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53 Custom Roberts 53-1996
'One of a Kind'
Pilothouse Cruiser
This 1996 53’ Custom Bruce Roberts Pilothouse Cutter is a rare find in the offshore cruising world. Built with lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum, this yacht offers exceptional performance and durability, making it a standout choice for long-range cruisers. Constructed in Pender Harbor under the supervision of the current owner — a marine industry professional — she’s designed for bluewater exploration and built to last.
Having completed successful voyages to Alaska and Hawaii, this yacht is a proven bluewater performer. After a $150,000 refit in 2020, she’s in top condition and ready to take on her next adventure.
Major Upgrades & Features:
⛵ Sailing & Construction:
Performance & Range:
This yacht combines bluewater capability, self-sufficiency, and comfort in a way few vessels can. With 1,650L fuel capacity, 300 gallons of water, a 9kW genset, and a well-maintained engine, she is ready for long-range passages, extended cruising, or full-time liveaboard life.
Contact Listing Agents at Pacific Coast Yacht Sales
Philip Cragg 604 708 1980
Christie Bocking 604 317 3847
Specifications
This vessel was crafted by one of the most respected aluminum boat builders on the coast (Belavance Aluminum Co). Originally intended for his personal use, the builder sold it to the current owner before the hull was completed. As a result, the construction clearly reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship.
She is an all-welded aluminum auxiliary cutter-rigged motorsailer, featuring a single mast, boom, and jib. The hull design includes a raked bow and a double hard-chined structure, transitioning to a rounded, forward-raked stern with integrated two-step transom access.
The vessel features a raised cockpit amidships with a central steering pedestal, flanked by bench seats that double as storage lockers. Forward access through a hatch leads into the raised pilothouse. From the forward section of the pilothouse, stairs descend into a spacious galley and mess area. Forward of this is a head with a shower and a roomy cabin in the forepeak. A companionway to starboard, just aft of the galley, leads to the master stateroom and an additional head.
The hull is robustly built with 3/8" cut frames and 1/4" plating of 5086 marine-grade aluminum. Both the hull and the undersides of the decks are insulated with urethane spray foam for superior thermal and acoustic protection.
The engine compartment is enclosed with watertight bulkheads fore and aft, and a sealed door provides access from the master cabin. A hinged hatch in the pilothouse floor allows for convenient access to the engine room.
The mast is stepped onto a 3/4" aluminum plate, welded securely to a 6" x 2" x 1/2" thick channel frame.
Exterior decks and the trunk cabin are finished with teak overlay planking, while the pilothouse deck is treated with non-skid Awlgrip paint. Side deck rail caps are crafted from 3" x 3/4" teak. The exterior hull is coated with durable Awlgrip epoxy paint.
All windows and hatches are framed in aluminum for strength and durability.
The interior showcases a refined finish of hard-coated veneer and solid Honduras mahogany, with teak and holly strip plank flooring secured to yellow cedar frames, which are bolted to the aluminum structure. The overheads are lined with smooth white hardboard, accented with mahogany battens for a classic maritime touch.
The raised pilothouse is constructed from aluminum plate, with access provided through a stainless steel-framed 29" x 22" hatch. This hatch features a stainless steel-framed top slider, covered with Lexan, and an aluminum-framed Lexan door that drops down to become flush with the floor when opened.
The cabin is equipped with three large aluminum-framed windows on each side, one of which is a sliding window. Additionally, there are three large forward-facing windows that provide ample natural light. On the starboard side, there is a chart table and a day bunk, with an impressive electrical distribution panel housed behind double glass doors underneath. On the port side, a full settee with an adjustable table can be lowered to convert the area into a double berth. The pilot’s position is located on the port side, offering convenient access to navigation equipment and clear visibility of the engine and condition instrumentation. Both the pilot’s seat and the accompanying seat to starboard are Zwaardvis pedestal-mounted armchairs with padding for comfort. The cabin deckhead also features three hinged and dogged Lexan hatches, each measuring 25.5" x 25.5".
At the centerline, a hatchway with steps leads below to a spacious galley on the port side and a large, wraparound upholstered settee with a table and entertainment area on the starboard side. Natural light is supplied by three 12.5" x 5" opening ports on each trunk side, along with four 17" x 17" hinged and dogged Lexan hatches in the deckhead.
A companionway leads aft, alongside the engine room, to the master stateroom in the stern. Along the outboard side of this companionway, there is a work area with storage, as well as a 'Kariba' combination washer/dryer mounted at the aft end. The inboard side contains doors and control switches for the battery banks stored behind.
The master cabin is exceptionally spacious, featuring a queen-sized berth with ample storage and closet space. There are two 9" x 4" opening ports on each side, as well as two more in the transom. The deckhead also includes two 20" x 15" hinged and dogged Lexan hatches. The washroom, located forward on the port side, includes a custom fiberglass shower/bathtub with a high-quality finish.
Forward of the master cabin is a doorway leading into the forward accommodations. To the starboard side is a head, and on the port side, a shower, both with custom fiberglass finishes. Continuing forward, there is a large 'V' berth cabin, with bunks running up under the foredeck. Similar to the other areas, the shower and head are equipped with opening ports, with additional ports on either side of the forward cabin. There is also one 18" x 14" hinged and dogged Lexan hatch over the forward companionway and a 20" x 20" hinged and dogged Lexan hatch above the 'V' berth.
The vessel's joinery and finishes are of exceptional quality, with high-end fittings and equipment that have been meticulously maintained. Throughout the entire ship, there is an excellent use of natural light, enhancing the sense of space and comfort.
The vessel is equipped with a total of 12 Lewmar aluminum-framed deck hatches, each with smoked Lexan covers, all hinged and dogged for secure operation. These include:
Additionally, there are 2 solar vents on the pilothouse deck, and a single clam-shell vent is positioned on the port side of the transom. The vessel also features 4 flush, hinged storage hatches: two located behind the cockpit on either side, and two on the first step of the transom. There is also a hatch on the second step that can be used as a livewell tank.
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Engine manufacture secondary filter on main engine
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Shore Power:
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Pacific Coast Yacht Sales does not guarantee or warranty the presence of or the validity of the safety equipment on the boats that we sell.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
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