Can you please ID this ketch?

[justsomeguy]

I have a feeler out to the seller, but before I can get a chance to survey her, I'd like to do a lot of googling.

The gentleman on the docks who told me she's for sale hadn't a clew.

 

[woodster]

I have a feeler out to the seller, but before I can get a chance to survey her, I'd like to do a lot of googling.

The gentleman on the docks who told me she's for sale hadn't a clew.

what about the registration numbers can you track it down that way ...that boat looks like a 36 footer or better

 

[justsomeguy]

Thanks, didn't note the reg. I thought the decorative artwork at the stern might give someone a clue.

 

[sfgary]

Good morning justsomeguy, it's a Challenger 40 built in southern Ca in late 70's and early 80's. I own a Challenger 35 almost the identical boat minus 5 feet. I love mine and have been sailing her around San Francisco bay and outside the gate for years.

 

[woodster]

google ketch and see what pops up or yacht world

 

[justsomeguy]

Good morning justsomeguy, it's a Challenger 40 built in southern Ca in late 70's and early 80's. I own a Challenger 35 almost the identical boat minus 5 feet. I love mine and have been sailing her around San Francisco bay and outside the gate for years.

Dang, you guys are good. Thanks for the starting point, sir!

 

[Joe]

Nice boat.... I found this Challenger 35 ketch on Yachtworld... What do you think? http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/197.../Marina-del-Rey/CA/United-States#.VLrFNMJ0x1s

 

[sfgary]

Here is a pic of my Challenger which you will notice is sloop rigged.

 

[justsomeguy]

Nice boat.... I found this Challenger 35 ketch on Yachtworld... What do you think? http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/197.../Marina-del-Rey/CA/United-States#.VLrFNMJ0x1s

Thanks. Didn't notice the "L" cockpit on this one, but that could be me.

sfgary, how long have you owned your Challenger?

 

[Brian D]

Dang, sfgary beat me to it. As soon as I saw the offset hatch and forward coach I know it was a Challenger. I have been wanting one of those for some time now.

 

[Joe]

Here's a Challenger 40 ketch on the same site. The deck/portlight config looks the same for the 35 and 40.... to me anyway. http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1974/Challenger-Ketch--2741943/Urbanna/VA/United-States#.VLuFA8J0x1s

 

[sfgary]

Thanks. Didn't notice the "L" cockpit on this one, but that could be me.

sfgary, how long have you owned your Challenger?

Good morning, I've owned it since 2001. I'm going to probably start a refit in the next couple of years to get ready for some extended cruising.

 

[justsomeguy]

Good morning, I've owned it since 2001. I'm going to probably start a refit in the next couple of years to get ready for some extended cruising.

Good morning to you.

I'm headed back down there very soon, and will hopefully have more information to process.

From what I've seen on the web regarding these boats, promising.

 

[sfgary]

Good morning to you.

I'm headed back down there very soon, and will hopefully have more information to process.

From what I've seen on the web regarding these boats, promising.

Good luck!

 

[NotCook]

A ketch is great for sailing on a close reach. Once you set the sails, it has no choice but to follow the wind. It can't fall off, because the mizzen won't let it. As the wind changes, the mizzen will follow it. You can basically let the wheel follow the rudder, minimizing drag, because you can steer with adjustments to the mizzen. Good luck - hope you get it. Looks like a fine boat.

 

[rockingham]

It is a handsome craft. Heard a guy complain once about the rain sluicing off the mizzen right down his neck but guess he probably had the hood down on his souwester.

 

[justsomeguy]

A ketch is great for sailing on a close reach. Once you set the sails, it has no choice but to follow the wind. It can't fall off, because the mizzen won't let it. As the wind changes, the mizzen will follow it. You can basically let the wheel follow the rudder, minimizing drag, because you can steer with adjustments to the mizzen. Good luck - hope you get it. Looks like a fine boat.

I've read some good things along these lines, about how your sail plan can be tweaked, and weathercocking.

Gonna look at her again, and will have more pics.

Unfortunately, the owner hasn't contacted me yet.

Thanks to all y'all for the luck!

 

[Jayster]

Challenger 40

Nice job sfguy. The port lights never lie (as long as they are original). There was a 35 for sale when I was looking for a new boat. (Wound up falling into a Beneteau First 38s5 in bristol condition that was an estate sale). Ketches are great if you are going to sail in a lot of different conditions. I took a trip to the Channel Islands on a Mason 43 ketch and at one point we were sailing upwind in 30+ knots of wind with a 150 plus the mizzen. The boat was totally balanced and we were hitting 9 knots! In a Taiwanese tank! I am a firm believer in the more sail options the better. I hope it all works out and remember the right boat will find you.

 

[justsomeguy]

As promised, here are a few more photos of her. I've spoken only briefly with the owner, but these things take time.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

Why do all the pics I am seeing of these Challenger boats look like the spars are raked forward (or in any case much too close to vertical)?