1985 Shannon 43 Ketch
$129,000
Boat in Racine, WI 53403 US
43 Ketch
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43.8 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
"Aurora Mystic" is a classic Shannon 43 ketch that has spent many years on the Great Lakes and is in wonderful condition. The design goal for the Shannon 43 was to create a medium displacement boat that would accommodate the strongest construction standards in the industry, provide the necessary water and fuel capacities, and create an environment in which people could sail safely, comfortably, and quickly no matter how long or short the passage. The 43 has a length/displacement ratio of 250, and a sailarea/displacement ratio of 18.6. The consensus of yacht designers is that boats with these mid-range figures are the best suited for long distance passagemaking. The safest ocean voyage is always the swiftest as long as the boat provides security and comfort even in extreme conditions, as all Shannon 43 owners have experienced. The Shannon 43 is ICW friendly with a mast height and draft of under 64' and 4'9" centerboard up (8'7" centerboard down) respectively.
Specifications, Equipment and Information:
Builder/Designer
Builder: Shannon
Designer: Walter Schulz
Dimensions
LOD: 43'10"
LWL: 36'7"
Beam: 13'
Displacement: 27,500#
Draft: 4'9" - 8'7"
Engines
Engine: Westerbeke 82HP
Bow thruster - 12VDC with two new batteries
Tankage - all new replaced in 2020 along with new water lines
Fuel: 150 gal
Water: 100 gal
Holding: 25 gal.
ACCOMMODATIONS Forward cabin sleeps two in double berth with filler. Private entrance to forward head. Settees in main salon sleeps three: L-shaped settee to starboard converts to double berth; straight settee to port sleeps one. Private aft cabin sleeps two in double berth. Private entrance to aft head. Teak interior with solid teak and holly cabin sole.
FORWARD CABIN Double v-berth with filler sleeps two; Storage and holding tank beneath; Shelving and custom cabinetry above port and starboard; Several lockers; White fiberglass headliner; Overhead hatch; Two opening ports; Separate entrance to forward head;
FORWARD HEAD Located to starboard immediately aft of forward cabin; Double entrance; Single stainless steel sink with vanity - storage beneath; Separate stand-up shower stall with hand-held shower and teak grate; Shower sump discharges overboard. Marine toilet with holding tank plus y-valve for overboard discharge; Deck pump out; Full length mirror; Linen and sundries lockers;
PASSAGE WAY Tall cedar-lined hanging locker in passageway; drawer bank with locker; Mast enclosure;
MAIN SALON L-shaped settee to starboard - converts to double berth; pull-out single settee to port; Storage compartments behind both settees; Shelves and lockers outboard of both settees; Three drawers beneath port settee; Water tank (50 galllons) beneath starboard settee; Fixed centerline double-leaf dinette table with center storage; White fiberglass headliner; Two overhead hatches with screens; Overhead handrails; Seven bronze Spartan opening ports with screens;;
GALLEY U-shaped; Located to starboard forward of companionway; Double stainless steel sink; mixing faucet; Manual Separate fresh water spigot with Seagull filter; Accumulator tank; Manual fresh water foot pump; Raw water pump with separate spigot; Three burner propane stove and oven - two 10# tanks; Top and side loading loading ice box with Sea Frost refrigeration/freezer engine drive with 110VAC assist compressor. Icebox drains with manual pump to sinks; Four drawer storage bureau; Storage drawer beneath oven; Cabinets above and outboard; Butcher block Formica counter tops; Opening port;
NAV STATION Located to starboard immediately aft of galley - faces aft; Swivel seat with backrest; Lift-top chart table; Instrument array panel; AC-DC panel; laptop shelf; Two drawers; locker with shelves; pantry locker.
