Graceful under sail, comfortable, safe and easy to handle, the McCurdy and Rhodes designed Sou’wester 59 is another in a long line of fine yachts built by the Hinckley Company of Southwest Harbor, Maine. From her gleaming Awlgripped topsides with signature gold leaf cove stripe to her masterfully constructed cherry interior with solid teak and holly sole, SULA is a showpiece of high-quality construction. But she’s not just a beautiful yacht, having proven herself as a capable offshore cruiser with a passage to New Zealand in her wake. SULA’S protected center cockpit, well-conceived three stateroom interior arrangement, systems access, and ample storage space above and below decks add to her allure as a long-distance cruiser. Push button mainsail and genoa furling and powered winches allow easy shorthanded sailing. A powerful bow thruster aids in maneuvering in small spaces, truly making her a vessel that may be handled by a cruising couple without extra crew.
Over the last 10 years, the current owners (the second) have optimized SULA for cruising with upgraded systems and features. A fold down swim platform and Simpson powered davits were installed to manage the tender. A large solar array was installed on the davits. The standing rigging was replaced and a hydraulic Harken furler added in 2021. A complete B&G electronics package was installed in 2020. The engine room insulation was upgraded to reducing engine noise at cruise RPM’s by 7db in the salon and 12db in the aft cabin.
A viewing of this heirloom quality USA-built cruising yacht is highly encouraged. The sellers recently purchased a larger cruising sailboat making this elegant cruiser available.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- New standing rigging in 2021
- New B&G Electronics package in 2021
- Hall Spars carbon fiber mast and boom
- Forced air diesel heating system
- Air conditioning/reverse heat
- Stainless-steel Simpson 250kg electric davits
- 1000 watts of solar power
- Westerbeke 10kw genset
- SeaRecovery 30gph watermaker
- Yamaha Clavinova CLP-611 digital piano in salon
SULA is currently owned by a single asset LLC that is transferable to the next owner.
Name of vessel | SULA |
Model | Sou'wester 59 |
Year | 1997 |
Builder | Hinckley |
Designer | McCurdy & Rhodes |
Price | $499,000 USD |
Location | Lake Union - Seattle, WA |
Length (feet) | 59' |
Beam (feet) | 15.5 |
Draft (feet) | 6.5 |
Displacement (pounds) | 69000 |
Ballast (pounds) | 23250 |
Engine model | Yanmar 4LH-DTE |
Engine horsepower | 154 |
Engine hours | 4563 |
Fuel tank capacity (gallons) | 350 |
Water tank capacity (gallons) | 240 |
Holding tank capacity (gallons) | 50 |
ACCOMMODATIONS:
SULA’s interior is finely finished in satin varnished cherry with a bright finished solid teak and holly cabin sole. Lockers are constructed of solid wood with louvers and laminated door frames. Cabin doors are of beautiful, raised panel construction. Dovetailed drawer boxes feature beautifully constructed wood handles and solid cherry fronts. The headliner is white laminate with cherry trim. Where visible from the interior, hull side ceilings are covered with cherry battens. The use of light woods, white headliner, large hatches, hull side ports and tall windows in the salon and galley create a bright and open feeling. There are bug screens on all opening hatches and ports. Cabin lighting is comprised of overhead lights, chromed Ocean Frigast reading lamps and red courtesy lights along the cabin sole. Most lights have been covered to warm, efficient LED bulbs.
Starting forward is a full beam shower stall. The compartment is finished in easy to maintain white laminate with a molded fiberglass shower pan. There is green Corian counter integral white Corian sink to port. Above and outboard of the sink is a large locker with shelves and a mirror mounted on the locker door. There is also a locker beneath the sink. Aft of the sink is a tall cedar-lined hanging locker with automatic light. To starboard is another large locker with shelves. A large opening hatch provides ventilation. A door in the forward bulkhead opens into the anchor locker and forepeak storage area.
Aft of the forepeak is a bunk cabin with two bunks to starboard. An expansion board, makes the lower bunk wider and more comfortable without impeding passage forward. There are lockers outboard of and two drawers beneath the lower bunk. Forward and to port is a bureau with five drawers, a counter, and mirror above. There is a vanity light, Hella Turbo fan and deck prism. An opening port and a small hatch provide light and ventilation.
