Roberts 45 Staysail Schooner Centre Cockpit

1981 Roberts 45 Staysail Schooner Independence.

Here’s one for the schooner fans, a true staysail schooner, with all the advantages that rig offers: the ability to balance the boat with the sails to effectively steer herself, having 4 smaller lower sails, 3 of which are self tacking (plus the roller furling genoa), and the option of setting a lightweight fisherman staysail aloft on lighter days.

Designed by Bruce Roberts and launched in 1981 Independence is of fiberglass construction with a well protected centre cockpit, 2015 standing rigging, and a 65hp Kubota diesel, but note the motor is not currently running.

She has a large owners cabin aft, and a forward guest v-berth offering 2 large single bunks. As well the table can drop to form another double and there is a single settee berth opposite, plus another in the passageway aft to the Master cabin. The head is situated amidships and has an electric toilet with holding tank, and a hot and cold shower.

The galley includes a huge pantry aft of it under the Port side cockpit seat, and includes a 4 burner gas stove with oven, a fridge and a separate freezer.

Her electronics were replaced in 2012 for an East Coast cruise and included a Raymarine chartplotter, Wind, Depth, Radar, Autopilot, AIS, VHF and even an HF radio.

Sadly, Independence’s owner has not been able to spend a lot of time aboard throughout Covid and she is now in need of a fair bit of work, hence   the reduced price of $15,000 FIRM, but anyone prepared to put in a bit of effort will be rewarded with a fine coastal or long distance cruising yacht.