BLUE PETER Yacht for Sale

Launched in 1928, BLUE PETER quickly became a fixture in Seattle’s yachting scene. Her first owner, John Graham Sr., was a leading architect whose vision for the yacht was realized in collaboration with Geary and the master craftsmen of Lake Union Dry Dock. The vessel’s elegant lines, iconic fan-tail stern, and luxurious accommodations set a new standard for Pacific Northwest motor yachts.

Following Graham’s stewardship, she cruised the waters of San Francisco and Los Angeles before returning to the Northwest in the late 1930’s

During World War II, she was requisitioned by the U.S. Army and served as a transport for workers on the Canol Pipeline project in Alaska—a testament to her robust construction, comfort, and seaworthiness.

The McCurdy Era – When the Roots Dug In

After the war, Blue Peter was rescued from surplus by Horace W. McCurdy, a renowned shipbuilder and civic leader. McCurdy’s affection for the yacht was legendary; he undertook a five-year restoration, sourcing aged teak from the windjammer HOMEWARD BOUND to match the original joinery. McCurdy’s stewardship imbued Blue Peter with a unique personality—one that responded, in his words, to the care and respect of her crew and guests.
Under McCurdy, Blue Peter became a floating salon for Seattle’s elite, hosting dignitaries, the University of Washington Husky Marching Band, and countless Opening Day celebrations. She was a Seafair VIP boat for nine years and a beloved participant in the Classic Yacht Association’s annual rendezvous.

Recent Decades: The Barbo Family and a New Golden Age

In more recent years, Blue Peter has been the pride and joy of Chuck and Linda Barbo, who have continued her tradition of hospitality and adventure. The Barbos have welcomed guests aboard for cruises throughout the Salish Sea, from Olympia to the San Juan Islands, and have ensured that every upgrade and repair honors the vessel’s heritage. Chuck’s deep love for the boat is not easy to put into words; a true passion that shows in the care and upkeep of the vessel.

Blue Peter’s role as a committee boat for regattas, her appearances at the Wooden Boat Festival, and her ongoing participation in classic yacht events have cemented her status as a Pacific Northwest treasure. She is not just a yacht; she is a beloved member of the region’s maritime community; a reputation the Barbo’s hope continues for many years to come.

The past decade has seen BLUE PETER undergo a restoration and modernization campaign of unprecedented scope and quality. With over $7 million invested, the project was guided by a philosophy of “restoration without compromise”—retaining her historic character while integrating the best of contemporary technology, safety, and comfort.

The centerpiece of this renaissance was a multi-year refit at Haven Boatworks in Port Townsend, Washington—a yard renowned for its expertise in wooden yacht restoration. Under the direction of master shipwrights, every aspect of BLUE PETER was scrutinized, restored, or upgraded as needed. The project drew on the talents of local artisans, marine engineers, and systems specialists, ensuring that each decision balanced tradition with innovation.

Scope of Work

Structural and Hull Restoration:

• Complete survey and restoration of the hull, including replacement and sistering of frames, planks, and fastenings as needed
• Extensive work on the fan-tail stern, ensuring structural integrity and preserving the yacht’s iconic profile.
• Decks rebuilt with 1-1/8” carvel planked teak
• Bulwarks rebuilt with yellow cedar and purple heart covering boards

Mechanical and Systems Overhaul:

• Engines rebuilt and upgraded with modern vibration isolation and soundproofing.
• Shafts replaced and up-sized with new 3-1/4” to allow for future repower (400hp capable) – stern tubes and surrounding structure all upgraded, up sized, and rebuilt
• (2) 41”x40” 5 blade props sourced from Midland, MI
• New generator (Northern Lights 20kw) and associated electrical system
• Plumbing, freshwater, and sewage systems replaced with marine-grade components.
• Steering, controls, and safety systems upgraded for reliability and compliance.

Interior Restoration:

• Original joinery restored or replicated, with careful attention to period details.
• Staterooms, salon, and galley refurbished with new soft goods, fixtures, and finishes
• Custom cabinetry, hardware, and lighting designed to blend seamlessly with historic elements.

Electronics and Navigation:

• Updated navigation suite installed, including chartplotters, radar, AIS, and communications.
• Integrated NMEA2000 backbone for future expandability.
• Redundant systems for safety and ease of operation.

Exterior and Paint:

• Complete stripping, fairing, and repainting of hull and superstructure.
• Varnish work executed to the highest standard, with multiple coats for depth and durability.
• All exterior hardware polished, re-chromed, or replaced as appropriate.

