Introductory Comments Merlin is a late model example of the very successful Little Harbor 54 designed by the world renowned Ted Hood. Her sea-kindly, low wetted surface, hull design is easily driven by a high aspect sail plan that generates excellent all round performance. The keel centerboard design provides shoal draft for allowing access to many anchorages not available to other yachts her size. She features the desirable mid cockpit arrangement with a full width master aft and two guest suites forward with private heads.
Merlin is in excellent condition and fully commissioned and ready to cruise. . The electric furling mainmast and winches and bow thruster, together with her thoughtful cockpit design and deck layout allow her to be easily operated by the helmsman without interfering with guests on board. Merlin is a standout in any harbor she visits with her classic sheerline and deck details. No yacht her size has more exquisite interior design and quality woodwork.
Accommodations Merlin sleeps six in three staterooms plus a single berth in the main cabin and a single berth in the forepeak. There are three heads, all with showers. The exquisite interior joinerwork is finished in teak with a minimum of six coats of marine varnish to achieve a smooth, glass-like surface. The cabin sole throughout is teak and holly finished with gloss varnish. The forepeak is nicely set up for sail and gear storage and includes a chain locker forward. There is a good size hatch for easy deck access and equipment storage and retrieval, along with an occasional mate's berth.
Just aft of the forepeak there are two guest staterooms with ensuite heads. Aft of these cabins is the spacious main salon followed by the nav station to port and galley to starboard. The full width owner's stateroom is aft with en suite head that includes a separate stall shower.
Merlin features an abundance of natural light and ventilation provided by 18 opening portholes, seven fixed hull windows, 10 deck hatches and 3 deck prisms. The tinted hull windows are a Little Harbor trademark and are located to allow great visibility to the outside while sitting below. New port lights were installed in 2003. Variable speed fans and reading lights are installed at each berth, and indirect lighting with dimmers in main salon and aft stateroom. Automatic on/off switches are provided for hanging lockers.
The cabin sole is built of separate removable floorboards with lock-in handles. Construction is of solid 3/8" alternating teak and holly laid over a lightweight core material to save weight and ensure stability. All exposed hull surfaces are lined with solid teak ceiling strips. The overhead is divided into removable sections covered with off-white Formica. There are built-in hatch screens and blinds that conveniently slide away when not in use.
Hanging lockers are lined with aromatic western red cedar. All other lockers above seat level are lined with teak or Formica trimmed in teak. All wiring and plumbing is completely hidden from view in these lockers by removable panels. All water and fuel tanks are below floor level which allows for extensive storage under seats and furniture throughout the interior. In 2004 all interior and exterior cushions and mattresses were completely renewed. The salon seating was covered with ultra suede.
Vertical surfaces in the galley and heads are off-white Formica with teak trim. Head colors are tile with teak gratings. Berth and seat tops are Formica-lined with access to storage below through multiple lift-up openings.
Main Salon The main salon has a U-shaped settee to port with a gorgeous varnished teak table with an inlay of a compass rose. A straight settee to starboard may also serve as a sea berth and has a drawer beneath it and large storage bins behind the backrest. There are two bookshelves on the forward bulkhead as well as a rack for stowing wineglasses. Additional storage is provided by two drawers on the forward bulkhead. There is also a cabinet that also the stereo equipment, as well as multiple storage lockers. A 21" wall mounted flat screen LCD with remote control is on the port bulkhead. A reproduction of a painting of the yacht is on the starboard bulkhead. A moveable coffee table with tie-downs to starboard also functions as an additional seat at the dinette. Aft of the nav station is a bar with ample bottle and glass storage and includes a large deep freeze and Raritan icemaker.
