Voyageur is a custom designed sailboat for long range live aboard cruising. Originally designed to be constructed of steel, its scantlings were changed for an all-aluminum construction. This change reduced its displacement by a few thousand pounds while increasing its ballast. This makes VOYAGEUR , a lighter yet  stiffer boat. The steel sister ship has just completed a circumnavigation, with the boat performing to expectations.

The design utilizes Ted Brewer’s well established radius bilge hull form combined with a moderate fin keel and skeg hung rudder for reduced wetted area and assure good directional stability.

The propeller is protected from driftwood and pot warps by a small skeg and guard. Its enclosed shaft further eliminates the danger of lifting the boat with slings.

The cutter rig spreads generous sail, making the vessel a fine all around performer with particularly good light-air ghosting. The tall mast is strongly supported with double spreaders, two lower shrouds and twin backstays. In heavy air the runners can be set up to tension the forestay and reduce mast panting.

A hard dodger to protects the centre cockpit in inclement weather. Aft panels can be installed to provide an enclosed watch station for worse conditions.

The centre cockpit arrangement provides for two separate cabins, well spaced for privacy. It is tastefully outfitted with solid cherry furniture inlaid with white maple. A pleasant interior of honey-colored  naugahyde settees and berths assures beauty and serviceability. A spacious corian and cherry galley has a 3 burner propane stove and a large refrigeration/freezer unit. Coupled with a generous under floor pantry, this galley lends itself to convenient meal preparation and worry-free provision stowage for extended voyages .

Voyageur is well suited as a teaching/adventure sailing boat.  Features like a large forward cabin with bunk beds, a seat, cabinets and a large hanging locker provide comfortable accommodation. Additional passengers, utilize the starboard side settee which adapts to create 2 bunk beds with privacy curtains. The lockers behind and under are solely for these guests’ personal gear. With the starboard side settee converted to bunks, the large saloon table with L-shaped seat remains adequate for the entire crew. Crewmembers share the forward head. The Owner’s aft cabin has a double bunk and its own head.

Voyageur has a roomy nav/office area for working with students, a workbench for completing repairs, sewing or special expedition projects, a wet locker at the base of the companionway stairs and a washer in the forward head. The engine, auxiliary machinery and batteries are housed in their own compartment complete with standing headroom, simplifying maintenance and ensuring reliability.

Seven large fixed windows brighten Voyageur’s cabin. Ventilated by four opening hatches, eight operable portlights, eight large cowel vents , VOYAGEUR  truly is a bright, comfortable, and airy boat!