2014 North River Almar Sounder 40
$328,000
Boat in New Orleans, LA 70124 US
Almar Sounder 40
2 Engines (2x Volvo)
40 feet
Diesel
Aluminum
Purpose-built for serious work and serious adventure, the 2014 Almar Sounder 40 is a custom aluminum pilothouse sport fisher that occupies a rare category: equal parts bluewater cruiser, hardcore fishing platform, and duty-ready workboat. Constructed by North River Boats in Roseburg, Oregon, one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected aluminum boat builders, Laughspell is a 40-foot, deep-V, hard-chined aluminum vessel built to handle the punishing conditions of Pacific Northwest coastal waters and beyond. At 23,000 lbs dry and powered by twin Volvo Penta D6-330 diesel sterndrives producing 330HP each, she delivers a 25-knot cruise and 32-knot top end while carrying the kind of structural integrity and equipment depth that distinguishes a true professional-grade vessel from a recreational lookalike.
Whether you're a serious cruising family working the Gulf Coast ICW, a sportfishing operation targeting offshore and nearshore species, or a municipal agency -- sheriff's department, port authority, fish & wildlife service, or emergency management -- in need of a fast, capable, all-weather patrol and response vessel, this vessel checks every box. Her aluminum construction means minimal corrosion maintenance in saltwater environments, unmatched hull toughness against impact and grounding, and a long service life. The reinforced aluminum bow, purpose-built for beaching, adds a dimension of operational capability that sets this vessel apart.
Surveyed in above-average to excellent overall condition with low engine hours, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a custom-built, offshore-capable aluminum pilothouse vessel at a fraction of its $1M+ replacement cost.
History: Almar Aluminum Marine, founded in 1975, is known for building tough aluminum boats, well-suited for commercial, government, and private clients. The company was later acquired by North River Boats in 2001, and its legacy of durable, high-quality construction lives on.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Laughspell sleeps comfortably for extended offshore cruises or multi-day patrol operations, with two fully enclosed staterooms and two heads providing privacy and comfort well above what typical workboats offer.
The forward stateroom features a dedicated berth with its own private head to port, ideal as a master cabin for owner-operators or a private crew cabin in a duty context.
The aft stateroom, accessed down two steps from the salon, offers a full berth with a dedicated aft head, providing true separation of sleeping quarters. The layout allows two couples, or a crew of 3–4, to live aboard in genuine comfort on extended passages.
The main salon is bright and well-appointed, featuring the lower helm station to starboard with full instrument visibility, passenger and settee seating to port, and a dinette — a natural gathering point whether you're offshore overnight or hosting dock visitors. Two escape hatches forward meet USCG requirements and provide peace of mind in emergency situations.
GALLEY
The starboard-side galley is laid out efficiently, with all of the basics you would need in one place.
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Stovetop - 120VAC Wallace Combination
- Fresh water & water heater
ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION
Laughspell is wired for serious navigation and fishing, with a multi-unit Garmin suite that provides redundancy and full situational awareness across three helm stations:
- (3) Garmin GPSmap 8212 multifunction displays with radar overlay
- (1) Garmin GPSmap 741xs with integrated fish finder
- (2) Garmin GHS10 VHF radios
- Volvo Penta autopilot - 12VDC
- Starlink
- Ritchie magnetic compass
- Lectrotab trim tabs - 12VDC
- Jabsco searchlight - 12VDC
- Fusion MS-IP700i marine stereo
Three helm stations -- lower pilothouse, cockpit, and flybridge -- all fully operational with electronic throttle/shift and joystick docking system, making single-handed docking and close-quarters maneuvering practical for one operator.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
The robust electrical foundation is built for the demands of offshore and extended-range operation:
AC SYSTEM:
- 120VAC with circuit breaker protection
- 50-amp Marinco shore power inlet
- Inverter/Charger: NewMar 3,000-watt inverter / 105-amp charger
DC System:
- 12VDC throughout with circuit breaker and fuse protection
- House batteries: 4 lithium-ion batteries + 3 Centennial CB12-115 AGM batteries configured in parallel
- Engine batteries: 2 Interstate 31-XHD lead-acid batteries (2020)
- Blue Sea Systems VSM: Centralized tank and system monitoring
DECK, HULL, & STRUCTURE
The aluminum construction is the foundation of everything that makes this boat exceptional. Built to the standards North River Boats brought to commercial and law enforcement clients, the hull is a straked, deep-V, hard-chined design that delivers a dry, confident ride in chop and following seas alike. The reinforced aluminum bow is purpose-built for beach landings -- a feature that opens operational doors unavailable on conventional vessels.
- Hull material: Marine-grade aluminum -- corrosion-resistant, impact-tolerant, and long-lived in saltwater environments.
