1978 Islander Freeport 41

About This Vessel

This 1978 Islander Freeport 41, measures 41 ft, and is located in Merritt Island, Florida, powered by Yanmar 4JH-DTE 77.00HP.

Rare Islander Freeport 41 Ketch – Classic Bluewater Cruiser with Exceptional Heritage Long Shot is not simply another vintage sailboat. She is a classic Islander Freeport 41 Ketch, a distinctive center-cockpit cruising design known for robust construction, full-keel stability, comfortable accommodations and genuine offshore capability. Designed by Charles Davies, with influence from renowned yacht designer Robert Perry, the Islander Freeport 41 emerged during the golden age of offshore cruising yacht development. Only 138 hulls were produced, with each vessel individually built and fitted in an era when substantial fiberglass construction and hand-finished interiors were hallmarks of serious cruising yachts. The warm teak joinery and traditional craftsmanship aboard Long Shot remain tangible reminders of that heritage today. Long Shot combines the offshore capability of a traditional heavy-displacement cruising yacht with dimensions that provide remarkable flexibility in choosing where to cruise. Her center-cockpit layout and versatile ketch rig are equally suited to exploring the Florida Keys, cruising the Bahamas, or undertaking extended coastal and offshore passages. With a draft of only five feet, she can access many anchorages, coves and cruising grounds that remain challenging for deeper-draft offshore yachts. Her bridge clearance of approximately 53 feet further expands her cruising options along the Intracoastal Waterway and beyond. For long-range cruisers and liveaboards, the Freeport 41 offers remarkable interior volume within her 41-foot length. Her spacious two-cabin, two-head layout provides comfort and privacy for extended cruising or full-time life aboard. Particularly noteworthy is the interior passageway connecting the main salon and forward accommodations with the private aft owner's stateroom, allowing movement throughout the vessel without stepping on deck. This thoughtful center-cockpit design enhances comfort underway, provides meaningful separation between the two staterooms, and contributes significantly to Long Shot's appeal as a capable liveaboard cruiser. Long Shot will appeal to the sailor who values traditional craftsmanship, proven cruising design and the character found in yachts of this era. While she will benefit from cosmetic updating and continued modernization, her appeal lies not in perfection but in authenticity. She offers her next owner the opportunity to enjoy a distinctive cruising yacht today while continuing to update and personalize her over time. Picture Long Shot resting in a quiet Bahamian anchorage, the trades moving through the rigging as the sun settles beyond the cockpit. For the sailor drawn to extended cruising, life aboard and the character of a traditional sailing yacht, she offers something increasingly difficult to find - a genuine cruising classic ready for her next chapter. Notable UpgradesJet bow thruster installed in 2023, providing enhanced maneuverability in tight marinas and docking situationsMarine air conditioning system for liveaboard comfortSolar charging system supporting extended anchoring independenceModern Garmin navigation electronics including radar, AIS, and GPS/chartplotter AccommodationsThe warm teak interior retains much of the traditional craftsmanship that helped establish the Freeport's reputation as a capable offshore cruising yacht and comfortable liveaboard.The interior offers a practical arrangement with accommodations for up to six guests:Forward V-berth guest cabinPrivate aft owner's stateroom with double berthConvertible salon berthInterior companionway passage connecting salon and aft cabinTwo headsWell-equipped galley featuring:Three-burner stoveDouble-sized stainless-steel sinkCustom refrigerator/freezer Rigging & SailsDesigned for manageable sail handling and offshore versatility, Long Shot features a traditional ketch rig with multiple sail configurations.Ketch rigMainsail and mizzen with lazy jacks and sail covers150% Genoa with roller furlingSpinnaker Ground TackleWell-equipped for extended anchoring and cruising independence.WindlassMantus-style primary anchor with approximately 300 feet of chainSecondary anchor with approximately 100 feet of chainStern Danforth anchor with rode Electronics & NavigationVHF radio with AISGarmin GPS/chartplotterRadarDepth sounder PropulsionPowered by a dependable Yanmar diesel engine.Yanmar 4JH-DTE diesel engine78 HPLong Shot's economical Yanmar diesel burns approximately one gallon per hour at cruising RPM. With 200 gallons of fuel capacity and a hull speed of approximately 7.7 knots, she offers the potential for more than 1,500 miles of cruising range under power, making her exceptionally well suited for long-distance cruising where efficiency, range, and self-sufficiency are highly valued. Electrical SystemsShore power connectionFour 12V batteries (2023)Dedicated engine start batterySolar panel system TankageFresh water capacity: 200 gallons (2012)Fuel capacity: 200 gallons (2012)Holding tank capacity: 75 gallons Whether your ambitions include extended cruising, seasonal liveaboard life, exploring the Florida Keys, or crossing to the Bahamas, Long Shot represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most respected center-cockpit cruising designs of her generation. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is