Alpine AM/FM/Cassette/CD control with amplifier and wireless remote
Alpine 12 disc CD magazine
Niles saloon mounted speakers (2)
New Chelsea clock and barometer
Guest Accommodation The two guest cabins feature permanent upper and lower berths with three large storage bins above each berth. Additional storage space is found in two dressers, each with two drawers, along with a hanging locker in each cabin. Both staterooms have an ensuite head with granite Corian countertops, vanity, sink, medicine cabinet, shower and several storage lockers. In addition, the port cabin has a code flag locker over a gear locker.
Master Stateroom The aft master cabin is the full width of the vessel and features a double berth to starboard and a single to port. The two berths can be converted into one very large berth with a custom filler added in 2003. Overhead on centerline between the two berths is a hatch, which provides excellent ventilation and emergency deck access. Alpine AM/FM/Cassette with pair of built-in speakers are provided. There are lockers and a bookshelf above each of these berths and lockers below each berth as well. Two hull ports and opening trunk cabin ports provide light in the cabin. Forward to port is a double hanging locker and another general locker forward of the starboard berth. A lovely vanity with drawer and a mirror is built into the forward bulkhead. A combination safe is installed, hidden from view. Forward to starboard is an ensuite head with granite Corian countertops, sink, vanity, medicine cabinet, separate stall shower, several storage lockers and a linen locker. There is a washer/dryer (new 2007) outboard of the shower compartment.
Galley To starboard and aft of the main salon is the very functional U-shaped galley with generous countertops of off-white Corian, refurbished in 2004, and two deep stainless steel sinks. Foot pumps provide both fresh and salt water to the galley sinks. Inboard and over the counter are numerous lockers for dishes, glasses and condiments/spices. Additional counter space, a four-burner stainless steel propane stove, microwave oven, oversized refrigerator and freezer, numerous lockers, and a built-in trash bin are all located on the outboard side of the galley. Complete set of dishes, pots and pans, utensils and flatware.
Combination engine-driven/110 volt Grunert refrigerator and freezer compressor, 2003, provide independent cooling lines to the holdover plates. Simultaneous operation provides rapid cooling. Remote thermometers and adjustable thermostats are provided. Each compartment is molded FRP with a minimum of 4" insulation and double gaskets on all openings. System overhauled 2003. Automatic fume detector shut off for propane.
Electronics and Nav. Center The nav station is located at the aft end of the port settee and includes a full array of electronics. This area features a large chart table with an inlay of the hull. There is storage beneath, several lockers and two drawers. Inboard of the nav station are the electrical panels, gauges, circuit breakers and the switching for both the DC and AC systems.
Raymarine GPS chartplotter with overlay capability, nav station and cockpit screens
Autohelm 7000 autopilot Type II linear drive (2003) with two control heads; one in nav station, one in cockpit. Full spare (brains and RAM)
Brooks & Gatehouse Hydra 330 displays in cockpit, nav station and over master bunk
ICOM M402 VHF radio telephone (2003)
ICOM IC-M120 VHR
ICOM M-710 single side band transceiver (new 2001) with computer interface and antenna coupler.
Motorola cellular phone
Raynav radar with 24' radome (2003)
Trimble Navtrac XL GPS receiver
Furuno 208A weather fax with built-in Navtrex receiver with interface
Ocean PC 17" flat panel display (new 2001)
New RL80C 10.4" display with Raychart in cockpit pod
Logitech wireless mouse and keyboard
Numerous C Map charts
Electrical System System includes AC and DC power systems. Merlin's DC electrical house supply is 12 volt supplied by 2 banks of four 6-volt glassmat batteries with approximately 1,000 amp hours. There are also additional independent 200-amp hour batteries for the engine and genset starting, which can be linked in series for more power. All AGM batteries new in 2006.
