Norman Wright 50ft Ex Pilot Vessel 55ft Cabin Cruiser - Liveaboard Ready

FOR SALE - MV "CALYPSO"
55ft Norman Wright Ex-Pilot Vessel | Liveaboard & Long-Range Cruiser
$225,000 ONO | Caloundra, Sunshine Coast QLD

A rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored 55ft Norman R. Wright ex-QLD Government pilot vessel, offering exceptional volume, true offshore capability, and complete off-grid liveaboard systems.

Originally built in 1964 for the Queensland Government as the Port Alma pilot boat, MV Calypso served for 33 years before undergoing an extensive 10-year refit. She has since cruised extensively along the East Coast, Gulf waters, and Torres Strait.

This is a serious coastal cruiser and full-time liveaboard vessel.

VESSEL OVERVIEW

o 55ft Norman R. Wright design (1964)
o Ex-QLD Government Pilot Vessel
o Full displacement timber hull
o Deep keel with 2.5T lead ballast shoe
o Extremely stable offshore platform
o Slipped annually (Lawries, Mooloolaba)
o Professionally maintained by experienced marine operator

Turn-key and ready for extended cruising.

SPECS:

Length: 55ft
Beam: 15ft 2in
Draft: 6ft

ENGINE & MECHANICAL

Main Engine: Rolls Royce 185hp Diesel
Aux Generator: Bogota 3-cyl 10kVA diesel
Fuel Capacity: 2,500L (4 tanks)
Water Capacity: 1,000L

Reverse Osmosis Desalinator - 125L/hr
Dual Rainwater Catchment with twin filters
Grey Water Tank - 400L
Sani-Loo Treatment System (Class C)

Redundant bilge systems including PTO-driven pump.

POWER & OFF-GRID SYSTEM

o 8 × 200W Solar Panels
o Dual Solar Controllers
o 8 × 140Ah Deep-Cycle Batteries
o 3000W Inverter
o Shore Power Connection
o Dedicated engine & generator start banks

Fully capable off-grid liveaboard setup.

ACCOMMODATION

Sleeps 6-7 comfortably.

Aft Master Cabin - Double + Private Ensuite
Forward Cabin - Double + Single
Forepeak - Two Singles

Second shared bathroom (shower + toilet)
Third head on main deck

Enclosed back deck dining for 8
Bar area
Rear deck fridge (engine-room driven)

Air Conditioning (3 units)
Samsung 7kg Front Loader

Spacious, practical, and extremely comfortable for extended living.

GALLEY

Westinghouse 135L fridge
Mistral 95L freezer
Tudor 2-burner gas stove + oven
Microwave
Generous pantry & storage

HELM & ELECTRONICS

Flybridge (fully enclosed)
Raymarine Dragonfly 7
Humminbird 525 sounder
Plastimo Offshore compass

Wheelhouse:
TMQ AP4 Autopilot
Raymarine Lighthouse GPS/Plotter
GME Marine Radio
Saura Keiki Compass

Gas BBQ + electric BBQ on flybridge.

DECK & GEAR

110kg + 130kg Plough Anchors
60m 13mm Gal Chain
Stainless reduction winch (24V motor)
Dinghy davits
Deck crane
316 Stainless railings
Deck shower

Built for serious anchoring and remote cruising.

SAFETY

EPIRB
Life rings
Life jackets
Fenders

HISTORY

Built: 1964
Original Role: Port Alma QLD Government Pilot Vessel
Private ownership since 1997
Complete 10-year refit
Full-time liveaboard since 2007

Extensive East Coast cruising history.
Maintained by 42-year skipper and industry professional.

IDEAL FOR

o Liveaboards
o Long-range coastal cruisers
o Heritage vessel enthusiasts
o Offshore adventurers
o Buyers wanting volume, capability & redundancy

This is not a production fibreglass cruiser. This is a serious, sea-kindly displacement vessel with history and character.