Spotted gum converted trawler for adventure cruising.
Gardner 6LX, Twin Disc 506 trans. 3:1. Forward wheelhouse, trunk cabin on afterdeck, 5 berth.
Extensively renovated, not “flash”. We have cruised many miles since our first major cruise to Hobart Tas. in 2011. Headroom in all compartments. A big girl for her length. Yachtlike lines on a workboat.
The trawler profile is maintained. Very seaworthy.
Purchased from the builder/owner in 2006. Boat was just sound but neglected. Extensive maintenance, upgrades and repairs carried out mostly DIY. Professional caulking and some hull work. I built the trunk cabin in my shed and assembled it on the after deck with the fish hold hatch enlarged. The Gardner sump corroded through (magnesium alloy and salt water don’t mix) and with full head height in the engine room, I was able to raise the engine, fit another sump and realign the engine to the propellor shaft.
Pelican is used for local fishing trips on Port Philip Bay, and an extensive cruise most years since 2011.
We have visited Tasmania seven times, once to Kangaroo Island South Australia and once to Lord Howe Island off NSW, which is 1000nm each way, and manually steered all the way before installing an auto pilot.
Next year we plan to visit Port Lincoln and environs, staging the boat through Robe and Kangaroo Island South Australia. Us crew are getting older and we will cruise while we still can.