House batteries are charged by a 90-amp alternator off the main engine and the starter battery is charged by 55-amp alternator off the main engine. Alternatively, all batteries may be charged with a 12-volt. Ample charger unit run off the genset or shore power, and an additional 90-amp alternator on the genset. All ship's wiring is of tinned-copper wire run in a PVC conduit. All wires are colored and numbered for easy identification
Merlin's AC electric is 110 volt/60 cycles. AC is supplied by a Westerbeke 8 KW generator and two 50-amp shore power inlets. AC power is also supplied by an 1800 watt DC Heart Interface power inverter/charger or by an 8KW Westerbeke diesel generator, (1998). A separate inverter provides AC power to the navigation computer. AC functions include water heater, air conditioning battery charger, refrigeration, electrical outlets, inverter, microwave oven, etc. There are GFIC waterproof AC outlets in heads and galley, and exhaust blowers for the galley, aft head and dryer. The AC and DC breaker panels are located in the vicinity of the nav station. Other features include:
Westerbeke 8KW generator (1998) with sound insulation
DC and AC voltage and load current meters
Battery test and reverse polarity meters
Link 10 monitor for engine battery bank (2003)
Prosine inverter/charger for house bank (2003)
Waterproof 12-volt outlet provided at steering pedestal and foredeck
Engine, rudder post, mast step, chainplates and seacocks; grounded to a 6" copper strap, glassed to hull, running bow to stern on both sides of hull
Electrolysis protection is provided by zinc anodes; installed on the propeller shaft
Copper screening fiberglassed into hull for radio antenna ground
Separate grounding bar installed for electronics
(2) 50' 50 amp shore cords
Miscellaneous adapters
Striker security system with infrared motion sensors
Engine and Mechanical Equipment Power is provided by a Westerbeke 100 freshwater cooled diesel engine rated for 100 hp at 2800 rpm with Hurth gear box. The engine is fitted with twin alternators for battery charging with VDO instruments for tachometer. The wet exhaust system includes a water-lift type muffler, anti-siphon break and stern riser with discharge at transom. Engine controlled via electric on/off switch with pre-heat and Kobelt single-lever shift and throttle controls. Engine start is via single 12 volt 200 amp hour battery. In case of low voltage, an emergency start switch paralleling all house batteries to the starting circuit is provided. New engine mounts (2003)
The main engine turns a 21" dia MaxPro feathering 3 blade propeller connected to the engine by a 1 ½" diameter Aquamet stainless shaft. Propeller thrust is absorbed by a thrust bearing secured to a structural bulkhead. A Scatra flexible engine coupler connects the thrust bearing to the engine allowing for installation of flexible mounts to eliminate nearly all engine vibration and reduce operation noise. A bellows type stuffing box is provided for the propeller shaft for maintenance -free operation. The feathering propeller improves performance in a seaway and in reverse, plus reduces propeller drag under sail and eliminates the need for a shaft brake. The engine room is insulated with a foam/lead sandwich providing a total thickness of 3". Engine access is via removable inboard side doors in the galley passage. The engine room has 12 volt lighting and twin blower fans for air intake and discharge. Spur cutters on prop shaft (2003)
Fuel supply is from multiple tanks through Coast Guard approved fire-retardant rubber hose. Engine supply line fitted with Racor Model 500 FG fuel filter and water separator. Generator supply line is fitted with its own Racor 500FG fuel filter. Main engine and genset Racor filters are fitted with vacuum gauge that announce when filter needs changing. Each tank has a shut-off valve on supply lines and multiple inspection covers. Electronic fuel gauge for each tank,2 amp meters, voltmeter, low oil pressure alarm,and high water temperature alarm.
11 hp bow thruster with joystick at helm (2003)
New back up DC water pump
MarineAir air conditioning (reverse cycle) with separate controls for all cabins.
New air conditioning compressor, 2006
Espar cabin heater with 5 outlets
Spectra 380C watermaker, auto back flush and UV purifier. Not activated
Allcraft 20 gallon hot water heater
2 automatic bilge pumps
2 manual bilge pumps
All plumbing (fresh and black water) inspected and replaced as necessary
New aft holding tank
High water bilge alarm
Automatic/manual engine fire extinguisher
Electric oil change pump
Salt water anchor washdown pump.
