FOR SALE – FOR SAIL
We are selling our Watkins Seawolf 25, a project boat with immense potential for the right buyer. Purchased in Spring 2019, this sailboat has undergone extensive refitting, with no expense spared on repairs and upgrades. While it’s not yet ready to sail, it’s perfect for someone looking for a solid Trailer-Sailor project.
If you are looking for a capable trailer-sailer, then you need to see this boat. They don’t make them like this anymore. This is one of the last Seawolf 25’s to come out of the factory weighing 4800 lbs. You could have made two Catalina 25s out of the material in this boat. This a truly solid boat. She is powered by a single cylinder Yanmar diesel that sips fuel. She starts and runs like a dream. She uses just over a liter per hour at 2800 RPMs which drives her at hull speed.
Key Features:
– Year: 1986
– Length: 25 feet
– Beam: 8 feet
– Draft: 2.5 ft
– Keel: Fully Encapsulated Shoal Draft
– Displacement: Approximately 4,800 pounds
– Ballast: 1,900 lbs.
– Oversized mast and standing rigging
– Engine: Yanmar 1GM10, fully refreshed and tested
– Standing headroom for a 6 foot tall sailer; sleeps 4.
Upgrades and Repairs:
– Engine: The Yanmar 1GM10 engine has been completely refreshed, including replacing all external engine components, new water hoses and fuel lines, a new stainless steel exhaust elbow, professionally calibrated fuel injector, cleaning, and painting.
– Sails and Rigging:
– Sails: In excellent condition, clean and crispy. They were purchased new by the previous owner before he decided to sell.
– Mast and Standing Rigging: Inspected and in great shape. The mast has been rewired and new electrical hardware installed.
– Running Rigging: Older and should be replaced.
– Deck and Cabin Repairs:
– All cabin and deck hardware has been removed, restored, and the deck has been waterproofed to protect the core. All hardware mounting holes were drilled, filled with epoxy, and redrilled to seal the core. The hardware is ready to be reinstalled after the top and interior have been painted.
– Core repairs on the cabin top, cockpit floor, and rear combing including replacing rotten core sections and refiberglassing.
– The helm took up a lot of space in the cockpit and I was planning to return to tiller steering, but you can choose whether to reinstall the helm.
– The interior has been fully removed and many of the parts have been either refinished or replaced, including all the teak trim and the non-structural bulkheads. The interior teak and fixtures are ready to be reinstalled after the interior is painted.
– Additional Features:
– A Custom Teak Swim Platform was built to fit the boat. Aluminum swim platform brackets were constructed. The swim platform is ready to be installed.
– All teak professionally restored, sealed with epoxy, then varnished to perfection. Many new Black Walnut wood parts custom fabricated to replace older damaged parts. These parts are ready to be fitted and installed.
– A second set of stern-rails was purchased to convert the boat to a rear-entry with a starboard rear seat. The rails need slight modifications to be installed.
– A single burner alcohol stove was purchased. The original galley was basic and not very useful. The gally area is ready to be customized.
– Bruce anchor with chain and rode.
Trailer Details:
The boat comes with a custom-built Alumatrek trailer (2019), designed specifically to fit this Watkins 25 Seawolf allowing for easy and secure transportation. The trailer is float-on and is equipped with a keel tunnel that is designed to be able to launch the boat in many of Florida’s deeper boat ramps meant for larger boats. The trailer is also built with a second winch near the bowsprit to aid in raising and lowering the mast. The custom trailer alone cost over $5,000, highlighting its quality and suitability for this sailboat.
Additional Work Needed:
– The interior is completely removed and ready for painting. Once painted, the interior walls, (non-structural bulkheads), teak, lighting, and other components can be reinstalled.
– The cabin top has been repaired, faired, and is ready for painting. The front and side decks have been repaired and are ready for sanding, fairing, and painting.
– Once the interior, cabin top, and decks have been painted, the windows, and the cabin-top and deck hardware can be reinstalled.
– The cockpit floor and rear coaming have been completely repaired but were not painted. The sun has damaged the top layer of fiberglass. They need a good sanding and one additional layer of fiberglass applied to refresh the surface. Once done, these areas can be faired and painted.
– I estimate that using good fairing compound (where needed), primer and paint, the interior, cabin top, and decks can be finished for $5k. Obviously, it can be done with cheaper single stage paint at a much-reduced cost.
Pricing:
I have invested over $25,000 in this boat so far. Due to an early retirement, I can no longer complete this project any time soon. I am willing to part with my sailboat for $10,000, and the price is negotiable to the right person who appreciates the potential of this project. I spared no expense while working on this boat. All repairs I’ve made have been done to exceed the Watkins standards. Once complete, if your work is done to the same quality, I’m sure the boat and trailer will be worth at least $25k.
Why Choose a Watkins 25 Seawolf?
The Watkins 25 Seawolf is known for its sturdy construction and stable sailing characteristics. It is a well-regarded boat among the sailing community for its ability to handle a variety of conditions with ease. Owners and reviewers often praise its robust build quality, which makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize safety and durability. The boat is also appreciated for its roomy interior and practical design, making it suitable for extended cruising or living aboard.
The hull of the WATKINS 25 is alleged to have been derived from the COLUMBIA 24 and later became the legendary COM-PAC 25.
Owner Testimonials
Owners of the Watkins 25 Seawolf have highlighted its excellent handling, particularly in coastal and shallow water sailing. The shoal draft keel is perfect for navigating the waters of Florida and the Caribbean. Despite its slower speed compared to racing sailboats, it provides a comfortable and reliable cruising experience.
This Watkins 25 Seawolf is ideal for someone looking for a robust and roomy trailer-sailor with the skills to complete the final stages of the project. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me for more details and to schedule a viewing.