1975 Custom 50' (15.24 m) Ketch Pilothouse
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Charlotte
Charlotte is a classic, hand-crafted, ketch built by Donald McBet in White Rock, BC, to Fred Petersen’s design. Launched in 1976, she was constructed with durability and timeless character in mind — from red cedar strip plank construction to her clipper bow and counter stern.
- Ketch / Pilothouse
- Sail
- Used
- Diesel
- Wood Hull
FEATURES: |
---|
Rebuilt Detroit Diesel |
5kW Generator |
Standing rigging replaced 2005 |
Dickenson Newport propane fireplace + electric heat |
2022 12’ inflatable tender w/2020 Mercury 20hp |
Notable Upgrades: |
Description
1975 Fred Petersen 50’ Ketch – “Charlotte”
****** FINANCING AVAILABLE *******
Location: Brentwood Bay, BC
Builder: Donald McBet, White Rock, BC
Designer: Fred Petersen
LOA: 50 ft | Beam: 13’ 7” | Draft: 7’ 6”
Engine: GM Detroit Diesel 3-53, 85hp (rebuilt 2012)
Hull Material: Red cedar strip plank
Mast Rig: Ketch – Laminated spruce (rebuilt 2005)
Overview
Charlotte is a classic, hand-crafted, ketch built by Donald McBet in White Rock, BC, to Fred Petersen’s design. Launched in 1976, she was constructed with durability and timeless character in mind — from red cedar strip plank construction to her clipper bow and counter stern. With continuous upgrades, including a rebuilt diesel engine, generator, windlass, and major electrical overhauls, Charlotte is a proven offshore cruiser with decades of maintenance and pride of ownership behind her.
She’s currently moored in the desirable Brentwood Bay, BC, with the option to transfer a sought-after mooring and dinghy spot at a five-star marina and spa. Included with the sale is a 2022 12.5’ inflatable tender with a 2020 Mercury 20HP 4-stroke outboard.
Smith Yacht Sales is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Lions Gate Yachts. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel
Specifications
LOA: 50' (15.24 Meters)
Type: Sail- Used
Year: 1975
Beam: 13' 7''
Draft Max: 7' 6''
Maximum Speed: 6 Knots
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hull Material: Wood
Fuel Tank: 200 Gallons (757.08 Liters)
Fresh Water: 250 Gallons (946.35 Liters)
Designer: Fred Petersen
Builder: Donald McB
Photos click to view all
Engines
Engine 1
- Engine Make: GM Detroit Diesel
- Engine Model: DDA 3-53 (rebuilt 2012)
- Engine Year: 1972
- Engine Type: Inboard
- Power HP: 85.00
- Power KW: 63.38
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Hours: 800.00
Generators
Generator 1
- Generator Make: Northern Lights 5kW
- Generator Model: (2012)
- Generator KW: 5.00
Full Details
FULL DETAILS
Specifications
Construction
- Hull: 1 ½” x 1 ¾” red cedar strip planks
- Frames: 1 ½” x 2” oak on 12” centers
- Deck: Mahogany & plywood with teak overlay
- Cabin: Timber and mahogany
- Hull Shape: Full keel, round bottom, displacement
- Transom: Square | Stem: Clipper
- Caulking: Monocaulk with epoxy-glued seams
- Ballast: Interior & exterior
- Rudder: Wood on sternpost
- Fastenings: Non-ferrous clinched nails
- 2 watertight bulkheads
Rigging & Sails
- Ketch rig with laminated spruce main and mizzen (2005)
- Standing rigging replaced 2005 (galvanized, stainless forestay)
- Harken II headsail furling
- Sail Inventory:
- Mainsail (2003)
- Genoa (re-cut 2004)
- Jib, Mizzen & Staysail in good condition
- Winches:
- 3 Barlow #18
- 1 Barlow #10
- 2 Lewmar #43 (2-speed)
Machinery
- GM Detroit Diesel DDA 3-53 (1972, rebuilt 2012)
- Approx. 800 hrs since rebuild
- Max speed: ~6 knots
- Northern Lights 5kW generator (2012)
- Zero hours on new panel, ~1,200 prior
- Fuel Tank: 200 gal in aluminum tanks
- Propeller: 19.5” LH 3-blade bronze
- Shaft: 1½” stainless (2012), dripless seal
- Gear: Borg Warner Velvet Drive, rebuilt 2012
- Cooling: Closed, heat exchanger
- Ventilation: Natural
Steering
- Wagner hydraulic (two stations)
- Emergency tiller backup
Electronics & Navigation
- Radar: Furuno NavNet (2007)
- GPS: Interphase & Loran
- VHF: Horizon Eclipse
- Auto Pilot: Wagner Mk IV
- Instruments: Tach, oil pressure, water temp, voltmeter, ammeter
- Compass: Saura & Gemini (6”)
- Depth Sounder: Lowrance X25A
- Knot meter, rudder angle indicator, searchlight
Electrical System
- 4 x 6V (House) & 1 x 4D (Start) – Replaced with Lithium in 2024
- 2 x 120W solar panels w/ digital controllers (2020/2022)
- 30A Shore Power
- Panels: Fuses & breakers, extensive rewiring
Interior & Domestic Systems
- Stove: Force 10 – 3 burner propane w/ oven (2011, broiler pad replaced 2023)
- Fridge: 12V/110V
- Heating: Dickenson Newport propane fireplace + electric heat
- Fresh Water Tank: 250 gal
- Hot Water: 6-gal 110V tank (2025, ready for install)
- Heads:
- Dometic MasterFlush electric (2020)
- Manual Jabsco (new, not installed – fittings in place)
- Shower: Separate stall
- LED lighting in galley, salon, and mid-berth (2023, remote controlled)
Ground Tackle
- Anchors:
- 85# CQR
- 86# SS Navy
- Chain: ~300 ft of 5/8” galvanized
- Windlass: Muir 2500 12V (rebuilt April 2024)
Bilge Pumps
- Electric:
- 750 GPH (engine space)
- 1100 GPH (keel)
- Manual: Whale pump (wheelhouse)
Additional Notes
- 2020 12’ inflatable tender + 2020 Mercury 20hp 4-stroke
- Mooring available in Brentwood Bay ($177/mo; subject to marina approval)
- Numerous service upgrades in past 5 years (engine, generator, batteries, water systems)
- Surveys by respected professionals available from 2013, 2018, and partial from 2022
- Owner has invested over $40,000 in insurance during ownership
Ownership Remarks
“It’s time for me to part ways with Charlotte. She’s been a labor of love for over two decades”
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
Contact Us
Want more information?

Smith Yacht Saless
24 Shipyard Drive
Suite 204
Hingham MA 02043
Office: 1-781-749-9989
Email: info@smithyacht.com
Smith Yacht Sales was founded on a simple premise keep the clients best interest in mind. I have been in the marine industry for over 20 years, and although people love the sport of boating they are often unhappy with their sales and service experiences our firm strives to break this unfortunate pattern.