AFT HEAD Located to port at companionway; Two door entrance: from main salon and aft cabin; Single stainless steel sink with hot and cold pressure water service; Vanity with storage beneath sink; Sundries lockers; Full length mirror; Separate stand-up shower stall with handheld shower head and teak grate; marine toilet with holding tank plus y-valve for direct overboard discharge; Deck pump-out; Opening port;
PRIVATE AFT CABIN Located to port; Separate entrance to aft head; Double berth with insert; Four drawer bank; Cedar-lined hanging locker; Opening port; overhead hatch; water tank (100 gallon) and small storage area under berth;
INTERIOR APPOINTMENTS Satin varnished teak joinery throughout; Solid teak and holly cabin sole with large access hatches;
DECK Teak bow platform with dual stainless steel anchor rollers; Twin anchor rode deck pipes; Two large foredeck cleats with chocks; Stainless steel bow and stern double rail pulpits; stern boarding gate with fold-down boarding ladder on transom; Twin amid-ship cleats port and starboard with toe rail chocks; Stainless steel stanchions with boarding gates port and starboard; Double lifelines; Teak hand rails on cabin top; Four chrome cowl vents with dorade boxes;
GROUND TACKLE Two anchors with chain and rode; Ideal 12VDC electric windlass with chain and rope gypsies;
COCKPIT Full length seats port and starboard with lockers below; T-shaped helm section in stern; Helm seat - with propane storage beneath - Two tanks; Helm step platform; Bridge deck forward; Pedestal mounted wheel steering; teak capped cockpit coamings with cubby storage; Dodger; Sliding companionway hatch with sea hood; Teak companionway drop boards - with convenient storage rack; Life raft storage compartment below; Folding teak cockpit; cockpit cushions.
SPARS AND RIGGING Double headsail ketch rig; Sail area 970 sq ft; awlgripped aluminum spars; Main is keel stepped; Mizzen is stepped in cockpit on reinforced bridge; Navtec stainless steel rod rigging; two Harken roller furling for headsails; adjustable mainsheet traveler on cabin top; ; Running backstays for mizzen;
WINCHES two speed primaries; two speed secondary and two speed for main sheet; Mainmast winches include two halyard winches; one on main boom; two on mizzen mast and one on mizzen boom;
SAILS: North Sails, new 2021: Main with two reefs; Mizzen with reef ; Yankee working jib; club staysail; and staysail. Genoa
AUXILIARY DIESEL Westerbeke 82HP 4-cylinder, FWC; Aquamet stainless steel shaft; Three blade fixed bronze prop; primary fuel filters;
TANKAGE 150 gal of fuel in four aluminum tanks; 100 gal of water in two stainless steel tanks; 25 gal holding tank with deck pump out and y-valves for overboard discharge; Manual overboard pumps both holding tanks; 110v hot water heater with engine heat exchange system;
PLUMBING Hot and cold pressure water service to galley plus both heads and showers; Two electric bilge pumps; Manual bilge pump; Spartan bronze sea cocks with double hose clamps
AC-DC ELECTRICAL 120 VAC shore power and 12 VDC systems; Four AGM batteries; Bass distribution panel with master and individual breakers; Shore power cord; battery charger; Battery selector switch; Battery monitor; 12VDC navigation and running lights; 12VDC interior lighting; 110VDC GFI outlets;
ELECTRONICS/NAVIGATION Ritchie 6" pedestal mounted compass; "Icon" VHF IC-M59 and M-127; Two Raymarine E-80 radar; Northstar 951 GPS; Garmin GPS MAP 492; Raymarine ST-60 Auto-helm; Raymarine ST-60 Depth; Raymarine ST-60 Wind; Raymarine ST-60 Speed.
SAFETY AND SURVIVAL Emergency tiller; Assorted life jackets; Lifesling.
