seaward sapphire
A CLASSIC NELSON 45 FOR SALE
Seaward Sapphire is a rare example of a meticulously restored 1991 4-6 berth Nelson 45 motor yacht, a classic fast seagoing craft built for safe passage in any weather.
She has recently undergone a complete refit, with scrupulous attention to the original design detail and aesthetics, making her one of the most immaculate examples of the Nelson 45 around today.
From the bilges to the mast head, virtually every element has been examined, tested, restored, refurbished or replaced, with systems and accommodation upgraded to modern expectations.
As a comfortable long range cruiser, or equally a spacious live aboard, she is ready to go.
Seaward Sapphire will shortly be shipped down to Berthon International at Lymington, but at the moment she is lying ashore at Pwhelli Marina, North Wales and available to view there now.
Price: £279,000 - UK VAT paid
To book a viewing please contact the owners on 07976 209196 or email j1touchbase@btopenworld.com
NELSON 45 MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
LOA – 45’ (13.85m)
Beam – 13’ (3.9m)
Draft – 3’6” (1.07m)
Displacement – 15.5 tonnes
Top speed – 22kts
Fuel capacity in 4 tanks – 2000 ltr
Freshwater capacity in 2 tanks – 1000 ltr
Engine hours - Port engine 1209. Starboard engine 1218.
Seaward Sapphire was designed by Arthur Mursell of TT Boat Designs and built to exacting specifications in Guernsey by Seaward Marine.
The vessel underwent a full survey and valuation in July 2023. She has all the original teak rubbing strakes and timber detailing in immaculate condition, characteristic Nelson rubber D fender, heavy duty alloy deck fittings, Lofrans windlass, and many other original features and details that have been carefully restored.
The hull and deck mouldings are exceptionally heavyweight GRP with sturdy bulkheads, deeply profiled ribs and stringers and steel reinforced engine girders. These build features are what gives the Nelson 45, and this vessel in particular, such a reputation for seaworthiness and strength.
Mechanical systems are equally robust: a pair of 370 hp Ford Sabre diesel engines drive 26” bronze propellers through 1 ¼” stainless steel propeller shafts, with the capacity to achieve a comfortable 22 knots. Throttle and gearboxes are operated by Kobelt dual station controls alongside the upper and lower helm hydraulic steering positions.
The hull has a round bilge form with a long keelson, a raked stem and transom stern. The superstructure consists of fore and side decks with a forward coach roof, a wheelhouse/deck saloon, and raised aft deck with upper steering position. Twin Sabre 6 cylinder turbo charged 370hp diesels drive conventional stern gear through twin disc gear boxes, 1¼” stainless steel prop shafts and 26” bronze propellers.
SEAWARD SAPPHIRE DESIGN DRAWINGS
CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN FULL DRAWING
CLICK ON IMAGE TO OPEN FULL DRAWING
Drawings reproduced with the kind permission of Arthur Mursell of TT Boat Designs.
THE NELSON HERITAGE
The Nelson evokes widespread admiration for its functional beauty, traditional good looks and sea worthiness.
In the early ‘60s Peter Thornycroft, who went on to establish TT Boat Designs, conceived an optimum semi-displacement hull form, capable of much higher speeds than a conventional displacement vessel. This new concept sparked the creation of the original Nelson 34, followed by the Nelson 40 and other variants, including the Nelson 45, in commercial and leisure versions under the continuing design guidance of Arthur Mursell of TT Boat Designs.
In the commercial field, although the Nelson was extensively used by the Navy it became the definitive pilot boat, capable of ferrying pilots safely between ship and shore whatever the weather. By way of illustration, Seaward Sapphire was delivered from Northern Ireland to Pwllheli in a force 7 by the late Jeff Lancaster, who said he wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
The Nelson Boat Owners Club website outlines the design principle behind the Nelson series: "A long waterline, moderate beam, high bows and round bilges ensure excellent handling throughout the speed range, designed for fuel efficiency and a soft ride at semi- planning speeds. Nelsons can better maintain speeds in heavy weather and are vastly more comfortable on passage than chine planing power craft".