SB Marine Ltd 16.5m Expedition Yacht

Custom-built steel expedition ketch, to designs by Bruce Roberts, launched in 2017 and originally configured to operate under MCA Cat 0 unlimited offshore coding.

FURTHER BROKER’S COMMENTS:

SANTOSA is a custom-built expedition yacht, built in the UK and commissioned in 2017 her design is a development of the original Bruce Roberts 54’ ketch. The owner’s philosophy throughout the build process was to create a beautiful-looking yacht, finished to a high standard while being strong enough to operate commercially in the harshest environments while keeping her crew safe and comfortable. Below decks the layout offers 3 double cabins, two with en-suite heads and a further two pullman berths. A spacious galley with adjacent dinette located below deck level leave the spacious deck saloon clear for the internal helms station and saloon seating.

Designed and constructed to comply with CAT 0 commercial coding requirements, she has previously operated commercially under both CAT 0 and CAT 2 UK coding. Now offered for sale as her owners look to shift their focus to new projects; her extensive inventory highlights include:
• Rolled steel plate construction, round bilge
• Awlgrip two pack paint system to finish hull and superstructure
• Keel divided into watertight compartments and filled with lead ballast
• Watertight bulkheads internally to comply with CAT 0 coding requirements
• Perkins M135 marine diesel engine, 135hp @ 2,600rpm
• MaxProp 24”, 4-blade, bronze feathering propeller
• Hy-drive, hydraulic dual station steering system, switched feedback/non feedback for external helm
• Vetus H160, 9.5kW, hydraulic bow thruster
• Mastervolt Whisper 10 Ultra generator, 10kW @ 1500RPM
• Mastervolt battery chargers and invertor
• Cathelco Seafresh H204 watermaker
• Raymarine Axiom 2Pro chart plotters with digital radar scanners
• Raymarine AIS700 Transciever (2026)
• Icom IC-M603 with Icom HM-162E control mic in cockpit
• Icom IC-M801E MF/HF marine transceiver, backstay isolated for use as antenna
• Iridium Extreme sat phone handset
• Starlink satellite internet system
• Force 10 gas galley range cooker
• Independent fridge and freezer, both built in
• Eberspacher Hydronic 10 diesel-fired, wet heating system
• Dometic Air Conditioning System
• Sanmarin 35 electric flushing marine toilets in all heads
• 2x Maxwell 3500 hydraulic anchor windlasses
• Avon 310 RIB with GRP hull, fitted with lifting strops
• Yamaha 15hp, 2-stroke, serviced January 2026 (new in 2022)

Currently cruising in northern Norway with a trip to Svalbard planned during the trip this magnificent yacht will be available for viewings strictly by prior arrangement during her trip.

OWNER’S COMMENTS:

SANTOSA was commissioned in 2017 to a high specification with both CAT 0 and CE Ocean A compliance in mind. Throughout her creation there was a clear focus on engineering quality, attention to detail and producing a yacht capable of serious passage making rather than simply occasional cruising. The emphasis throughout was on building the yacht, with engineering decisions driven by quality, functionality and long-term reliability rather than budget constraints.

Particular care was taken in marinizing systems and components, together with a bespoke high-latitude rig designed to make life easier offshore. The rig has proven efficient on ocean passages, allowing us to balance the helm effectively for comfortable hand steering and reducing the load on the autopilot when conditions allow. There is a real feel and connection at the helm, something we have always appreciated on long passages.

From our experience, SANTOSA has always felt safe and comfortable in heavy weather. Her skeg-hung rudder arrangement and substantial construction provide reassurance offshore, while the protected keel and reinforced forward sections reflect a philosophy of building strength and resilience into the yacht.
SANTOSA was successfully used for charter operations during 2018–2019 before Covid and has since been enjoyed privately, cruising extensively through the Caribbean and later in Norway and Svalbard. One of the qualities we particularly appreciated while cruising Norway was the combination of her 23m air draft and moderate 2.3m draft, which opened opportunities to navigate inland waterways and the archipelagos while still retaining the capability and confidence of a serious offshore yacht. This versatility allowed us to access areas that can often be less practical for yachts of a similar size.

Throughout ownership we have replaced and upgraded systems and components. Her ground tackle has always given us confidence at anchor and allowed us to enjoy remote locations with peace of mind.
Inside, the raised saloon has always been one of our favourite places onboard, providing panoramic views and an abundance of natural light that keeps you connected to your surroundings even in more challenging climates.

If circumstances were different and a sale were not being considered, our next ambition would likely have been preparing SANTOSA for the Northwest Passage.

SANTOSA takes her name from the Sanskrit word meaning contentment and acceptance — finding peace and satisfaction in what you have, even while facing challenges. We felt the name suited her from the beginning, because life aboard has always given us exactly that feeling: confidence, comfort and contentment wherever she has taken us.