The guest stateroom is located to port of the forward passageway. There is a Pullman style berth along with lockers above and outboard. Cherry battens cover the hull side ceilings. Reading lamps are located at the head of each berth. Adjacent to the head of the berth is a small bureau with mirror and four drawers below. Three additional drawers and a medium sized locker are located at the forward. A large mirror with bent/laminated cherry frame is mounted on the bulkhead inboard. Four large drawers beneath the berth and a massive cedar-lined hanging locker with automatic light complete the storage.
The forward head is located across from the guest stateroom to starboard. The compartment is finished in white laminate with cherry locker doors and cherry trim. There is a molded fiberglass sole with drain. Forward is a green Corian counter with integral white sink, single lever faucet and soap dispenser. A mirror covers the entire bulkhead forward. Beneath the counter there is a locker and two drawers. The Vacuflush electric head is located outboard. Futher outboard along the hull side is a large sliding door locker. An opening port and dorade vent provide ventilation.
SULA’s raised salon is a comfortable and elegant living space. To starboard is a straight settee with a cocktail table at center. The table can be lowered into chocks and an infill cushion installed to use this settee as a sleeping berth. Folding footrests are located on the back of the centerline settee, along with a velvet lined locker for wine and glasses and racks for sixteen bottles. Outboard of the starboard settee are two lockers centered around a fixed port in the hull side. There are reading lamps at the fore and aft end of the settee. To port is a large, dropleaf table with a beautiful inlaid compass rose. Hidden beneath the table is a Yamaha Clavinova digital piano. Settees flank the table to port and starboard. Outboard of the port settee, the furniture is mirrored with two lockers and a fixed port in the hull side. There are reading lamps fore and aft. A bookshelf and globe with dedicated lamp are inset into the forward bulkhead. The salon lighting features a dimmer switch. LED variable color rope accents lights are fitted below the cabintop/deck trimwork.
The galley is aft and to port of the salon. The U-shaped counter is off white Corian with molded fiddles. The deep two basin sink on the forward inboard end is white Corian molded integral to the counter for easy maintenance. There is a single lever faucet with pull out spray nozzle, soap dispenser and hand pump. Beneath the sink is a large locker for cleaning supplies, pots, pans, and other large items. Above the sink is a microwave, paper towel rack, mug rack and large locker. Along the aft end of the galley there is open counter space with top and front loading access to the refrigerator and top access to the freezer. Both refrigerator and freezer have automatic lights. A built-in knife rack is located nearby. Above the counter are two sliding door lockers, the upper locker with customizable storage for dishes and glassware. The Force 10 propane three burner stove/oven is located outboard/aft. A stainless-steel crash bar protects the stove. Forward of the stove is counter space with a hinged trash bin and a bank of drawers below, including a velvet lined cutlery drawer. Outboard along the port side is a large sliding door locker with shelf and a smaller locker with shelf aft that has a top loading storage space beneath.
The navigation station is to starboard of the main salon, adjacent the companionway. A large nav desk is hinged with storage space beneath. A 12 volt PC is located beneath the nav desk and displays on a flat screen monitor. A VHF radio, chartplotter, sailing instruments, and AIS display are also located at the nav station. Outboard of the navigator’s seat is a fixed hull side port. Two drawers beneath the forward end of the table provide additional storage. The 12V DC switch/breaker panel is recess mounted on the aft bulkhead and protected by a hinged acrylic door.
The aft passageway leads to the master stateroom. Along the starboard side of the passageway is a workbench with a chart storage locker above the clothes washer and dryer. Outboard of the workbench are two large sliding door lockers with shelves. Just aft is a tall hanging locker. The AC electrical panel, battery selector switches, generator control panel and inverter/charger control are mounted on the inboard bulkhead. The walk-in engine room is accessed near the aft end of this passageway.
The master stateroom spans the full beam at the stern. A private companionway and ladder lead to the aft deck and provide great ventilation. The pullman-style master berth is to port. A pull out and removable cushion extend this berth inboard. To starboard is a quarterberth with barrel dressing seat. A large hanging locker is located forward and to starboard with numerous large lockers and drawers, providing ample storage. There are three opening ports in the cabin sides, two opening hatches and two fixed portlights in the hull.