Tenders and Davits:

• New or fully restored tenders, with upgraded davits and launch systems.
• Safety and Compliance:
• All safety equipment brought up to or exceeding current USCG and SOLAS standards.
• Fire suppression, alarms, and emergency systems installed or upgraded.

Documentation and Records:

• Comprehensive photographic and written documentation of all work performed.
• Maintenance logs, survey reports, and provenance records organized for transfer to new owner.

The result is a yacht that is, in every sense, “better than new.” BLUE PETER retains her soul and historic ambiance, yet offers the reliability, comfort, and safety expected of a modern superyacht. She is ready for immediate cruising, charter, or continued participation in classic yacht events.

Hull Material: Yellow Cedar on Double Sawn Doug Fir (3.75x7.25”), Iron Bark keel shoe, Doug Fir bilge keel, Doug Fir keel, and Doug fir guard

Decks: New carvel planked 1-1/8” teak, new purple heart covering boards, and yellow cedar bulwarks

Superstructure: Mix Hardwood framing with Marine-Ply and GRP overtop

Design: Fan-tail stern, two decks, classic raised pilothouse

The choice of Yellow cedar for the hull reflects the best practices of 1920s yacht construction. This wood is prized for its strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to rot—qualities that have contributed to BLUE PETER’s longevity. The fir frames provide a robust backbone, while the double teak decks offer durability, timeless aesthetic, and soft quietness down below.

All structural work during the restoration was performed using traditional methods, with modern adhesives and bronze fastenings employed where appropriate for longevity. The hull was thoroughly inspected, with any compromised elements replaced using matching materials and techniques.

Hull Condition

Following the recent restoration, the hull is in exceptional condition. Surveys confirm that all structural members are sound, with moisture readings and fastener integrity well within acceptable limits. The hull is faired and painted to a mirror finish, with underwater coatings applied for optimal protection.

Engines and Propulsion

• Twin Caterpillar D334 320hp diesels @ 6560 and 6510 hrs: Complete rebuilds (2020), with new mounts, controls, and monitoring systems.
• Transmission and shafts: Inspected, aligned, and serviced; new cutless bearings and seals. Shaft upgraded to 3-1/4” to allow for future repair up to 400hp.
• Exhaust system: New marine-grade components, water-cooled for safety and noise reduction.

Generators and Electrical

• Primary generator @ 1868hrs: Northern Lights 20 kW M844LW3.3, new (2021), with sound enclosure.
• Electrical panels: Custom-built, with digital monitoring and circuit protection.
• Shore power: 50 amp service, with isolation transformer and surge protection.
• Inverters: (7) Outback VXFR3524A Inverters (2025)
• Batteries: (13) FullRiver Group 21-L16 Deep Cycle

HVAC and Comfort

• Heating and air conditioning: Kabola B17 diesel boiler with circulation pump (2026)
• Hot water: Provided by the diesel boiler or AC Electric
• Insulation: Upgraded throughout for thermal efficiency and sound attenuation.

Steering and Controls

• Hydraulic steering: New pumps, rams, and controls (2022).
• Redundant manual backup: For safety and compliance.

Plumbing and Tanks

• Freshwater system: New tanks, pumps, and filtration (2021).
• Sewage/blackwater: USCG-compliant holding tanks, macerators, and deck pump-out fittings.
• Greywater: Separate collection and discharge, with filtration.

Fire and Safety

• Fire suppression: Engine room and galley systems, USCG-approved.
• Bilge pumps: High-capacity, automatic and manual, with alarms.

All mechanical systems have been documented, with maintenance logs and manuals available for review.

Navigation Suite

• Chartplotters/MFDs: Garmin 7612xsv 16” touchscreen at helm
• Radar: Garmin GMR Fantom 54 solid-state radar, with MARPA tracking.
• Autopilot: Garmin Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot, with remote control.
• AIS: Garmin AIS 800 Class B transceiver, integrated with chartplotter.
• Depth, speed, wind: Airmar UDST800 ultrasonic transducer, NMEA2000 networked.
• Compass: Ritchie Globemaster magnetic, plus digital fluxgate.

Communications

• VHF radios: Icom M605 fixed-mount at helm, Icom M510 at flybridge, with DSC and hailer.
• Handheld VHF: Standard Horizon HX890, waterproof, with GPS.
• Cellular/WiFi: Pepwave MAX Transit Duo router, Starlink Mini satellite internet.
• Intercom: Wired system between helm, engine room, and crew quarters.

Electrical System

• AC power: 240V/120V, with isolation transformer and surge protection.
• DC power: 24V and 12V systems, with AGM batteries (2023), Victron Energy Cerbo GX monitoring.
• Lighting: LED throughout, with dimmers and emergency backup.
• Shore power: 50/100 amp, with smart switching and load management.