CONSTRUCTION Hand laid-up (no chopper gun) molded fiberglass hull with white gelcoat, biaxial laminates, vinylester veil coat and closed cell PVC Airex linear foam core; Raised teak toe rail with stainless steel striker; Teak rub rail with stainless steel rub rail; Hand laid-up molded fiberglass deck - white gelcoat, biaxial laminates, Divinylcell cross -linked PVC foam core (no balsa) with contrasting tan diamond -pattern nonskid; Deck is adhered to the hull with Sikaflex and mechanical fastened with thru-bolts to hull flange; Modified performance cruising hull design keel (cutaway forefoot and cutaway in front of the ruder skeg) with encapsulated solid lead internal ballast (no keel bolts); Centerboard cavity in keel; Skeg hung rudder; Pedestal mounted wheel steering with cable and quadrant and emergency tiller; Keel stepped mainmast; Mizzen stepped in cockpit with compression bridge; solid teak and holly double-screwed cabin sole;
MISCELLANEOUS Docklines, fenders, extensive spare parts, safety equipment, screens for all ports and hatches,etc.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 12/5/25 | Initial price | $129,000 |
1985 Shannon 43 Ketch Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1985 Shannon 43 Ketch
Customers have shared a variety of positive feedback about the 1985 Shannon 43 Ketch, highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship and seaworthiness
Many owners appreciate the timeless design and robust build quality, noting that the ketch rig allows for easier handling in various wind conditions, making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors. The spacious interior layout is often mentioned, with comfortable accommodations that provide a cozy atmosphere for long voyages. Reviewers frequently commend the well-thought-out galley and ample storage space, making it an ideal choice for extended cruising. Performance is another area of praise, with many users reporting that the vessel sails smoothly and efficiently, even in challenging weather. The stability and balance of the boat are often underscored, contributing to a reassuring feel while out on the water. Overall, the 1985 Shannon 43 Ketch is celebrated for its reliability, beautiful aesthetics, and the strong community of enthusiasts who appreciate this classic sailing vessel.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros
Sturdy Build Quality: The Shannon 43 is known for its robust construction, featuring a solid fiberglass hull and a long keel design, making it capable of handling rough seas with ease.
Spacious Interior: This ketch offers a generous amount of living space below deck, providing comfort for extended voyages. It typically includes a well-equipped galley, ample storage, and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
Sailing Versatility: With its ketch rigging, the Shannon 43 provides versatility in sail configurations, allowing for easier handling in various wind conditions and making it suitable for both novice and experienced sailors.
Stability: The design of the ketch promotes stability, particularly in heavy weather, which can enhance safety for both crew and passengers.
Classic Aesthetics: The Shannon 43 boasts timeless lines and classic nautical aesthetics that are attractive to many sailing enthusiasts.
Cons
Age-Related Wear: As a 1985 model, potential buyers should be cautious of age-related issues, such as wear on sails, rigging, and other systems, which may require refurbishment or replacement.
Maintenance Requirements: While the build quality is high, older boats typically require regular maintenance to ensure everything is in working order, which can be time-consuming and potentially costly.
Limited Speed Potential: While well-suited for cruising, the ketch design may not be as fast as other modern sailing configurations, which could be a disadvantage for those seeking high-performance sailing.
Draft Considerations: With its longer keel design, the Shannon 43 has a deeper draft, which can limit access to shallow harbors and anchorages compared to shallower-draft vessels.
Weight: The sturdy construction adds weight to the boat, which can affect performance and fuel efficiency, particularly when motoring.
Made For
The 1985 Shannon 43 Ketch is designed for sailing enthusiasts who value both performance and comfort. This vessel is perfect for experienced sailors looking for a reliable bluewater cruiser, as well as those seeking a spacious and well-appointed liveaboard option. Boasting a robust construction, the Shannon 43 is built to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing, making it an excellent choice for adventurers planning to tackle longer journeys. With its ketch rig, this model provides versatility in sail handling, allowing for easier management in various wind conditions, making it ideal for both solo sailors and families. The generous interior space features comfortable cabins, a well-equipped galley, and a versatile living area, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quiet evenings at anchor. Whether you're planning to embark on extended voyages or leisurely coastal cruising, the Shannon 43 Ketch is well-suited for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship, seaworthiness, and the freedom that comes with sailing.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Shannon Boat Company about 1985 Shannon 43 Ketch
19 Broad Common Rd, Bristol, RI, 02809

