1978 Herreshoff Caribbean 50 Ketch – A Timeless Classic for Bluewater Sailing
Location:Shelter Bay Marina
Flagged: USA

General Overview

The 1978 Herreshoff Caribbean 50 Ketch, designed by Herreshoff and Gary Hoyt, embodies timeless elegance and robust performance. Built for serious bluewater cruising, this vessel features a spacious layout, classic teak interior, and modern upgrades, making it an exceptional option for sailors seeking comfort and reliability.

Specifications

• Builder: Herreshoff
• Model: Caribbean 50 Ketch
• Year: 1978
• Designer: Herreshoff & Gary Hoyt
• Hull Material: Fiberglass

Dimensions

• LOA: 50 ft
• LWL: 38 ft
• Beam: 14′ 6″
• Draft: 6′ (centerboard up) / 11′ (centerboard down)

Performance & Power

• Engine: 1992 Cummins 4BT 3.9-M (150 HP @ 2800 RPM) Needs a new head installed
• Cruising Speed: 7.5 MPH
• Max Speed: 13.5 MPH
• Fuel Capacity: 300 gallons
• Water Capacity: 250 gallons

Interior Features

• Cabins: 2
• Berths: Sleeps 7-8
• Heads: 2, with 1 shower
• Interior Finish: Teak with wood flooring
• Salon: Teak table with fabric-upholstered seating
• Galley:
  • 3-burner stove with oven
  • Double sink in galley, single sinks in heads
  • 5.5 cu. ft. refrigerator and deep freezer
  • Wood countertops

Electronics

• GPS, Depth Sounder, Wind Instruments: Raymarine
• Autopilot: Raymarine
• VHF Radio: Yes
• Radar: Raymarine

Mechanical & Electrical Systems

• Solar Panels: 6 x 100W
• Battery System: Victron with monitor

Deck & Rigging

• Sails: Main, jib, spinnaker (symmetrical and asymmetrical)
• Winches: 11
• Cockpit: 12′ x 15′ center cockpit with fabric cushions
• Anchors: 300’ chain for primary anchor
• Bimini: Custom-built hard dodger and bimini

Recent Refits and Upgrades Hull

• Bottom resurfaced and painted
• Rudder rebuilt
• Zinc anodes replaced
• 2 thru-hulls replaced

Steering & Rigging

• Steering system overhauled
• Backstay replaced, winches serviced
• New halyards and lines; sails patched, reinforced, and re-sewn

Plumbing

• Aft head replaced
• Water tanks cleaned, aged hoses replaced
• Drinking water pump replaced

Electrical

• New batteries installed
• Electrical panel partially rewired

Interior

• Cushions reupholstered
• 2 hatches resealed

Planned Upgrades (2025)

• Restoring windows and painting the hull and deck
• Interior teak restoration
• New water heater installation
• Adding two more solar panels
• Electrical panel cleanup and rewiring

Summary

This Herreshoff Caribbean 50 Ketch has been lovingly maintained and thoughtfully upgraded, making it an ideal choice for liveaboard or extended cruising. Its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern enhancements ensures a reliable and comfortable sailing experience.