailboat combines classic design with modern amenities.

Key Features:

- Custom-Built Excellence: Designed by Paul De Grasse, this ferro-cement ketch boasts timeless craftsmanship and robust construction.
Spacious Living: Features a large salon with a 32-inch monitor and a custom dining table, forward and aft staterooms, and a mid-stateroom, perfect for extended cruising or living aboard.
Modern Comforts: Equipped with a 110v air conditioner in the aft stateroom, diesel heater, and fully carpeted interiors with removable panels for easy maintenance.
Fully Documented: Includes original surveys, builder’s certificate, photos of the build, and a comprehensive list of upgrades and maintenance.
Top-Tier Navigation and Safety: Outfitted with a Ray Marine autopilot, radar, and VHF radio system with remote, ensuring safe and easy sailing.
Energy Efficiency: Features a Magnum Marine 2000 inverter/charger, lithium battery system, and solar panels generating up to 832W.
Entertainment and Connectivity: Built-in custom computer with 12TB hard drives, thousands of movies, TV shows, books, and music, plus a Logitech THX speaker system.
Comprehensive Upgrades: New anchor windlass, dual backstays, Harken roller furling, custom dodger, multiple bilge pumps, freshwater and black water tanks, and much more

Tender Included: A 2017 West Marine 10’3” dinghy is included for all your shore excursions.

Experience the ultimate in sailing luxury and comfort with this beautifully maintained and upgraded 1977 ferro-cement ketch. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a viewing.

Keywords: ferro-cement ketch, custom-built sailboat, Paul De Grasse design, cruising sailboat, liveaboard sailboat, 1977 sailboat, luxury sailboat, sailboat for sale, spacious sailboat, modern amenities.

Disclaimer

Listed by Cays Yacht Sales

THIS BOAT IS SUBJECT TO AN EXCLUSIVE LISTING AGREEMENT WITH CAYS YACHT SALES 619-572-8245 AND IS NOT OFFERED FOR SALE BY GREAT SOUTHERN YACHT COMPANY. Great Southern Yacht Company is merely providing this information in an effort to represent you as a buyer in the purchase of this vessel.

Basic Boat Info

Boat Name: Serenity
Make: Custom
Model: Ketch 45
Year: 1978
Condition: Used
Category: Sail
Construction: Ferro Cement
Boat Hull ID: CFZ3027G0077F
Has Hull ID: Yes

Dimensions

Length: 45 ft / 13.72 m
Length Overall: 45 ft / 13.72 m
Beam: 14 ft / 4.27 m
Max Draft: 6 ft / 1.83 m
Electrical Circuit: 12 V
Cabins Count: 3

Engines / Speed

Engines: 1
  • Make: PISCES
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Engine Power: 60hp
  • Propeller Type: 3 Blade
  • Engine Hours: 50
  • Engine Location: Center

Tanks

Fuel Tanks: 1
Fuel Tank Capacity: 100 gal
Fuel Tank Material: Aluminum
Water Tanks: 1
Water Tank Capacity: 120 gal
Water Tank Material: Stainless Steel
Holding Tank Count: 1
Holding Tank Capacity: 40 gal

Other

Heads Count: 1
Windlass Type: Electric
Boat Class: Cruisers, Center Cockpit, Ketch

Forepeak

wood trim, escape hatch, door to chain locker, hanging locker,

single berth, vinyl overhead, carpet, stereo system, berth, and overhead

lights, fabric cushions.

 

Enclosed Head

 

"MSD" with macerator pump, 40-gallon holding tank, Teak framed mirror, wood and Formica drainboard, opening portlight, handheld shower, wood trim and vinyl overhead. 

 

Port Forward Berth Area

 

single berth, fabric cushions, teak boards.

opening port: light, carpet, clean and orderly.

 

Main Salon

 

"L" shaped dinette, table, fabric cushions, glass framed break-

front, nav station with three drawers and service lid, carpet, eight open-

ing port lights, stowage areas, sky light, ladder to cockpit, Schatz ship's

clock and barometer, watch berth, wood beams, vinyl overhead,

various decorator items.

 

Aft Cabin

 

Double berth, fabric cushions, hanging locker, curved sette with fabric cushions, carpet, carvings, six opening port lights, dressing mirror framed, air-conditioned. 

 

Letter from the builder/original owner in 1977

"Many people have asked me why I had "Arabella" built.

The most common thought is that it was to "save money" reasoning that somehow a custom-built boat must cost less than paying the retail price for one. I am here to tell you that the final costs are much the same, and the benefit are found in other areas such as owner satisfaction and seaworthiness. As I think back, I can remember Helmut building his own 42 foot sloop in the Ferro-Crete boatyard. He had just returned from Thailand where he managed the construction of several hundred cement-hulled sailing cutters. Helmut never waisted any time during boat construction and as I studied blueprints and reviewed design considerations with Paul DeGrass, the naval architect, I was amazed at Helmut's resourcefulness.Upon signing the agreement, I had no idea of the level of effort required to complete Arabella over the next seven

years. As with most projects, I had underestimated her costs. Combined with the high inflation of the mid 1970's, I had placed into the equation my desire to "build her right".

