28' Hess Custom Pilothouse Bristol Channel Cutter (2008) - BLACKBIRD

Unique design by noted Canadian architect that lives larger than conventional BCC’s
Four sail cutter ketch rig provides various sail configuration/trim options
Combination of proven traditional hull design, robust all epoxy layup combined with state of the art navigation electronics and stunning vertical clear grain Douglas fir interior finish
Design/Construction:
Finished to highest quality by Woodlan Boatworks, Cobble Hill, BC, Canada from a Sam Morse hull and deck kit
Full epoxy layup with deck and cabin foam cored

Layout:
Vessel boarding via cockpit with exterior helm and engine controls
Deep port and starboard lazzarettes for deck gear storage
Pilothouse access through two bronze locked, varnished doors
Forward to interior helm and navigation station containing custom wood/bronze helm, compass, electronic navigation instruments, VHF radio, and electrical panel
Watch bunk to port, chart table and extensive chart storage to starboard
Engine and battery bank access in aft portion of pilothouse below steps from cockpit
Salon access forward from pilothouse including Sig marine diesel heater to port as well as fully enclosed head including shower with hot/cold pressure water, sink, commode, vanity mirror, and storage

Galley/Settee:
To starboard in the salon is the full galley comprised of a two burner, gimbaled Force 10 propane stove/oven plus 12 volt Nova Cool below counter refrigeration unit – ample cabinet storage as well
Forward to large wood settee configured in a U shape that comfortably sits four persons and easily converts into a large double bunk with ample shelf and cabinet storage

On deck:
Large Douglas fir bowsprit, manual windlass, double anchor roller with 35 lb CQR and 10 lb Bruce anchors rigged with 5/16″ BBB chain and 3/8″ rode
Newly cast silicon bronze stanchions, bronze winches, and traditional wood/bronze blocks for running rigging
7 X 19 stainless steel standing rig
Fiberglass/marine plywood nutshell pram dinghy with Sitka spruce oars hung from custom bronze davits

Electrical:
Vessel wired for both 110 volt AC and 12 volt DC current through a Blue Seas distribution panel including both AC and DC analog volt meters and main battery bank on/off switches
470 amphere hour house bank (4 X 6 volt deep cycle batteries in series)
1 X 12 volt group 24 starting battery (735 cca)
12 volt interior lighting as well as navigation lights
Blue Seas ACR battery isolator

Electronics/navigation:
Furuno VR2 display coupled to Furuno 24 mile radar and depth transducer/sounder
SIMRAD chart plotter with Raymarine ABS (receive only)
ICOM 304 DSC VHF radio
Ritchie marine compass

Rig:
Main and mizzen Sitka spruce masts and booms
Profurl 320 roller furler
All Dyneema running rigging including running backstays

Sails:
Main, Jib, Staysail (self-tacking), and mizzen made by Michelle Stevens Sail Loft, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada from long-wearing Oceanus dacron fabric
All sails in very good condition
Sail covers for each sail except Jib which is stowed on Profurl furler

Mechanical/tankage:
Yanmar 3YM30 diesel auxilary (< 600 hrs) directly mated to a bronze 3 blade propeller
Morse engine controls in both pilothouse helm station and cockpit helm
Fuel tank 45 gallons (GRP)
Fresh water tank 40 gallons (plastic)
Holding tank 18 gallons (plastic)

Comments:
Pilothouse and salon exhibit expertly hand crafted clear vertical grain Douglas fir finish for both interior and floor
Tools, stanchion-hung grill, dinnerware, and cooking utensils included
A unique combination of very traditional design, robust construction, stunning hand crafted interior and the most up to date navigation and sails