Minstrel 680 Yacht Sail Boat Project Lifting Keel Yanmar 1GM10 Diesel Engine

Up for auction is my yacht "Osprey" a Minstrel 680. Osprey is a 22`6 lifting swing keel yacht, moulded in 1980 and first launched in 1989. Designed by John Sharpe and built by Minstrel Yachts. She has a centre cockpit with wheel steering and 4 berths. Reason for sale is time.

I have a large house project on the go plus a kit car and a demanding job. I simply don`t have the time to work on and use her, so its time to sell her on. I have owned her for around 15 years, of which 10 years was ashore having decided to rebuild her. She is 95% finished with the rear cockpit still needing a head lining and some wood work. I really like the large centre cockpit and that it has steering controls with a centre pedestal, it gives her a big yacht feel but in a small package.

There is a good amount of space with deep lockers that can take a dingy and an outboard plus the usual gear. A Garmin GPS 292 is included, she also has NASA battery monitor and depth sounder. Good Points Re engined with a Yanmar 1GM10, with a new cylinder head, stainless exhaust manifold. Vetus silencer and swan neck. The engine has been superb, always starts and runs.

I always fresh water flush the engine after every run as its raw water cooled.I also installed an Aqua Drive so the prop pushes the boat hull along directly not via the engine mounts, which are then free to do as intended.Anti-fouled every 2 years, with the hull and stainless steel polished. She always comes up clean when the effort is put in. The lifting keel is raised and lowered with an electric winch, controlled from the pedestal. The rudder blade is lifted via a rope. This means she can float in very little water (0.5m) and will take to the ground no problem.

She has an installed battery charger with 2 good leisure batteries. A fresh water tank, with a stainless sink and twin burners with flame failure. Gas bottle installed. Has a head with a Jabsco manual flush toilet. I have the full manual for the engine and a lot of original paperwork for the boat.

Bad Points Could do with a new main sail (believe its original) and possibly the Genoa (although this was replaced a few years ago). Some work still to do, rear cabin needs wood work and a head lining. Some of the wiring needs hiding away, a backing cover for the instruments in the head etc. Currently moored on the "pontoon" just outside Birdham Pool, near Chichester, West Sussex. The may be scope to take on the mooring I would have to check.

There is no immediate rush to move Osprey and she could be kept on the mooring for a few weeks. Any question please ask, there is a lot of information I have not included. I would recommend viewing and this can be arranged, although I have a busy few weeks coming up and I will not be around. Payment would be bank transfer on the day of handing over the keys, with a 10% deposit payable via PayPal within 24 hours of the auction ending. Although stated I am not accepting returns.

If you have any doubts on what you are bidding on then please do not bid. Thanks for looking.