Built in 1947 for Kenneth Whittier, an editor for Rudder Magazine, and designed to follow Slocum’s Spray around the world, Starbound has safely delivered her several distinguished owners through thousands of blue water miles, including two trips around the globe.
From 1995 until 1999 Starbound underwent a massive overhaul, during which time she was replanked with reclaimed old-growth longleaf yellow pine, laid over sawn oak frames. Her entire transom and aft deck were replaced, as were the teak decking and cabin top. She is in fantastic shape, in the water in Portland, ME.
Starbound appears in two books: Starbound and Deep water cruising, by Former owners Gordon and Nina Stuermer.
We have a recent survey of the boat available for reading.
[widegetkit id=69]
Up top:
Let’s start aft with the Quarterdeck: Here you will find the perfect blend of tradition and comfort. A cushioned bench follows the contours of the taffrail to provide comfortable seating, as well as stowage. The helm has a traditional wood and bronze helm attached to a beautiful teak post with a Ritchie compass encased in a beautiful bronze glass and teak binnacle. The entire cockpit is covered by a stainless framed Bimini cover.
With over seventeen feet of beam, there is plenty of room to work, play, and relax on the house, decks, and foredeck.
Below:
Her galley is huge and perfectly set up to cook and entertain, even in a heavy sea. Amenities include a gimbaled force 10 four burner stove with oven, top loading Sea Frost fridge and freezer, with side access, a huge sink, and tons of well thought out stowage.
Directly to port is the nav station, with a pilot cabin and berth aft of the nav station.
The focus of the main salon is the settee with a fold out table. There is room for six to eight people at the table. The skylight above creates rich ambient light. The beautiful hand carved panel above the settee was carved by a young master in Bali during one the yacht’s circumnavigations. It depicts a scene from the Balinese interpretation of the epic Ramayana, showing Rama rescuing his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana.
Access to the huge quarter lazarette is just inboard and aft of the settee. In the lazarette is easy access to the rudder post and tackle as well as a sail locker, safety gear, etc.
Heading forward to port you will find the large head that includes a separate standup shower. Forward of the head is the master’s cabin with a double bunk and lots stowage, and plenty of room to stretch.
Across from the master cabin is the engine room/workshop. Access to all systems is easy from this uniquely spacious engine room.
Forward of the engine room on the starboard side is the guest cabin with two single bunks and a good amount of stowage.
Head further forward to find a well stocked bookshelf on your way to the huge forecastle. There are four bunks in the Forecastle as well as stowage bins.
[widegetkit id=71]
Sails & Rigging:
Starbound has a Gaff rigged main, a Marconi Mizzen, A roller furling Genny, and a hank on inner jib, loaded on a self tacking jib boom. She also has a free footed square that hangs from a 40 foot long yard. All sails are tanbark and in good shape. All of her standing and running rigging is in great shape, with many recent improvements as recent as 2009.
Engine:
Yanmar 4LH-DTE #23610. New in 1997
180 HP
1861 hours
Transmission new in 2009
Electrical:
12V DC and 110 AC
Batteries: Six 8D storage and three #31 for engine and generator
Circuit protection: 30 switch DC panel and 8-switch AC
Also panel with inverter controls, windlass switch, Fyrewatch switch and monitor.
running lights, spreader lights, port and starboard main electric bilge pump switches
Battery charging system: Engine alternator, Kohler generator with new in 2009 dual Racor fuel filter system
ProSine 2.0 inverter/charger (#B124560110)
Electronics/Navs:
Compass: Ritchie in large traditional bronze, teak and glass binnacle in cockpit
VHF: Icom M504with repeater mic at helm.
SSB: IC M802 with SP24 speaker – new in 2009
Radar/GPS
Garmin 4212
Fathometer/Knotmeter: Raymarine ST60+ wind, depth and speed displays
Autopilot: Raymarine Autohelm SmartPilot in cockpit – new in 2009
Stereo with interior and exterior speakers
Epirb 406
Some extra equipment:
Mounted Lifesling
Winslow canister 4-man 604L0 – inspection good to November 2011
Two large Fisherman anchors mounted outboard on cat-heads extending through
Two spare 40-50 lb Danforth anchors
Chain and line
Hydraulic bronze Ideal windlass with chain gypsy and rope drum as well as rope drum on
Cable cutters
Fyrwatch halon system in engine room
Fire extinguishers
Several pfds
Tools
Medicine cabinet
Tank monitor
Projects/Issues:
She is currently in sail away condition. She is a wood boat. Be prepared to love her or lose her to the elements.
