Prior to 2022
My wife and I had been looking for over a year on the East Coast for a Down East yacht that had the pedigree for heavy weather capability – this is the same hull that is used by MA and ME fisherman going several hundred miles offshore to fish and search for lobster. We wanted a boat that was not only sea worthy, but had classic good looks and functionality that makes this boat an eye-catcher and capable of cruising. She is definitely not the white Clorox bottle we see in so many marinas! Our experience of sailing over 30 years of sailing the Atlantic, we knew what we wanted. In a power vessel. We spent a year looking from Maine to FL at Hinckley, Saber, Legacy, Jarvis Newman, MJM, Grand Banks Eastbay, Campbell, Wilbur, Zimmerman, Lyman Morris, True North, etc, but they did not meet our needs - they were more “picnic boat” style with limited storage and convenience. We found “Spray” in Ted Hoods yacht yard in RI and fell in love with the workmanship, layout, and configuration. We purchased “Spray”’ in 2010 and have loved every minute on this yacht. She has been from Maine to Key West, FL and throughout the Bahamas. Four years ago, we decided to have her professionally trucked out to the NW to cruise the Pacific NW and Canada. With an air draft on trailer at 13'4", the boat can be easily shipped to its next adventure. We used the same professional shippers that ships yachts to the East and West Coast that American Tug and Nordic Tug use. It has been absolutely a beautiful place to cruise However, like all good things, there is a conclusion. Being in our 80’s has presented some challenges so we have decided to take our last cruise this summer This is a yacht that can be used on both coasts from the Pacific NW to the Great Lakes, Erie Canal, Lake Champlain, Great Loop, Maine to Key West in confidence and enjoyment - we have done it.
2022 to Current
We have been sailors for over 30 years, cruising the Atlantic from Maine to the Caribbean aboard our 52’ Tayana cutter. Maine has long been a favorite cruising ground, and it was where our appreciation for Downeast-style yachts first began.In recent years,we spent a few weeks each season in Maine aboard a friend’s 40’ Willis Beal sedan lobster yacht. The big CAT diesel, heated pilothouse, and windshield wipers were a welcome change from tacking, changing sails, and standing watch in an open cockpit. That Beal was consistently recognized and respected by lobstermen along the coast, and we knew we wanted a classic in that same spirit one day. We found Spray in Anacortes, Washington, and immediately understood why her prior owners were so attached to her. In 2022, we arranged to have her professionally trucked across the country, and we have since cruised New England aboard Spray every summer.Now, as we approach our 80s, it is time to begin planning for a simpler, smaller vessel. Until the right new caretaker emerges to carry Spray into her next chapter, we will continue to use and enjoy her.
Master Cabin
Moving forward to the bow is the master stateroom with a centre queen bed with easy access on both sides.There is an abundance of natural light with overhead hatches plus screens and beautiful stainless steel portholes with curtains. Hanging lockers port and starboard.There are 2 large drawers under the bed plus storage cabinets. Reverse cycle A/C keeps the cabin at the desired temperature. The wine locker is situated under the floorboard.
Guest Stateroom /Office
Guest stateroom off to starboard has the bunk bed arrangement with the lower bunk been a double.Another feature is the the cabin can be turned into an office with a fold up table attached to the cabin bulkhead. All upholstery is Ultrasuede. Good amount of storage with a hanging locker and storage drawers.Natural light with overhead hatch with screens.
To starboard is a large u shaped settee which also converts to a large double bed if needed.With the table set there is ample space for dinner for 4 people and 8 or more for cocktails.A 16,000 BTU reverse cycle unit keeps the cabin cool or warm.The side windows and doors all open for fresh air with screens attached.The helm and aft cockpit door have sliding screen doors.The floor is beautiful teak and holly flooring throughout with 3 large hatches into the engine space.
The Galley up arrangement in the saloon makes cooking and entertaining easy and in the company of friends.There is a large counter top with and abundance of storage underneath with a 3 burner Princess electric stove,Sharp Convection Microwave plus a Norcord standard stand-up refrigerator & freezer. (Runs on 12V or 120V). Ventilation is in abundance with 4 opening ports with screens.
Cockpit is a natural extension of living area with huge storage lockers, teak chairs and tables and a fully covered Bimini. It also has both fresh and salt water wash downs including a hot and cold outdoor shower.
- Reinforced bimini to cover aft deck
- Sunbrella covered cockpit seat with storage under.
- Courtesy lights for cockpit and swim platform for ease of boarding
- High intensity masthead lights flood the cockpit
- Two Royal Teak reclining chairs
- Two teak tables
- Cockpit Side storage with cover
- Boat hook with mount
- Three large hatches to gain access to huge storage under the cockpit sole.
- Magma barbecue with propane tank for cooking.
- Glendenning Cable Master with local and remote controls for 100’ 50 amp cord
- Flag pole with flag and cover.
- Transom door to swim platform and swim ladder
- Hot and Cold cockpit shower
- Salt water washdown
- Fresh water washdown
- Dockside water with filter
- Duel fishing rod holders
- Stern Cockpit door to swim platform
- Large separate shower stall with folding doors. Shower sump in bilge with auto pump
- Large sink/vanity with storage above and behind.
- Large mirror with excellent lighting for putting on make-up.
- Opening port with screen and privacy cover
- Overhead hatch with screen
- Freshwater Vacuflush head
- Two tone non-skid decks.
- Anchor windlass and controls - see above.
- Teak rails - varnished
- Two forward mounted boat hooks
- One Cockpit mounted boat hook
- Five covered fenders