Vessel: Great Island Custom Offshore 38
Name: Narnia
Owners: Erik & Susan S.
Hailing Port: Punta Gorda, FL

Work Scope:

• Awlgrip Hull
• Awlgrip Decks
• Carpentry – Custom Cabinetry, Rails, Hatches, Rudder Cheeks, Cabin Sole, Etc.
• Electrical Systems Design & Installation
• Running Rigging, Spec & Install
• Standing Rigging, Spec & Install
• Deck Hardware, Spec & Install
• Custom Stainless Components, Fabricate & Install
• Engine Repower, Yanmar 200
• Dive Compressor, Spec & Install
• Garmin, Electronics Package
• Weathervane Steering System
• Espar Heater
• Watermaker
• Fuel Polishing System
• Custom Canvas & Cushions
• And much, much more!

In June, our team proudly delivered a custom-finished Great Island Offshore 38, representing GIBY’s first true boat-building effort. While boat service (not building) is the norm at GIBY, our crew was flattered to have been chosen to partner with the owners, Susan and Erik, on this unique and challenging project. Though completion involved a sprint to the finish, the project mostly unfolded gradually over a five year period, as the couple moved closer to retirement and to realizing their sailing dreams.

After the hull arrived at GIBY, our team was charged with turning what was essentially a shell into a finished sailboat, capable of both coastal cruising and circumnavigation. Working closely with the owners, the GIBY team finished the build, stem to stern, ballast to mast.

“This was a wonderfully collaborative effort that called on the expertise of our entire team of technicians and craftsmen, as well as the skill of Ed Joy, a naval architect, who designed the interior,” says Steve Rowe. “GIBY designed the electrical systems and spec’d all of the rigging and deck hardware, equipped the boat with a dive compressor, and added many custom stainless components, including a 31″-high lifeline system that ties into the stern rail where the life raft is stored. GIBY techs powered the boat with a Yanmar 200 (fitted with dual Racor fuel filters) and also installed a fuel polishing system. The mast was provided by Seldan; the sails by Doyle.”

Though set up for heavy weather sailing, Susan and Erik spent their first summer sailing the Maine coast. After a month underway, they returned to GIBY for a scheduled short-haul. A boot stripe was applied, a weather vane steering system was installed, and final punch list items were addressed, before they continued their shakedown. The boat was then wintered, again, at GIBY while they prepared to set their sights on the horizon.

“We could not have asked for better clients on this project,” says Steve. “Susan and Erik are such positive people. Communicating and planning every detail with them was a great experience for us. We’re very grateful to have played a part in preparing them for their next adventure.”