The ensuite aft head with separate shower stall is located forward and to port in the aft stateroom. Outboard along the hull side are two lockers. Aft and outboard is the Vacuflush electric head. Along the forward end of the compartment is a green Corian counter with mold in white Corian sink, faucet, and soap dispenser. There is a locker and drawer below. Mirrors are mounted on the bulkhead above the sink. The separate shower stall is inboard and finished in off white gelcoat surfaces with teak trim. A hinged, acrylic door separates the shower from the head compartment.
- Dark green Ultrasuede upholstery
- Cherry interior joinery with solid teak and holly cabin sole
- Handcraft Mattress Company custom mattresses and foam toppers in master stateroom and guest stateroom
- Lee cloths for berths
- Ocean Frigast reading lamps
- Yamaha Clavinova CLP-611 digital piano in salon
Galley
- Microwave oven
- Top and front-loading fridge/freezer
- Force 10 propane three burner stove/oven
- Marinetics propane solenoid control panel
- (2) 20lb aluminum propane tanks
ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION:
In 2021 SULA received a new B&G Electronics package including instruments, chartplotters, and radar. All new mast wires were pulled for electronics and navigation lights. A new LED anchor/Tricolor light with strobe and photoelectric cell was installed at the masthead. New LED spreader lights integral with the spreaders illuminate the side decks. New “up” shining LED lights were also installed on the spreaders. A Fusion entertainment system replaced an older stereo. The old 120V PC computer and monitor were replaced by a compact 12V PC and monitor.
At nav station:
- LED flat screen computer monitor
12V PC running Open CPN and Nobletec navigation software - Canon MG3120 printer
- B&G 12” Zeus 3 multifunction display
- B&G Triton 2 display
- Icom IC-M604 VHF radio
- Icom Command Mic III at steering pedestal
- Icom MA-500TR class B AIS transponder/display
- Icom AIS receiver with switch for selecting which AIS unit is used for NEMA data
- Garmin GPSmap 441S
- Vetus meteoliner digital recording barometer
- Chelsea brass chronometer
- Fusion MS-AV600 stereo interfaced with B&G electronics
- Flatscreen TV in salon
At cockpit:
- B&G 12” Zeus 3S multifunction display in cockpit
- (5) B&G Triton 2 displays in cockpit
- Bass auxiliary DC panel at binnacle for navigation and deck lights
- Ritchie Binnacle compass
- Simrad AP22 autopilot control head with hydraulic ram autopilot drive
- Robertson AP300X wired autopilot remote
- HDMI cable run to cockpit
–
- Masthead VHF, TV, and AIS antennas
- AIS antenna on stern davit
- B&G HD 24 mile radome mounted on mast with stainless steel platform and guard
- B&G ForwardScan sonar transducer
- Seawater temperature transducer
- LED Navigation lights, anchor light, foredeck light, steaming light, built in up and down spreader lights
- ACR Satellite 406 EPIRB
- (2) B&G Triton 2 displays in aft stateroom (mounted but not connected)
- AM/FM CD stereo in aft stateroom
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:
- 12 and 24v DC, 110v and 220v AC electrical systems
- Bass 12/24v DC electrical panel with digital meters
- Bass 120v AC electrical panel with digital meters
- Westerbeke 10kw 220v AC genset in sound enclosure (2610 hours)
- AC source selector switches
- Shutoff switches for lighting, start battery, genset, inverter, hydraulics, thruster and battery parallel
- (4) 8D batteries in 24v bank
- (4) 8D batteries in 12v bank (new 2019)
- 8D engine start battery
- Universal II 12v 60 amp 3-stage battery charger
- Heart 2000 watt inverter/65amp charger
- Spare 1500 watt inverter
- Capac Model 50030 corrosion monitor
- 150 amp 12v generator alternator with Balmar ARS III regulator
- 200 amp 12v main engine alternator with Balmar ARS III regulator
- 135 amp 24v main engine alternator with external regulator
- REC 355 watt solar panels on top of dinghy davits with Victron MPPT 100 Smart Solar charge controller (new 2020)
- Sunpower flexible solar panels on bimini top with Prostar PS-30M charge controller (new 2020)
- Isolation transformer
MECHANICAL & PLUMBING SYSTEMS:
SULA’s systems are well conceived for ease of access and maintenance. Her main engine, genset, watermaker, refrigeration, hydraulic system, and air conditioning units are located in the walk-in engineroom. Extra thermal and acoustic insulation has been fitted by the seller to minimize engine and genset noise. The Hinckley Company provides excellent systems documentation manuals including operating instructions, schematics, and diagrams.
