HISTORY & DESCRIPTION:
IROKO was built in 1968 for John Peters of Doncaster by the Eyemouth Boat Building Company to the Inchcape 35 ‘Border Minstrel’ designed by James Martin M I N A.
IROKO was stationed in Scarborough Harbour during the late 1960s and early 70s. In new ownership of Jonathan Kay of Bolton in 1974 and in 1976 A G Ongley of Eltham, London IROKO was moved to Newhaven in West Sussex. A new set of Arun sails were made in 1978 and she was re-engined in 1979 with the present Ford Sabre. During the 1980s T L Somner of Mayfield, Sussex was the registered owner. IROKO is still part one registered, official number 336296, port of registry, Inverness.
Inchcape yachts were built by the Eyemouth Boat Yard in Scotland. The yard was situated just over the border at the attractive fishing port of Eyemouth – hence the motif of the rose and thistle carved on the bows of the INCHCAPE class.
The Eyemouth Boat Building yard began building boats in 1850 and over the years produced a vast number of motor fishing vessels, yachts and special purpose vessels. Early records are not accurate enough to give exact numbers built, however over 100 vessels were built in the 20 years up to 1990.
The INCHCAPE class of M.F.V. yachts was introduced to meet a growing demand from yachtsmen whose main considerations were sea-keeping ability, spacious and comfortable accommodation coupled with low running costs. As a class, the INCHCAPE MOTOR-SAILERS are built on the classic lines of the traditional motor fishing vessels used for seine-netting and trawling off the coasts of Scotland and N.E. England. Minor modifications by the Naval Architect to improve the craft for service as a yacht. Scottish fishing boats are constructed to withstand a hard life and often severe weather conditions, the INCHCAPE class were built in the same robust tradition.
The “Border Minstrel” was introduced to meet the requirements from owners for a vessel to sail single-handed over long distances. The prototype of this vessel sailed immense distances and crossed the Atlantic twice in her first year of commission, including a crossing during tremendous gales.
The construction of INCHCAPE yachts is immensely strong (Iroko or larch planking on massive homegrown oak frames). Brightwork is kept to the minimum for ease of maintenance and the deck is covered with hard-wearing Cascover nylon sheathing. The sail plan is designed for off-the-wind sailing and steadying purposes.
A gaff mainsail was deliberately chosen as being the most effective for the type of craft. Both masts are set in tabernacles for ease of lowering. Below decks, the accommodation is exceptionally roomy due to the ample beam and a great deal of thought that has been put into planning the standard layouts.
In any anchorage or harbour, these fine motor yachts command much admiration as ships of great character; their sea-kindly hull form and bold sheer always catch the eye, and the heart of sailors and indeed all who appreciate that they are staunch and genuine.
120hp FORD SABRE 6 Cylinder diesel engine
Heat exchanger cooling, wet exhaust
Stern gear with bronze shaft and 3 bladed propellor
7 knots cruising speed, 8.25 knots maximum speed
2 x 100 gallons fuel tanks
2 x 12 volt 110Ah batteries
220 volt AC, 24 volt DC, 12 volt DC
AC Power
Shore cable, Generator, Inverter
24v DC Power
6 x 12v, 110Ah service batteries paired to produce 24v
12v DC Power
By step-down transformers from 24v system
Battery charging via engine alternator or Sterling 20 Amp auto-charger (powered by shore or generator)
7kw petrol generator
RCD consumer units with circuit breakers for each type of AC supply. Galvanic Isolator. 24-volt circuit breakers at helm position.
Pressurised, 100 gallons fresh water
Webasto 9kw diesel boiler with a 7-day programmer
40-litre calorifier heated by boiler or immersion heater (shore or generator AC power)
Fan assisted heaters throughout. Large heated towel rail in heads.