- Hull type: Deep-V, hard chine, straked bottom
- Flybridge with davit system (Endurance EMD 2000SS, 12VDC) capable of supporting your tender
- Walk-around decks with non-skid surfaces, full railings, and grab bars throughout
- Large cockpit with all-around stowage lockers, starboard helm station, starboard entry door, and transom door to swim platform
- Anti-fouling bottom paint
- Ground tackle:
- Galvanized Bruce anchor
- Lewmar 12VDC windlass
- 50'+ stainless steel chain
- 200' nylon rode
- Bilge pumps: 3 Johnson 4000 GPH bilge pumps with electromagnetic automatic float switches - 1 midship and 2 aft
- Escape hatches: 2 forward hatches
MECHANICAL
Twin Volvo Penta D6-330A-F diesel sterndrives represent the performance heart of the vessel -- a well-proven, parts-supported engine platform with strong dealer networks across the Gulf Coast.
- Engines: (2) Volvo Penta D6-330A-F | 330HP each @ 3,500 RPM
- Sterndrives: (2) Volvo Penta DPH Duoprop Aquamatic Sterndrive
- Propulsion control: Volvo Penta 12VDC electronic single-lever throttle/shift with joystick docking system
- Steering: Volvo Penta 12VDC electronic, three stations, autopilot-capable
- Fuel type: Diesel | Cooling: Freshwater heat exchanger
- Fuel capacity: 330 gallons (aluminum tank, forward of engines)
- Fuel filtration: Racor 500FG water-separating fuel filters, both engines
- Performance: 25 knots cruise / 32 knots WOT (SOG, Puget Sound sea trial)
- Oil pressure cruise/WOT: 90 PSI both engines | Operating temp: 175°F | Cruise RPM: 2,500 / WOT: 3,200
- Generator: Fischer Panda
- Blackwater: Jabsco 12VDC macerator pump, two 40-gallon polyethylene holding tanks
- Washdown pump: Johnson 12VDC, seawater source
- Trim tabs: Lectrotab 12VDC
VESSEL HISTORY
Laughspell began her life in the Pacific Northwest as the Areté, built by North River Boats in Roseburg, Oregon and documented out of Kirkland, Washington in the heart of serious boating country on Puget Sound. She was purpose-built as a custom aluminum sport fisher and cruiser, the kind of boat that Pacific Northwest boaters commission when they intend to take a vessel seriously into the Inside Passage, through open ocean swells, and into remote anchorages that demand a tough, self-sufficient hull.
In October of 2020, the current owner traveled to Washington State specifically to evaluate the Areté, drawn by the boat's reputation for toughness, versatility, and the rare combination of offshore capability and livability in a custom aluminum package. Following a thorough condition and valuation survey by Edwards Marine Survey LLC, which returned an above-average to excellent rating, they acquired the vessel and brought her south to coastal Louisiana. With changes in weather patterns and average summertime temperatures came an obvious swap from heat-oriented systems towards air conditioning. Fishing gear also changed, as the boat geared up to target king mackerel and swordfish rather than salmon.
Since her arrival on the Gulf Coast and re-naming to Laughspell, she has served the owner well and has received regular maintenance and attention in exchange. A change in their boating journey necessitates the sale, but the new owner can be sure that a thorough handover is available from the seller or his knowledgeable captain.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/22/26 | Initial price | $328,000 |
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The 2014 North River Almar Sounder 40 has garnered positive feedback from customers for its exceptional build quality and performance
Users appreciate its robust construction, which is designed to withstand rough waters and provide a safe, stable ride. The spacious deck layout is frequently highlighted, offering ample room for both fishing trips and family outings. Customers also commend the boat's powerful engine options, providing impressive speed and maneuverability on the water. The thoughtful design includes comfortable seating and accessible storage solutions, making it user-friendly for both seasoned boaters and newcomers. Many owners mention the boat's versatility, as it performs admirably in various conditions, making it an ideal choice for both recreational and professional use. Overall, the 2014 North River Almar Sounder 40 is celebrated for its reliability, comfort, and capability, making it a valuable addition to any boating enthusiast's lineup.
Made For
The 2014 North River Almar Sounder 40 is designed for those who seek adventure on the water without compromising on comfort and safety. Ideal for fishing enthusiasts, this boat provides ample deck space to accommodate multiple anglers, making it perfect for group outings on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters. It's also a great choice for recreational boaters who appreciate the rugged durability and seaworthiness of a well-crafted vessel. Families and friends can enjoy leisurely day trips or weekend getaways, thanks to the spacious cabin that offers shelter from the elements. The Sounder 40 is particularly well-suited for those who value versatility; whether you’re navigating calm waters or tackling rougher seas, this boat delivers a smooth and stable ride. Its robust construction and reliable performance make it an excellent option for both seasoned mariners and novices alike, ensuring memorable experiences on the water for years to come.
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Serving the gulf coast since 1974.
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6500 Spanish Fort Boulevard, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124