- Yanmar 4LH-DTE 154hp diesel engine (4563 hours)
- Parker 2 micron bypass oil filter in addition to spin on cartridge oil filter
- Hurth HSW 630H1-2.5 transmission
- 1.5” Aquamet 22 propeller shaft
- New shaft bearings in April 2022
- PSS dripless propeller shaft seal (new April 2022)
- 22” three blade Max Prop feathering propeller
- Genset and engine trough hulls new in April 2020
- Tachometer, water temp and oil pressure gauges at binnacle
- MORSE – CH 2800 Single Lever Control, with Bow Thruster Control
- Wesmar hydraulic bow thruster
- Electric oil change pump
- Hella Turbo fan in engine room
- Full set of tools
- (2) Racor 500FG primary fuel filters with pressure gauges and selector switches
- Fireboy automatic engine room fire extinguisher
- (3) MarineAir airconditioning/reverse cycle heat units – “EBO16” 16,000 btu unit in salon and “EBO9” 9,000 btu units in port cabin and aft cabin.
- 20 gallon Allcraft hot water heater
- Pressure water system with accumulator tank
- Grunert 24v DC holding plate refrigeration/freezer system
- Sea Recovery SRC 600AM watermaker, 30 gallons per hour, manual product test/tank selector valve with test to galley sink, programmable flush timer (watermaker rebuilt and new membranes in 2020)
- Espar D5LC forced air diesel heater
- Miele Novotronic W1918 washing machine
- Miele Novotronic T1515 dryer
- (2) Sealand Vacuflush vacuum pump electric heads
(2) Tankwatch III holding tank level monitors - Macerator pumps for forward and aft holding tanks
- Tank Tender tank monitoring system for fuel and water tanks
- (2) electric bilge pumps and Whale Gusher 30 manual bilge pump
DECK & HULL:
The Sou’wester 59 was designed by McCurdy and Rhodes for The Hinckley Company. The hull shape features moderate deadrise with a long fin keel with centerboard and spade rudder. Her hull is constructed of E-glass and Kevlar laminates and balsa coring with vinylester resin using SCRIMP vacuum sealed resin infusion technology producing a strong and light structure. Core is replaced with solid laminate in the stem, keel, hull to deck flange, rudder post, around through hull fittings and other high load areas. Her ballast is cast lead secured with seventeen 1” stainless bolts. The centerboard is constructed of reinforced fiberglass with a bronze leading edge weighing 450 pounds. It is raised and lowered via a line that leads to the cockpit. The rudder is constructed of cored fiberglass with a 6” diameter ¾” thick rudder post. The exterior finish of the hull is clear isopthalic gelcoat coated with “Jade Mist Green” Awlgrip. Her molded cove stripe is finished in gold leaf and there is a double white boot stripe. Her bottom is red antifoul. A teak rubrail with stainless cap runs along the sheer. SULA was hauled in April 2022 for bottom paint. A new PSS shaft seal was installed during this haulout.
The deck is constructed of hand laid E-glass and Kevlar with PVC foam core used on horizontal surfaces. Vertical surfaces are not cored. The foam is replaced with high density core in high load areas and is eliminated in very high load locations such as primary winch pads and the hull to deck joint.