Accommodation:
Entered from aft deck, ‘L’ shaped settee, helmsman’s chair, small folding table, under-seat storage, 2 x mains sockets, 2 x USB sockets, heating programmer, master switches, jury tiller, life jackets, boathook and dinghy oar storage, glazed roof light, reversible extractor fan, LED lights, LED red night lights, companionway to lower deck
Galley
To port of companionway, open to saloon, stainless steel sink, mixer tap, 24v fridge, 2 ring induction hob, combination microwave (inverter type)/fan oven/grill, two mains electric kettles (one being lower power for running off inverter whilst underway), cooking utensils, three cupboards, under sink storage, two open cupboards with baskets, switch panel for saloon/galley lights, LED roof lighting, red night light, opening porthole, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, cutlery and crockery, paraffin emergency lantern, cordless vacuum cleaner.
Heads
St’board of companionway, electric flush macerator toilet, shower with thermostatic mixer and five-way shower head (also doubles as basin tap), pull-out/fold-away wash basin, heated towel rail, one large and two small drawers and shelf area, opening porthole and LED light
Saloon
L’ sofa (converts to double bed + single bunk), 3-position dining table, chart desk (with chart stowage, 2 drawers and two cupboards), 2 x wardrobe/ cupboards, storage behind sofa back, under seat storage, LED lighting, LED reading lamp, LED red night light, paraffin lamp, 3-speed fan matrix heater, glazed butterfly vents in roof, TV aerial connection, USB socket, books, guides, etc. Door to For’ard Cabin
For’ard Cabin
Double berth with sail locker and long-term storage below, 3 x storage drawers, shelves, dresser-top with light over, LED overhead and reading lights, USB and 12v sockets, curtains, four portholes – one opening, access to anchor chain locker, full-size hatch (with vent) opens to foredeck.
Engine Room – Access through hatch on aft deck, inboard engine, fuel and water tanks, calorifier, Webasto heater, mains RCD consumer units (one each for shore, generator and inverter), starter batteries, service batteries, battery charger, inverter, sea-anchor, drogue, pressure washer, power tools (mains and rechargeable), hand tools, engine spares, hoses.
On Deck – Stainless steel pulpit, anchor roller and fairleads, CQR 45lb anchor with 80 metres of 3/8” anchor chain, 30lb Danforth anchor, reversible electric windlass with additional warping drum.
Midships. Avon inflatable dinghy with outboard bracket, storage for mooring ropes, etc, port and starboard refuelling points, stainless steel wire safety lines on stainless steel stanchions on both sides.
Aft deck. Petrol generator in lazarette, deck wash/fire hose outlet, water filler, door to wheelhouse, hatch to the engine room, access for jury tiller, stainless steel pushpit
Communication. VHF DSC with aerial on the mainmast, 4G mobile/cell data wifi router with aerial on the mizzen mast.
Navigation. NMEA 2000 network, chart plotter, echo sounder, backup GPS, log, wind speed/direction, Northern Europe electronic charts
Controls. Engine gauges, rudder position
Original “Pinta” autopilot (faulty)
Entertainment. LCD ‘smart’ television with DVD player
Fuel level gauges on tanks.
Helm Position. Binnacle compass, additional mounted compass, handheld compass
Safety. 2 x auto lifejackets, 3 “solid” lifejackets, Kent “Clearview”, parallel wiper, horn, 2 x searchlights
Mooring ropes, boat hooks, etc
Last Survey December 2016
Antifouling December 2019
Work in Hand/Required. Scraping and re-painting decks, cabin roof and wheelhouse roof, treating masts (Deks Olje), annual hull and wheelhouse treatment (Woodskin), upgrade autopilot.
BROKERS NOTE:
A rugged, no-nonsense MFV style Scottish motor-sailer in well cared for and knowledgeable ownership. A sturdy vessel ideal for long-distance cruising or living aboard. Good inventory and ready for the 2020 season.
GUIDE: £40,000 – 50% purchase option available with balance terms subject to agreement
VIEWING: Through CLASSIC YACHT BROKERAGE
LYING: Clyde – Scotland