 

This placed the Arabella construction in a financial "tight- spot" that I solved by acquiring financing through my bank. With several thousand dollars line of credit that was set up by  ohn Voorkees, Manager of First Interstate Bank - Marina Del Rey office, I was able to keep Hulmet and his crew working almost non-stop. This bank financing also provided me with the opportunity of purchasing all of the ships working hardware, rigging and-sails in advance which saved several thousand dollars off the bottom line. Aside from managing the construction, Helmut gave me plenty time for "hands-on" during the rough stages of her construction.

 

Although professionals built her, the hundreds of hours that I spent, under the guidance of Helmut, twisting wires, roughing out the cockpit and screwing in light fixtures are fond memories that I often recall while sailing about the bay in Long Beach.

 

Yes, having a custom-built 45 foot sailing ketch is a dream come true as only a very select few will tell you. But this dream did not come without a price. Dedication to the project was one of the keys to her successful completion. A special "thank you' goes out to Helmut, Kevin, Paul and all the rest of the construction crew that helped bring her to life."

 

Extra Info
  • Air Conditioner, 110v in Aft Stateroom
  • Anchor Windlass, new Anchorlift Mako 1500 Low Profile Windlass 1500W, 12V, 3/8″ Chain (Boats up to 65 ft.).
  • Anchors, Danforth and Bruce/Claw, 150' new rope and 150' 3/8 chain.
  • Baja Fuel Filter, pre-filter before entering tanks when receiving questionable fuel
  • Batteries, Anchor windlass battery is 2 6v deep cycle lead acid batteries, connected to a Charles 50amp dual battery charger permanently connected, with on/off switch and voltage meter.
  • Batteries, House Bank is 3 12v 100ah Relion Lithium Batteries connected for a 12v 300ah system.
  • Batteries, starting battery is a 4D hooked up to the Balmar Duo Charge, so it is always fully charged from House Bank.
  • Battery Charger, Charles 50amp is a dual charger for anchor windlass, but is also available to charge any lead acid battery like the dinghy.
  • Battery Charger, used Freedom 25 = 220v AC 50Hz 130 amp charger for 12volt house bank in foreign ports
  • Bench vise, 4inch, removable from engine room work bench
  • Bilge pump, emergency: high volume with alarm and pumps out on deck.
  • Bilge pump, primary: 2 pumps one an inch higher as backup, both with check valves.
  • Bilge pump, secondary: low profile automatic under packing gland, exits through same thru hull as primary.
  • Bilge pump, shower sump, has large access in floor with screen. Easy to clean out and access pump and clean switch electronic sensor.
  • Black water tank is 40 gallon. Has lockable Y valve with macerator pump for dumping at sea.
  • Boarding ladders, side ladder attaches to genoa track on either side to access docks comfortably, aft custo teak ladder moves up and down for swimmers or out just out of water (offers a way out of the water when someone falls overboard).
  • Carbonated drinking water infusion system, with large multi year supply tank.
  • Carpet, boat is fully carpeted except head, galley has removable carpet panels as well as engine room and center cockpit.
  • Cockpit dodger, custom built with large curved polycarbonate forward single window, 2 side windows with flat safety glass.
  • Computer, Custom, built-in with wireless keyboard and mouse, 12 Terabytes of Hard Drives and a 500Mb Solid State C:, and a Logitech THX speaker system with large sub woofer, 32 inch monitor in main salon, 24 inch in forward stateroom (both can be used for local laptop or onboard computer), new all-in-one Brother inkjet printer on custom slideout. 
  • Dehumidifier, programmable 110v
  • Diesel Tank, 2 - 50 gallon aluminum tanks. Fuel is filtered in an oversized dual system accessible easily in galley.  Filters are racor/griffon compatible with first at 30 microns, second is at 10 microns. Has water alarm and both filters have glass bowls for visual inspection. Has flow thru fuel pump that runs when starter is running and with the selector valve at filters can be used to polish/clean fuel or transfer from tank to tank.  Have 2 fuel level sensors, not installed until tanks are empty, to be connected to 7 tank liquid level gauge in Head. 
  • Dining table, Custom build, no legs, support enters under seating, allows for table to rotate 360 degrees, move up and down, in and out, rotate athwartship to level position when sailing.
  • Drogue Anchor, 150' Series.
  • Electrical Breaker/Distribution system, All Blue Sea components, complete system upgrade. AutoCAD diagrams for all wiring connections and breaker/fuses, all in new compartment.
  • Engine Control panel was completely upgraded with all components. 
  • Engine kill switch upgraded with solenoid and a manual pull cord backup under galley floor.
  • Engine, Pisces 60hp 4cyl diesel low hours on overhauled Pisces/Isuzu C240. The velvet drive transmission also had a complete rebuild done.  Both re-bedded on new base and motor mounts.
