The name John Pugh needs no introduction to cruising sailors. Pugh has few equals when it comes down to designing no nonsense solid steel cruising boats. His designs can be found plying the oceans the world over.
Pugh designed ‘Giovanna’ as a general-purpose ketch. The design incorporates a very large deck hatch that allows pallets of cargo to be lowered into the hold. Although Giovanna will not be carrying cargo anytime soon, as the hold is now a very well-appointed saloon with a large comfortable couch, bookshelves and cupboards, and access to the guest’s cabin and bathroom.
The Pugh General-Purpose Ketch would best be described as a little ship. With a displacement of 32 tonnes, she is as solid and stable as you could ever wish for in a cruising boat. The high freeboard keeps the forward decks dry in all but the harshest conditions, and the deep bulwarks and flat spacious decks make her easy and safe to move around while underway. The balanced rudder has been incorporated into the full-length keel and is well protected from debris and would take a grounding well. All of the above combined with a draft of only 1.8m, makes for a highly desirable cruising configuration.
But perhaps the most impressive design feature of the General-Purpose ketch is how efficient it is while underway. Under sail while filming the promotional video, she easily managed a SOG of 7.3kn in 18-20kn of wind. This equates to 150+ mile days while underway on a passage. And her numbers are equally impressive under power. The rebuilt 115hp Perkins diesel will effortlessly push her along at 6kn while doing only 1200rpm, with fuel consumption sitting around 6lt per hour. With a total fuel capacity of 3600lt (2x 1800lt tanks) she has a massive cruising range under power of around 3600 nautical miles. The possibilities are endless!
The current owner purchased Giovanna in Mackay QLD in late 2001. He relocated her to Fremantle in 2002 and embarked upon an 18 year rebuild. The hull was sandblasted then primed and painted. The whole interior was completely gutted, and spray painted with two pack epoxy. The wiring, plumbing and internal fit out were all replaced. LED lighting was installed throughout the boat. The Perkins diesel was removed, completely rebuilt and currently only has 50 hours on the clock.
The interior fit out is simply stunning. The owner is a true craftsman and has hand built the furniture from gorgeous WA Sheok and Tasmanian Oak. The joinery and finish are first class and you will not find anything remotely close to this quality in a modern production boat.
The well-appointed galley features a Smev 3 burner stove with oven and grill, twin stainless steel sinks and a large under bench refrigerator. The Tasmaian Oak floor was only installed last year and adds a real touch of class. The galley is well elevated, light and bright and has great panoramic views. To port of the galley there is a very large pantry with numerous storage options. To starboard of the galley there is a small workshop.
To say that the aft master cabin is spacious would be an understatement! With an inner sprung queen size mattress you are guaranteed a great nights sleep. Storage is excellent with copious amounts of wardrobes and draws. The private ensuite has been tastefully refurbished with modern fittings and features a separate shower with a curtain, pedestal basin and a manual Jabsco head.
The guests cabin is forward and has ample accommodation for four adults. There is great storage options on either side of the cabin. The guests bathroom is close by on the starboard side just aft of the cabin.
The engine room is absolutely huge. With excellent access on every side, servicing the main engine couldn’t be easier. There is also excellent access to service the Onan 12kva genset that sits just aft of the engine.
Giovanna is a very well appointed and very capable blue water cruising boat that is more than capable of fulfilling even the most ambitious cruising dreams. So, if you are in the market for a solid steel liveaboard cruising boat, give Chris a call today on 0428 444 727 to arrange and inspection.
