Space Sailer 27 "Charlotte" - Well-Equipped Coastal Cruiser & Liveaboard
To start, I've recorded a complete walk-through of Charlotte, including the exterior, interior, and engine start-up. This gives you the best idea of the vessel's overall condition and how everything works. Enjoy - see the link below.
Charlotte is one of the last Spacesailer 27s built in N. S. W. (see builder's plate image). Her original owner was from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and closely monitored the build. He owned her for at least 20 years.
You'll notice the quality of construction immediately. The boat features solid fibreglass moldings and beautifully crafted timber throughout--there's no cheap Formica anywhere. Boats simply aren't built like this anymore.
Before I purchased Charlotte, she was lived aboard for seven years by a young couple while they saved for a house and started a family. The Spacesailer 27 has an impressive internal volume thanks to its nearly 3-metre beam, making it an excellent live-aboard.
Features include:
o Large anchor
o Smart TV and DVD player
o Premium electric freshwater-flush toilet (no unpleasant holding tank odours)
o USB charging points on both sides of the forward berth and throughout the cabin
o New batteries
o Solar charging system
o Cold-water shower
o Portable internal gas Cooker (no gas certificate required). Plus a BBQ on the outside rail
o Excellent storage throughout
o All electrical systems are operational, clearly labelled, and easy to understand
o Electric water pumps throughout--simply turn on the tap; no manual pumps
o Full cockpit sun enclosure
I've mainly used Charlotte for single-handed inshore and coastal cruising. At 65, I still find her easy to handle alone, thanks to her forgiving nature and straightforward sail plan. However, for a change of pace, I'm considering crossing over to the "dark side" and buying a motor cruiser.
I'm 6'2" and have comfortable headroom and plenty of sleeping space in the forward berth. The head compartment is spacious and cleverly designed to maximize every bit of available space.
As I wanted to keep Charlotte in marinas, I had her professionally hauled out and surveyed for insurance. She is currently insured. The surveyor's report is attached for your reference.
One of Charlotte's standout features is her Yanmar YSE12 single-cylinder, shaft-drive diesel engine. Renowned for its simplicity and reliability, the YSE12 is inexpensive to maintain, with parts readily available and a robust design that is easy to service. See it started up in the video below. As the engine is raw-water cooled, a Y-valve has been professionally installed to allow the cooling system to be flushed with fresh water and vinegar after each cruise. This helps prevent salt water from remaining inside the engine during extended periods between use, reducing the potential for internal corrosion.
Charlotte has a fully encapsulated lead keel, meaning there are no keel bolts to maintain. The bilge is clean and completely dry (see the video). The boat does not leak in rain or under normal use, and all through-hull fittings and sea-cocks have been tested and are in good working order.
Charlotte is an honest boat. She isn't a polished showpiece, and there are areas where the paint has worn, but she is fully operational and ready to sail. If you're looking for a yacht that doesn't require constant polishing or varnishing, she's ideal. There are beautifully restored Spacesailer 27s available, but they are typically priced at $40,000 or more.
The sale includes an 2.3m Achillies inflatable dinghy and a 3.5HP Tohatsu outboard motor. I haven't used either, so they are included as-is, see images. I currently access the boat using an alongside marina dinghy at Drummoyne.
Charlotte comes with two excellent sails (main and jib), which I've been using regularly, plus:
o Genoa No. 1
o Genoa No. 2
o Spinnaker
All are serviceable and included in the sale.
The rigging is substantially over-specified for a yacht of this size, contributing to the boat's reputation for strength and durability. The age of the standing rigging is unknown.
Charlotte is a solid, practical, and comfortable yacht that's equally suited to weekend cruising, coastal adventures, or living aboard. She has been well cared for, is easy to maintain, and is ready for her next owner to enjoy.
The boat is available for inspection at Drummoyne, Sydney, and inspections are encouraged. If you're looking for an affordable, reliable yacht that is ready for its next owner, Charlotte is well worth a look.
Please get in touch for further information or to arrange an inspection.
Location
Sydney Area Drummoyne NSW
Hull
Fibreglass/GRP This boat is full fibreglass hull and deck NO CORE
Builder
Maitland Marine Moulders N. S. W.
Deck Material
Fibre Glass
Engine
YSE 12; shaft drive; single cyclinder; not fuel filter; metal oild filter (lasts the life of the boat). A simple engine; can be hand cranked; easy to look after.
Power Source
Diesel : Yanmar YSE 12 (one cyclinder)
Engine Hours
Unkown (estimated 875)
Fuel Consumption
1.5lph at cruising speed 6 knots
Drive Type
Inboard Shaft Drive : SHAFT DRIVE (NOT sail drive - many are)
Accommodation
6 berth; huge double up front (at 6ft 2 inches I have plenty of room); double on the saloon table and 2 single berths. See layout image
Galley
Stainless steel BBQ mounted on starboard rail, single sink 2 x ice boxes or storage; also a conceated garbage; single sink; lots of storage and a portable gas stove not gas certificate needed.
Refrigeration
Ice box only
Shower
Yes; cold shower, WET head.
Toilet
Electric; fresh water flush; huge fir size of vessel
Entertainment
Marine 32 inch Smart TV with DVD player; FM blue tooth system
Dinghy
Inflatable solid floor (not tested)
Outboard
3.3 hp two stroke (not tested)
Covers
Cover for main entry
Ground Tackle
HUGE CQR no electric winch
Safety Gear
All inshore safety gear
Bilge Pumps
Yes manual and automatic
Electrics
2 x 100ah gell batteries new 2025
Electronics
VHF radio, mounting clamp for phone or tablet
Sail Inventory
Excellent main and jib. Fair gen1 gen2 and spinacher.
Mast / Rigging
Aluimium mast; spinacher pole and another small pole that attached to the bow
ABOUT THE SELLER
Drummoyne
NSW 2047 Australia