  • Entertainment, Computer has 12 gigabytes of hard drives along with various applications: Movies = 3,000+, TV/Series episodes = 14,000+, Books = 9,217, Music = 50,000+ songs.
  • Fans, Galley has 12v high output adjustable direction, forward stateroom has 12v mounted, portable high output 110v turban.
  • Fresh water tank, is in 2 - 60 gallon tanks, has newly installed uptakes, valving, hoses, and filters. Tank switching done in galley. Drinking water at galley sink has secondary commercial filter.
  • Galley Freezer, Frost free, Isotherm Drawer 55, 55 liter model
  • Galley Microwave, Panasonic genius 1200w
  • Galley Refrigerator, custom build with 11cf isotherm large coldplate, nice drawer and top door located in main salon where old chart table was located.
  • Galley stove, Force 10 3 burner, propane, gimballed
  • Galley toaster oven, Combination 110v pop up toast/oven
  • Generator, DC generator (110v is from inverter) Honda Electric start connected to New Balmar 100amp alternator, controller configured for Lithium House Bank.
  • Generator, DC alternator on main engine. New Balmar 150amp alternator, controller configured for Lithium House Bank.
  • Generator, Outback 80, MPPT charge controller with 4- 158w panels on davits plus 2-100w flex panels on cockpit dodger, total output 832w
  • Hatches, All 4 deck hatches where replaced, Forward stateroom new Bowmar SS 18x18, Main salon 1" thick acrylic custom 25x30, Aft stateroom 1" thick acrylic custom 22x26, Lazarette enlarged and made flush with deck, Cockpit added 2 side compartment hatches for storage in the previously unused closed off area.
  • Head, Raritan Elegance electric.
  • Heater, complete service kit. Unit is easily removed, cleaned, and replaced. 
  • Heater, Diesel 5kw, adjustable output, connected to tank fuel line.
  • Inverter/Charger, Magnum marine 2000 = 110v AC 60Hz inverter/100amp charger for 12volt house bank configured via the controller for Lithium Batteries.
  • Lever Chain Hoist, 3,000lb. Works with the over Engine/Transmission gantry 
  • Lifelines and stantions, New lifelines, added 2 additional stantions for better distribution and safety, all removed and re-bedded on top of new full deck 17oz fiberglass upgrade of deck layout and new hardware.
  • Lights, all lights are LED. 
  • Mastheads, New SS custom units with all new sheaves.
  • Portlight, All 16 were removed and replaced with new opening Lewmar aluminum 6x12, with one new spare onboard, all have removable magnet privacy screens.
  • Propane system, 2 tanks mounted in davit base, both have adjustable regulators going thru gauge to ensure proper flow at tanks, additional adjustable regulator and gauge at galley oven to fine-tune the burners in use.
  • Raw Water system, can be used to pump thru the engine in case of engine pump failure. (pump was also rebuilt during engine overhaul) has hose outlet on side cockpit 
  • Ray Marine Autopilot, ST8002 Control Head, S2g AST Smart Pilot Autopilot Course Computer
  • Ray Marine Chirp transponder
  • Ray Marine Radar
  • Ray Marine, A98 Multi-Function Display
  • Ray Marine, LifeTag system with 2 Tags, (man overboard alarm, and position tracker on A98 MFD)
  • Running Rigging, all new blocks and almost all lines, added 2 Lewmar 55 3-speed winches for better sail handling, with Loos PT-3 tension gauge
  • Sails, Roller furling headsail, with used spare. Main with 2 reef points. Mizzen sail with 1 reef point, light air asymmetrical, new storm sail jib.
  • Salon is large enough to have a rolling recliner chair for the Captain and recessed lighting.
  • spare, New Groco Bronze 1.5 inch Thru 'hull, Seacock/Valve, and elbow. 
  • spare, New Jabsco macerator pump
  • spare, New Jabsco water pump, 40psi, 4 gpm
  • spare, New Oberdorfer raw water pump for Isuzu engine
  • spare, used pedestal hydraulic steering pump
  • spare, used rebuilt starter for Isuzu engine
  • Standard Horizon VHF with remote at helm and external speaker.
  • Standing Rigging, updated to new dual backstays, new Harken Mark IV roller furling on new forestay.
  • Stateroom, Aft, has double bunk, seating, 2 closets and large storage areas.
  • Stateroom, Forward has large single, 24" TV/monitor connected to computer via HDMI or a laptop, closet, fan.
  • Stateroom, Mid, has a large single.
  • VHF Radio, New Horizon, with external speaker and remote in the cockpit.
  • The wash-down system, switch and deck connection at anchor.
  • Water Heater, 7 gallon 110v
  • Water Maker, Aqua Max 2012, 12 volt, 12 gallons per hour. Tested water after installation, better than San Diego water, has a full set of spare filters/membrane.  Is currently pickled to protect the system. Have chemical to pickle for prolonged disuse. Feeds directly into selected water tank in use.
  • Wind Vane, custom build, the adjustable angle on the vane, and dual rudders. Rudders connected to the main steering when not connected to wind vane.
Disclaimer
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Contact Us