Exhaust/engine room temperature alarms
Deck and Hull The hull and deck were repainted in 2007. The topsides are flag-blue Awlgrip with double white boot stripe, gray bottom and gold cove stripe with clear coat. Cabin house is white with light gray non-skid. Exterior teak trim varnish in very good condition.
HULL CONSTRUCTION. The hull is molded in FRP from female molds with ¾" Airex foam core for added strength and sound/thermal insulation. Vinylester resin is used on the exterior skins for the highest possible resistance to water osmosis, plus epoxy bottom coating with Interlux 2000 system. There is a painted teak rubrail with stainless steel striker for protection to the hull in docking situations.
BALLAST; All ballast is lead cast in place and fully encapsulated by the fiberglass hull and keel. The lead is covered with approximately ½" of solid FRP.
DECK CONSTRUCTION: Teak decks are glued and fastened to one piece molded FRP with Divinycell H-80 foam core for strength and stiffness. In areas where deck equipment is installed, core is replaced with Divinycell H-200 high-density foam. Cockpit sides and coaming are solid fiberglass with mounted teak backrests. Deck flange is solid glass, approximately 3/8" thickness. The deck is bonded and bolted down with epoxy putty to the inboard angled hull flange with 5/16" bolts on 8" centers. Additional fastenings provided with teak toerail through bolted on 8" centers. All deck hatch landings are molded in FRP. All deck hatches have new (2006) lens. There is a flush lazarette hatch with molded drain channels. The propane locker is molded separately and ventilated with direct drain overboard. A separate propane tank for the grill is fitted in the same locker. Propane system has new tanks, regulator, CO and propane detectors.
CENTERBOARD AND RUDDER: The centerboard is FRP with bronze protective shoe on leading edge and solid FRP around pin area. The centerboard has a highly efficient foil shape and is filled with structural putty and lead ballast to provide negative buoyancy. The centerboard was rebuilt in 2001 with additional reinforcement added. Centerboard hoist via wire cable to winch on deck using highest quality, ¼", 7 x 19 stainless steel wire. The centerboard trunk is molded FRP. The balanced spade rudder (new 2006) is FRP with 3 ½" stainless steel rudderstock. The rudder blade is molded around stainless steel frame welded to rudderstock. Rudderstock supported by upper bearing (Harken) and lower (Duromax) bearing.
OTHER: Bulkheads are built of marine grade teak faced plywood, reinforced with FRP in areas of chainplates. All structural bulkheads bonded to the hull and deck with FRP and Airex foam spacers. Floor beams are extruded FRP, interlocked and bonded to hull for rigid and durable support of cabin sole. FRP fuel and water tanks integral to the hull, for additional stiffness to hull laminate and to provide the maximum amount of volume available. All tanks fully baffled with ample inspection ports and the water tanks are coated with clear gelcoat. Chainplates are 316 stainless flat bar weldments through-bolted to reinforce FRP attached to hull. Stainless steel mast step, ¼" thickness with limber holes and provision for 3" of fore and aft adjustment. FRP engine bed with steel reinforcement bonded directly to hull.
Deck Features:
Maxwell 2200 dual direction anchor windlass with controls at helm (rebuilt 1998)
Stainless steel stemhead fitting with twin anchor roller and well-rounded, built-in mooring line fairleads installed flush with toerail
CQR 60 lb with 270' of 5/16" chain
Bruce 66 lb with 20' or 5/16" chain and 200' ¾" nylon
Secondary anchor rode hawse pipe on deck
FX-55 Fortress storm anchor in lazarette with 20' of 5/16" chain and 300' of 5/16" nylon
Stainless steel bow pulpit with port and starboard running lights
Stainless steel stern pulpit with boarding gate and stern light
30" stainless steel stanchions and double lifelines (new 2007) with side gates,
2 Stainless steel stern and 4 spring line chocks flush with toerail
Stainless steel non-fouling guard rails over dorade boxes
Stainless steel genoa tracks inboard and outboard with reference numbers stamped on top
Stainless steel foot block bases
Custom aluminum stern boarding passarelle
Solid teak dorade boxes with new Lexan tops and dovetail joints
Flush deck prisms installed to provide extra natural light below, rebedded 2003
Harken stainless steel pad eyes and stainless steel roller bearing deck and fairlead blocks
10 stainless steel cleats
Harken mainsheet traveler
Custom removable outboard hoist (davit)
Varnished teak outboard mount with stainless steel cover plates.
