1963 Custom Penbo Hardtop Cruiser “SCARLET”

MAJOR STRUCTURAL REFIT AND RELAUNCHED IN 2000 BY THOMAS TOWNSEND CUSTOM WOODWORKING, MYSTIC, CT (A MASTER WOODEN BOATBUILDER WHO OWNED THIS PENBO)

CONSTRUCTION:

• Carvel cedar planking over white oak frames; bronze fastened and refastened between 2001-2005.
• Douglas fir deck structure.
• Traditional wooden Downeast hull design.
• Butterfly hatches for ventilation.
• 2' teak swim platform.
• Cockpit bimini.

TANKAGE:

Fuel: 120 gallons in Monel tank.

Water: 110 gallons in a poly tank.

Holding: 35 gallons.

ENGINE:

• Single Crusader 305 5.0L V8, 330 hp, gas engine with 1228 hours.
• Borg Warner 2.5:1 reduction gear.
• Cruising speed: 8 knots.
• Maximum speed: 12 knots.
• Fuel consumption: Approximately 4.3 gph at cruise.
• Range: approximately 180 miles.
• New risers and headers, 2023.

ELECTRICAL:

• 12V electrical system.
• Batteries: House: 2 AGM 8D batteries, 2016; Start: 2 AGM 12V, 2025.
• 2,000w inverter.
• 160w solar panel, installed 2018.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

Below, the cabin has a warm, traditional feel with classic Butternut joinery. A small "Skippy" wood burning stove adds charm and a cozy feel off season, making the boat comfortable well into spring and late fall. The layout includes a forward vee berth, additional bunks in salon, a head, and an open galley arrangement with 12V Adler Barbour refrigeration

• Butternut interior trim.

ELECTRONICS:

• Garmin GPS/Radar XSV/Chartplotter, 2018.
• Sonar suite.
• Raymarine ST8002 autopilot.
• Ritchie compass.

EQUIPMENT:

• Windlass,
• 15 kg Bruce anchor.
• 25 lb Danforth anchor.
• Swim platform.
• Winter cover.
• Mast with staying sail.
• Marconi Rig - Tan Bark canvas, 2020.
• Fireboy FE241 fire suppression system, serviced 2026.
• 3 fire extinguishers.
• 15 life jackets.
• Shower hose adjacent to the cockpit.

COMMENTS: SCARLET carries some interesting history. She was once owned by Tom Townsend himself and earlier served as the tender to the America's Cup challenger Nefertiti, when she went by the name King Tut III. Power comes from a Crusader 305 gas V8 installed in 2005. The gasoline engine provides a smooth and relatively quiet ride compared with many traditional diesel installations. A steadying sail on the mast helps reduce roll while underway, and the solar panel provides enough electrical independence for extended time away from the dock. Heavy duty davits are also installed for carrying a small tender. This Penbo has even received attention in Wooden Boat Magazine, appearing in issues 161 and 269.

Designer Carl Lane was a respected Maine Boat designer associated with Penobscot Boat Works in Rockport, Maine, builder of the well-known Penbo series of trawler style cruising boats during the 1960's and early 1970's. Working with his son Bob Lane, he developed a line of practical cruising yachts inspired by Maine commercial work boats, emphasizing seaworthy hull forms, economical operation, and simple, functional layouts.

Penbo gained a reputation for their solid wooden construction and dependable performance, and many remain in service today as Classic Downeast Cruisers. The Penbo designs are recognized for blending traditional Maine boatbuilding with comfortable coastal cruising capabilty.