1961 Miller Fifer

CONSTRUCTION: Timber

YEAR: 1961

DIMENSIONS: LOA 32′, BEAM 11′ 6″, DRAFT 4′ approx.

KEEL TYPE: Long

COLOUR: Blue with a red cove line and white boot line

INTERIOR: 4/5 berths in 3 cabins plus galley and separate toilet

ENGINE: Ford 4 litre diesel

RIG TYPE: Ketch

MAST/SPARS: Timber (mast in a tabernacle)

SAILS: TBA

EQUIPMENT: Internal: The vessel has a small aft cockpit leading into a large wheelhouse. This provides the steering position to starboard and a full-length settee berth (recently re-upholstered in dark blue dralon) to port. The companionway steps lead down into the main cabin which has the galley area to starboard and the toilet (with Jabsco sea-toilet) to port. The galley provides a sink unit, Flavel Vanessa cooker (2 burner, grill and oven) and worktop plus cupboards. Going forward there is a full-length settee to port and a dinette to starboard. There are numerous lockers under the side decks. Going forward again, there is a large hanging locker to either side of double doors leading into the forecabin. This provides 2 full-length single berths (matching the upholstery in the wheelhouse), with drawers and cupboards under plus access to the chain locker. She is fitted with electric lighting and also has 2 gimballed paraffin lamps in the main cabin. Interior woodwork – including the cabin floors – is in teak. Navigation equipment includes: Vigil 2 radar, Sealine VHF, navigation lights, Seafarer echosounder, a Heath steering compass and an autopilot. External: The vessel has good, wide, teak-laid decks and is fitted with a galvanised pulpit and stanchions.

REMARKS: Still in the throes of a refit, this vessel oozes character, and has a very good spacious feel to her (especially as regards headroom which is about 6’3″ throughout). A British registered vessel, she displaces 6.65 tonnes.

OUR OPINION: A pretty boat, and one that – when the refit is finished – will make her both comfortable and seaworthy.