Custom fold-down stern ladder with stainless steel frame and teak non-skid treads
Cockpit weatherboards
Hot and cold fresh water shower in separate stern locker
11' Avon RIB with 15 hp Johnson
Plumbing for stern mounted gas grill
2 propane tank lockers with new tanks
7 fenders with covers, (5 large, 2 small)
Fenderboards
Docklines
Cockpit The main cockpit is large and functional, and designed for easy access from side decks without climbing over coaming. A custom-designed molded FRP steering pedestal houses all engine instrumentation and sail handling functions for easy access by helmsman, as are all deck winches. New ICOM VHF in cockpit. There is an array of five (5) B&G displays above the companionway providing essential information for the helsman. The cockpit has also been pre-wired for chart display and wireless mouse/keyboard. A Ritchie 6" compass is installed in the steering pedestal. A solid teak table with drop leaves installed ahead of the pedestal includes insulated built in deck cooler with access from top-opening lid. Built-in coaming lockers are outside of the cockpit for storage of lines, etc. Closed cell foam cockpit cushions with back rests. The cockpit can be fully shaded under sail by a Bimini with windows for viewing sails.
Cruising spinnaker with blocks and sheets, new halyard
Storm trysail track with halyard and block with jammer aft
Navtec hydraulic boom vang and insulated backstay with failsafe turnbuckle and 2 function panel in cockpit
Spinlock mainsheet/outhaul/jammers
Halyard spinlocks on mast/jib furler spinlock in waterway
Lewmar preventer
Deck mounted spinnaker pole (for genoa whisker pole)
WINCHES: Winches have recently received a full service.
(2) Barient 30-ST-PW-S electric primaries, 3 speed
(2) Barient, 32-ST-PW-S electric mainsheet and outhaul winches
(2) Barient 28 ST secondary winches
(3) Lewmar #40 SST mast halyard winches (new 2001)
Centerboard winch
Canvas Custom dodger Custom Bimini Delivery covers for all upholstery Fender covers Dorade covers
Safety Features
Switlik 8 man life raft
Life sling on port rail aft
EPIRB (2003)
SOS 406 EPIRB with GPS 2001
Lifejackets and USCG approved inflatable "sospenders"
Galeride drogue
Standard LH-10 loud hailer with auto fog signals
Hailer horn
Other Items
2008 Upgrades and Additions
Electronics
New E-80 (at navigation center)
E-120 (at helm) Raymarine chart plotter radar including charts
Navionic charts
Raytec software
AS-250 Receiver (Ship Identification System)
Sirius Weather Receiver
Mast & Rigging
New Rod Rigging
Canvas
New Bimini
New leather on wheel
Mechanical
Replaced all engine & exhaust hoses
New Mid Air conditioning unit
Service
All winches
New bottom paint
Other Items
Extensive spare parts inventory
Exclusions Books and personal effects
Closing Remarks The Little Harbor series by Ted Hood is acknowledged as the highest quality center cockpit design in the world. Merlin is an excellent example of the 54 model with many features only found on much larger yachts. Her exquisite varnished teak interior offers three staterooms and three heads. The very experienced current owner has spared no expense on maintaining Merlin. This past year he has repainted the hull and deck and added new sails. Since taking delivery he has continually upgraded systems and the yacht is fully equipped and ready to cruise.
Details and information regarding this vessel are offered in good faith but we 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, inventory change, or withdrawal
without notice.
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