Her deck is finished in off white gelcoat with tan molded diamond pattern nonskid. The quality of finish and deck details are immaculate – with raised molded stanchion bases and inset genoa tracks which avoids stubbed toes. A substantial teak toe rail surrounds the deck. Teak handrails run along the cabin top and teak eyebrow trim and dorade boxes provide accents. Tall double lifelines provide security and there are boarding gates midships to port and starboard. Removable stainless and teak ladder mounts on the toe rail sailtrack for boarding alongside low docks. On deck storage is ample and well configured, with a large lazarette aft, propane and fuel lockers, auxiliary anchor locker space at the foredeck, and an interior anchor locker which may be accessed through the large hatch in the forward shower. The comfortable and protected center cockpit features tall seat backs and ample seating. The cockpit sole is teak and there is a removable teak step at the aft end of the cockpit allowing good visibility forward. The molded fiberglass pedestal has a stainless grab bar, 48” Edson wheel, Ritchie compass, engine gauges and controls, single lever throttle/shift/thruster control, furling switches, and switch panel for navigation lights. There is a varnished teak drink holder and cockpit table. A tan canvas dodger and bimini with stainless frame and grab rails protects the cockpit
- Stainless-steel Ultra 100lb anchor on stainless steel-bow roller
- 280’ of 9/16” high test anchor chain and stainless -steel swivel
- Lewmar vertical capstan hydraulic anchor windlass
- Spare Delta anchor
- Fortress FX-55 spare anchor stored in bow locker
- Stainless anchor chain stopper
- Hawsehole for second anchor rode
- Saltwater anchor washdown
- Iversen Designs tan canvas cockpit dodger(new 2018), bimini and aft companionway dodger
- Covers for dodger windows
- Stern shower in aft lazarette
- (2) Stainless-steel folding pad eyes at cockpit
- (8) Stainless-steel mooring cleats with chocks
- AB model 10AL rib with 6 hp Honda 4-stroke outboard engine
- Fold down transom wheels for dinghy
- Simpson S250 kg stainless-steel davits with dual electric pushbutton hoists
- Stainless outboard motor lift with mount on pushpit
- Fold down stainless-steel and composite swim platform on transom with Aquadeck and underhung pull out stainless-steel swim ladder
- Teak flagstaff with American flag
- Washboard with bug screen
- Magma propane BBQ with cover
- Stainless/teak midships boarding ladder
- Telescoping boathook
- (2) horseshoe buoys
- Emergency man overboard ladder
- Acrylic storm shutters for large salon side windows
- Covers for toe rails, hatches, dorade boxes and all brightwork except eyebrow trim
SAILS & RIGGING:
SULA is easily sailed with a shorthanded crew. With modest freeboard for a vessel of her size, she is easily boarded, even from low docks. Her spade rudder and bow thruster allow for easy maneuvering in tight spaces. Once away from her moorings, the mainsail and genoa, mounted on powered furlers, are deployed by push button. The mainsail outhaul and genoa sheets lead to powered winches at the cockpit. The staysail furler is currently removed and is stored on the dock.
In 2021 the mast was pulled and all new rod rigging installed by Tutmark Rigging. New mast wires were run for the VHF and other antennas. LED masthead and spreader lights were installed. All halyards and rope clutches on the mast were replaced. Wire running backstay pennants were replaced with Spectra pennants. The hydraulic vang and backstay cylinders were also rebuilt.
- Hall Spars carbon fiber mast with Hood push-button hydraulic in-mast furling system
- Navtec rod rigging (new 2021)
- Navtec hydraulic backstay tensioner and boom vang with control panel at cockpit
- Hall Spars carbon fiber boom
- Carbon fiber spinnaker pole
- Harken hydraulic genoa furler (new 2019)
- Profurl electric staysail furler (not installed)
- Lewmar Commander 24 volt hydraulic system powering furlers, sheet winches and windlass
- North radial cut mainsail
- Zoom Sails 130% Hydranet radial cut genoa with foam luff and green UV cover (new 2016)
- North Sails yankee (2004)
- North Sails roller furling staysail
- North Sails 1.5oz cruising spinnaker in sock
- North Sails .6oz light air spinnaker with launching sausage
- Lewmar mainsail in/out furling control buttons at cabin top
- Jib furl in/out control buttons on binnacle
- Lewmar 40ST hydraulic mainsheet/outhaul winch at cabin top
- (4) Lewmar 66ST hydraulic primary winches on cockpit coaming
- Lewmar 50ST hydraulic mainsheet winch
- Harken stainless mainsheet traveler, sail tracks and spinnaker pole track
- Harken blocks and hardware
- Spinnaker halyard, (2) genoa halyards, staysail halyard, mainsail halyard (new 2021)
- Flag halyards to masthead and starboard lower spreader
- Spectra running backstays (new 2021)
- Spare mainsail outhaul line
Name “Sula” reserved by seller. Buyer must rename this yacht.