Nirvana is available for the next caretaker

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San Francisco Bay birthed Nirvana, 1946 Fellow & Stewart Island Clipper, (44 ft LOA, 9 ½  beam, 7 ½ draft, 7/8th rigged) is available for the next woodboat enthusiast desiring a beautiful, fine sailing classic yacht. 

Current Condition

While several maintenance projects are required to return Nirvana to sailing condition, the boat is structurally sound for her age, and comes with numerous spares, tools, and accessories.

Most of the work required is cosmetic, such as new deck, topside and bottom paint, varnish, and the repair of superficial damage to accents such as the toe rail cap and cockpit combing.  

The rigging is due to be replaced, and should be inspected prior to use.

Inside the cabin is of serviceable condition, with some paint on the cabin roof and bulkheads needing stripping and repainting.  

The 12-volt system works (some light fixtures need replacing), the pressure cold water system works, and there is a porta-potty with battery-operated freshwater flush.  The galley stove is non-operational (no propane system), and there is a serviceable ice box.  

The one major item is the lack of a proper marine-grade engine.  The original gas-powered Gray Marine 4-112 had exhaust cooling water damage to the valves.  It was sent back east to be repaired.  The repaired & rebuilt engine is available from Van Ness Engineering of New Jersey for approximately ~$3K.   All supporting systems, such as a recently replaced gas tank and freshwater cooling system, are still intact. A new or replacement engine would require the re-engining and modification of the exhaust system.

Currently there is a temporary motor, 75% installed, that once finished will be capable of moving the boat in and out of the slip and out to open water, but it is not suitable for long-haul motoring.  

Nirvana is a perfect fit for a woodboat enthusiast with strong sailing skills and moderate DYI woodboat repair, maintenance, and finishing skills.  Nirvana doesn’t need to be “rebuilt” or “restored.”  

Sailing Characteristics

Nirvana is a powerful sailing yacht.  Designed for the lighter winds of Southern California, she requires sailing skill, physical strength and dexterity to captain.  Some modernization, such as a roller-furling headsail and lazy jacks, would make handling her easier. However, I have mostly sailed single-handed, and once up and going, Nirvana is well-balanced and easily managed single-handed from inside her deep cockpit.  There is a tiller auto helm that works well enough in most conditions to hold a heading while reefing, raising, and lowering sails.  

The current set of sails includes a main, 95% yankee cut head sail, and an asymmetrical spinnaker (from a different boat) that are serviceable, but in need of some stitching repair to spots like the leech and batten pockets.

Insurance, Taxes, and Dockage

Nirvana is currently insured (liability only policy for $2,750 per year).  A reassessment process with the Contra Costa County Assessor's Office for unsecured property taxes is underway.  Annual taxes will be less than $200 per year.

Nirvana is currently berthed in Richmond at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club.  Continuation of birthing would require membership and acceptance by the Yacht Club and is not guaranteed.

Accessories

All accessories mentioned (and others not detailed here) are included in the transfer of ownership.

  • 8 foot Walker Bay dinghy with sail kit and 3 hp Johnson (lightly used)

  • Inflatable paddle board (lightly used)

  • Canvas tarp cover (fits from mast to back of cockpit - serviceable.

  • Full boat cover - not serviceable, but kept for pattern making, should that be of value.

  • Removable bimini (stock dimensions but it just fits under the boom for Delta cruising).

Spare Parts

  • Full set of mast hardware and spreaders from a sistership that had its mast replaced.

  • Moderately used main sail from the same sistership that had its mast replaced.

Tools & Materials

Shop vacs, various power tools, “onboard tools” (ie, a bit rusty!), sand paper, paints, varnishes, putties, glues, epoxies, etc.

Transfer of Ownership

Nirvana is available without a purchase price under a range of options, with the intent that the new owner’s funds can be used for her upkeep. 

Contact Bill Conneely for more information.