Trapper 400, 28ft Sailing Yacht

For sale is my loved yacht “Merlin” I have owned her for about 4 years now. I have worked very hard on her over the years and will be sad to see her go. She is a Trapper 400, 28ft fin keel, 4 berth racing cruiser, built in Poole in 1976. I sail her as far and often as I can normally single handed. I have just returned from a 200-mile trip along the south coast so I can honestly say she is ready to sail away, all you will need is a flare pack and life jackets.

9hp Yanmar 1gm10 diesel engine with a 3-blade prop serviced every year. 3 years ago, the engine was overhauled with new head, valves, piston rings and engine mounts. I run this engine continuously on 15 hour passages when there is no wind and it has my complete trust. There are two batteries, one large leisure battery and one engine starter battery both about 3 years old now. Danforth anchor with about 40m of rode (about 5m of chain and 35m of nylon rope).

Autohelm – always used and works well in quite large swells (currently connected using terminal block as connector needs replacing) The main sail and furling head sail are serviceable and I would continue to use them but others would say they need replacing, this is reflected in the asking price. Good condition used sails of this size can be bought for around £300. Spinnaker is in great condition and spinnaker pole included. Mast has fold out steps all the way to the top. Raymarine RC435 chartplotter.

DSC radio new about 2 years ago. Cockpit spray dodgers included but not fitted in the photos. Navigation lights. Jacklines installed. All mooring and running lines you could need with plenty of fenders.

Jabsco toilet, the pump and seals replaced last winter. Antifouled April this year with International Micron Extra 2. 2 hob and grill stove with gas bottle. All kitchen utensils included. Extremely large cockpit for the size of the boat with loads of storage lockers.

As with any boat of this age she does have some marks and imperfections. Anyone with a boat of this age will say its an ongoing project. I can’t list every fault but here are a few: lights need mounting in forward cabin, wiring is in place. Wind index sensor may need replacing as I sometimes see odd readings. Paint is starting to flake on interior cabin roof.

Merlin is a must see! She is a beautiful yacht to sail, anyone who knows of a Trapper 400 will describe them as Fast. She is currently moored in Weymouth. I would be happy to deliver the yacht for a small fee – please ask. I have many more photos and videos including me sailing her upwind in 30knot+ winds that she handled perfectly.

Get in contact and I will be happy to send them over. I will be selling a cradle for the yacht and tender separately. Email: email