48' 1984 Contest Blue Water Cruising Ketch

A proven blue water cruiser with a circumnavigation pedigree, RUTEA represents a rare combination of strength, reliability, and refined sailing performance – purpose built for serious offshore passage making. Her robust construction, heavily engineered rigging, and dependable onboard systems reflect a yacht designed without compromise, capable of taking her next owners safely and confidently to the farthest reaches of the globe.

What truly distinguishes RUTEA is the way she sails. Exceptionally well-balanced on every point of sail - from dead downwind passages to close-hauled conditions, she tracks with remarkable composure, requiring minimal correction from the autopilot even in challenging sea states. This inherent stability not only enhances performance but significantly reduces fatigue on long passages, a critical advantage for short-handed or family cruising.

Since 2009, RUTEA has successfully completed a global circumnavigation, covering more than 49,000 nautical miles and visiting 39 countries - an extraordinary testament to her capability, durability, and comfort at sea. Throughout this journey, her systems have been continuously maintained, updated, and upgraded to meet the evolving standards of modern offshore cruising.

Offered for sale as a fully equipped and meticulously maintained vessel, RUTEA is a turnkey opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a yacht with a proven track record, exceptional sailing characteristics, and the preparation necessary to depart immediately on her next blue water adventure.

All the way forward inside of RUTEA’S cabin, a ’wet’ head is separated from the anchor locker by a water-tight bulkhead. This well-varnished head has two sinks, two hanging lockers and a direct-discharge Raritan PH-II marine toilet. 

Immediately aft of the forward head, on either side of the hull, are two cabins, each with a door to the forward head. Both cabins have upper and lower bunks, all bunks have very comfortable, custom-made mattresses and each bunk is also fitted with a Hella two-speed fan and an LED courtesy lamp. All berths aboard RUTEA have both lee cloths and lee boards except the aft stateroom which only has a lee board.

Aft of the forward cabins is RUTEA’S main salon with her massive drop leaf table, ample seating and commodious storage spaces. The table has a beautifully built silverware caddy built in and under the caddy is a well-hidden liquor storage area.

Aft of the main salon, to port, is RUTEA’S L-shaped galley with a double stainless-steel sink and granite countertops. There are two refrigerators, both with access from the top and one with a front access as well. A gimbaled 4-burner Force 10 range is fitted with a Xintex propane solenoid control and gas sensor. Above the range is a custom-made spice rack and behind the range are 3 lockers for storage. In front of the range is a stainless-steel safety bar that keeps the person cooking from falling into the range if the weather gets heavy - it also has attachment points for a ‘galley strap’.

Aft of the main salon, to starboard, is the forward-facing navigation station with its large chart table and convenient storage underneath. 

Directly behind the navigation station is the workshop. This well-lit space has a large work bench (complete with a 120mm Heuer vise) and plenty of storage for tools and spare parts. There’s also a hanging locker, a 12-volt 'auto-plug' plus access to the engine and genset. Unlike most sailboats of this size, RUTEA provides access to the boat’s mechanical systems in a place where it doesn’t hinder passage of others. On most sailboats of this size, you either must lift the companionway ladder or remove floorboards when you need to access the engine - not so on RUTEA.

On the opposite side of the hull from the workshop, just aft of the galley, is the aft head, with double doors and a composting toilet. 

RUTEA’S aft cabin is a delightful and private retreat. With a very comfortable double bunk, two hanging lockers, a spacious settee, a folding vanity and plenty of bookshelf space, it’s the perfect place to sleep or just relax.

Hull Material:

Fiberglass w/Balsa core

Decks Material:

Fiberglass w/Balsa core

Paint:

Hull, Deck, and bottom painted in 2023

Gross Tonnage:

19

Fuel Capacity:

681

Litres

180

Gallons

Fresh Water Capacity:

454

Litres

120

Gallons

Main Engines:

Main Engines:

Beta Marine 90 Kubota V3800

Engine Hours:

5,170 

Gear Boxes:

Transmission – Hurth ZF45A 2.48:1 S/#17432U

Shafting:

Aquamet 35mm, Flex coupling –R&D Marine P/# 910-009

Shaft Seal – Lasdrop Gen II 35mmx51mm

Propellers:

Gori 24”x18” 3-blade Left hand rotation

Output/Electricity:

12 volts

Generators:

Aqua Marine Kubota EA330-E (-NB1) with Leece-Neville 150-amp Alternator

Generator Hours:

2250 approximately

Solar:

2-Kyocera KD215GX 215 watts w/Morningstar Tristar MPPT controller

Shore Power:

Single 30-amp circuit

Batteries:

Trojan T-145 6-volt Deep Cycle Batteries (quantity of 8)

Battery Chargers:

Victron Energy MultiPlus II Inverter Charger 12VDC - 120VAC

Engine Start:

Optima Group 27

Steering System:

Whitlock Mamba push/pull system with drag link

Emergency Steering:

Emergency Tiller