1980 Dickerson Center Cockpit Ketch

Compass Rose is a classic Dickerson 41 Center Cockpit Ketch, a respected bluewater cruising sailboat known for its solid construction, comfortable offshore motion, and handcrafted interior finish. Dickerson yachts have long been admired by experienced sailors for their robust build quality and seaworthy designs, making them a favorite among those planning coastal cruising, extended passagemaking, or liveaboard sailing.

Compass Rose comes ready to cruise with a Highfield UL290 (9'6") RIB dinghy purchased in 2021, paired with a Tohatsu 9.8 HP 2-stroke outboard (purchased new in 2020) and a 5-gallon fuel tank-a reliable and capable tender package that makes anchoring out and exploring shorelines simple.

What makes this vessel particularly notable is that only 19 Dickerson 41 Center Cockpit Ketches were ever built, making this a rare and distinctive cruising yacht. For sailors who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and proven offshore designs, Compass Rose represents an opportunity to own a vessel that stands apart from more commonly produced production boats. Limited production numbers often reflect the boutique nature of builders like Dickerson-yards that focused on quality, custom details, and durable construction rather than mass production. For many buyers, this rarity adds to the appeal, offering a yacht with character, pedigree, and a reputation among serious cruisers.

Below decks, Compass Rose features a warm and inviting interior finished in classic teak cabinetry with a teak and holly sole, complemented by painted bulkheads in the traditional Herreshoff style, which keeps the cabin bright while maintaining the feel of a finely crafted yacht. The layout includes approximately 6'6" headroom in the main salon, a forward guest stateroom, convertible dinette with sea berths, a navigation station, and a practical U-shaped sea galley with generous storage and counter space.

A key feature of the design is the center cockpit with private aft owner's cabin, providing both comfort and privacy for extended cruising. The protected cockpit with enclosure offers excellent visibility and shelter underway or at anchor.

Rigged as a ketch with deck-stepped aluminum spars, Compass Rose carries a versatile sail plan that is well balanced and manageable for short-handed sailing while offering the flexibility and sail combinations that many offshore sailors appreciate.

Highlighted Equipment & Features

Electronics & Navigation

• Garmin GPSMAP chartplotter with AIS target display

• Raymarine Evolution autopilot (installed 2022)

• Raymarine wind, depth, and speed instruments

• Standard Horizon VHF with AIS receiver

• Icom M802 SSB radio system

• Island Time onboard WiFi system

• EPIRB mounted near companionway

Electrical & Power

• Three adjustable solar panels with MPPT controller

• Balmar high-output alternator with programmable regulator

• House battery bank with dedicated start battery

• Shore power with battery charger

Galley

• Waeco ColdMachine refrigeration (new 2022)

• Shipmate 3-burner gimbaled stove with oven

• Double stainless steel sinks with water filtration system

Deck & Ground Tackle

• Rocna 33 (75 lb) primary anchor with chain

• Delta secondary anchor

• Lewmar electric windlass with helm and foredeck controls

• Cockpit enclosure (new 2022)

• Custom cockpit table and cushions

• Martek dinghy davits

• Rail-mounted grill

Rigging & Sail Inventory

• Ketch rig with deck-stepped aluminum spars

• Standing rigging and chainplates replaced in 2009

• Harken headsail furler

• Lewmar self-tailing primary winches

• Fully battened mainsail, genoa, high-cut jib, mizzen, and mizzen staysail

Mechanical & Systems

• Spectra Ventura modular watermaker system

• Dripless PSS shaft seal

• Racor fuel filtration system

• Dual Raritan marine heads

• Automatic fire suppression system in engine room

Tender Package

• Highfield UL290 RIB dinghy (2021)

• Tohatsu 9.8 HP 2-stroke outboard (2020)

• 5-gallon fuel tank

Compass Rose represents a well-equipped offshore-capable cruising ketch with the build quality and thoughtful design that have made Dickerson yachts highly respected among experienced sailors. With only a small number of these vessels ever built, she offers the opportunity to own a distinctive and capable cruising yacht with a reputation for durability and traditional craftsmanship. Showings are by appointment im Oriental, NC. Call today to make this rare and beautiful sailboat part of your next cruising dream.

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As an added bonus this boat has an extensive inventory of valuable items available to it's next owner upon request at no additional charge. Among this inventory are included spare parts, various hardware, safety equipment, navigational charts & software. Please inquire about specifics if interested.