Description

Nicholson 48 – Offshore Ketch | Iconic Design, Solid Refit Opportunity

Crafted by Camper & Nicholsons/Halmatic to a Raymond Wall design, this 1975 Nicholson 48 stands as a timeless choice for serious bluewater cruising. With just 42 built, this model remains highly regarded among offshore enthusiasts. While this particular yacht would benefit from cosmetic and systems upgrades, it presents an excellent platform for an adventurous owner to create a capable ocean cruiser.

Built to last, her GRP hull was stripped and professionally re-glassed with two additional layers in 2012, enhancing strength and integrity. The yacht’s moderate-length encapsulated keel, skeg-hung rudder, and 14,000+ kg displacement deliver safe, comfortable offshore performance. A Perkins 4-236 diesel engine (with new shaft and exhaust), ketch rig, extensive sail wardrobe, and impressive tankage—nearly 1,000L of water and 860L of fuel—equip her well for long-range voyaging.

Below deck, the rare 4-cabin, 8-berth layout combines traditional teak craftsmanship with a raised saloon, offering excellent light and space. Air conditioning, a large refrigerator, and a washing machine hint at great liveaboard potential, pending completion of refit work.

Now offered through Williams & Smithells International Ltd, experts in distinctive offshore yachts, this Nicholson 48 awaits new custodians ready to bring her back to glory.

Specifications

Accommodation

Teak joinery throughout
Saloon bookcase (2013)
6'1" headroom in saloon
U-shaped portside settee with dining table
Starboard galley with new worktops and large front-opening fridge
Washing machine/tumble dryer aft of galley
Portside chart table
Aft ensuite cabin with port double berth and starboard single berth, plus settee
Forward V-berth with twin singles
Second heads with shower aft of forepeak
Hanging lockers, bookshelves and storage throughout

Domestic
New 3-burner gas cooker (2013)
Large front-opening Danfoss fridge (24v DC)
Microwave oven
Reverse-cycle air conditioning (unused)
Clock and barometer
Crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and drinking glasses
Drinking water filter
Calorifier with immersion heater
Showers and holding tanks in both heads

Construction

White GRP hull
2 Layers of new fibreglass added in 2011 after complete scraping
White GRP deck with integrated non-slip
White GRP Superstructure
Medium long encapsulate keel with lead ballast
Full skeg protecting rudder
Wheel steering

Hull and upperworks sandblasted to remove all signs of osmosis and coated with 2 new fibreglass layers (2012)

Equipment

Lewmar anchor windlass (new 2016)
60 lb CQR and 60 lb Bugel anchors
Large Fisherman anchors stored in cockpit locker
Davits installed (2007)
New wooden passerelle (2012)
Swimming ladder
Winter and summer awnings
New fixed cockpit hood (2023)
Warps and fenders included

Navigation Equipment

Sestral steering compass
Standard Horizon radio
SEA222 SSB
Furuno radar (older model, still functional)

Engine(s)

Perkins 4-236 diesel engine
New bearings and shaft (2011)
New engine exhaust system (2022)
Borg Warner gearbox
Fixed three-blade prop

Sails & Spars

Ketch rig with alloy masts and booms
Standing rigging with shrouds recently renewed on mainmast
Profurl headsail roller furling gear
Mainsail new in 1999, converted to slab reefing with 2 reefing points (2013)
Fully battened mizzen (2012)
2 genoas
Mizzen staysail
Storm jib
Cruising chute
Lazyjacks fitted in 2009

Electrics

12v DC and 24v DC circuits
220/240v AC and 110v AC circuits
6 x 105Ah batteries configured for 24v DC
Sterling Pro Digital 24v 25A controller
Control panel
20 amp battery charger
3kW transformer to 110v AC

Recreation Facilities (Toys)

Zodiac Cadet 270 with aluminium floor (new 2023)
Suzuki DF2.5 HP short shaft outboard engine (new 2023)

Safety Equipment

V 6-person liferaft, last serviced 2017
MOB lifesling
6 life vests
Jackstays
Remote fire extinguisher in engine room, plus 3 manual extinguishers
2 manual bilge pumps and 1 automatic electric bilge pump

The condition or level of safety equipment on board is not to be negotiated on following survey. It is likely to be listed by most surveyors but is not structural or an integral working part of the vessel and is not to be used to further negotiate the price down after survey. We strongly suggest that for your own personal safety that when purchasing a yacht you provide new safety equipment rather than relying on second hand gear.

Should you become the new owner of this yacht then the responsibility to re-register or update official bodies for items such as EPIRB, VHF, MMSI or AIS becomes yours.

Disclaimer

Trusted British Yacht Brokers, Established almost 40 years, specialising in Cruising and Blue Water yachts permanent offices in Lefkas Marina, Ionian Greece & Portsmouth, UK. We specialise in live aboard blue water cruisers. Experienced, Professional, Qualified All Brokers are Full Members of ABYA, we work to a code of practice with safe Clients bank Accounts and carry PI Insurance. As Agents for Allures Yachting & Garcia Yachts we represent a respected brand of blue water cruiser with Aluminium hulls, GRP topsides and Lifting keels. Experience our Service we sell yachts nothing else. Call us for a chat 00 44 (0)1329 827053

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