Entertainment and Comfort

• Audio/visual: Sonos multi-zone audio, Samsung 4K TV in salon, Apple TV streaming.
• WiFi: Full-boat coverage, with guest and crew networks.

All electronics are professionally installed, with NMEA2000 backbone for future upgrades. Manuals, schematics, and software licenses are included.

Blue Peter’s interior is a masterwork of classic yacht design, blending original joinery with modern comfort. The layout is ideal for both private cruising and entertaining, with generous public spaces and intimate staterooms.

Guest Capacity:

• Overnight: 8 guests in 5 staterooms
• Day trips: Up to 12 guests (special arrangements possible for larger events)

Staterooms

• Master Suite: Located forward on the main deck, full beam, with twin berths, en suite head with shower, and ample storage.
• VIP Stateroom: Lower Deck Forward, queen berth, shared head with back tub
• Guest Staterooms (x2):On lower deck, Twin with en suite head and Single Midship sharing head with VIP
• Crew Quarters: Separate, forward of galley in bow, with two bunks and head

Heads and Baths

• Total heads: 5 (all with modern marine toilets, sinks, and showers)
• Showers: 3
• Bathtub: Custom in lower deck guest area

Salon and Public Spaces

• Main Salon: Expansive, with original wood-burning fireplace, plush seating, and panoramic windows.
• Dining Area: Formal table for 8 on lower deck, adjacent to galley.
• Aft Deck: Partially covered, with teak recliners, wet bar, grill, and coffee station—ideal for al fresco dining and relaxation.
• Pilothouse: Classic wheelhouse with guest bench, offering commanding views and a favorite spot for guests underway.

Galley

• Appliances: Wolf professional range with hood and oven, Several built-in fridges and freezers, Miele dishwasher, microwave, and trash compactor
• Countertops: Custom built Soapstone in galley and breakfast bar area
• Storage: Ample cabinetry, pantry, and dry stores.
• Service: Family-style or formal, with space for caterers.
• Laundry: Washer and Dryer located in crew area forward of galley

Interior Finishes

• Joinery: Teak and mahogany, restored or replicated to original patterns.
• Flooring: Teak and holly, with area rugs.
• Lighting: Period fixtures, with LED upgrades.
• Soft goods: Custom upholstery, drapes, and bedding.

Amenities

• Fireplace: Wood-burning in main salon, with custom hearth.
• WiFi: Throughout vessel
• Climate control: Individual radiators with controls.

The interior is both a tribute to BLUE PETER’s heritage and a showcase of modern luxury. Every detail has been considered for comfort, beauty, and functionality.

BLUE PETER is equipped with a suite of tenders and auxiliary craft, all kept on the upper deck and launched via davit system

Primary Tender:

• Type: Rendova RIB
• Power: Yamaha 60hp Outboard

Secondary Tender:

• Type: 12’ Whitehall sailing dingy with sliding seat for rowing

Davit System:

• Type: Custom-fabricated for safe and easy launch/retrieval
• Capacity: 1,500 lbs

Additional Craft:

• Kayaks (2), stand-up paddleboards (2)
• RIB tenders is equipped with safety gear, navigation lights, and covers. Davits and chocks are designed for secure stowage and easy deployment.

Safety Equipment, Certification, and Survey Status

BLUE PETER is fully equipped to meet or exceed all current USCG and SOLAS safety requirements for her class and size.

Safety Equipment:

• Life rafts: 2 x 12-person, SOLAS A-pack, serviced 2025
• Life jackets: 24 adult, 12 child, USCG-approved
• Immersion Suits: 5
• EPIRB: ACR GlobalFix V5, registered and tested
• Fire suppression: Engine room (automatic), galley (manual), portable extinguishers throughout
• Smoke and CO detectors: All cabins and public spaces
• Bilge pumps: 6 automatic, 2 manual, high-water alarms
• Flares, signaling devices, and first aid kits: Full complement, current
• MOB (Man Overboard) recovery system: Lifesling, throw rings, retrieval tackle

One of BLUE PETER’s most valuable assets is her transferrable slip at Shilshole Bay Marina; Seattle’s premier deep-water marina.

Slip Details:

• Length: 100 ft (accommodates BLUE PETER with tenders)
• Utilities: 50/100 amp shore power, water, WiFi
• Security: Gated access, 24-hour staff
• Amenities: Parking, showers, laundry, mail service, bike storage
• Liveaboard status: Permitted (with additional fee)
• Transferability: Slip is transferrable to new owner, subject to Port of Seattle approval