With a heavy-duty build and loads of room above and below decks, a platform like a refurbished minesweeper makes a great private yacht or a spacious charter vessel for a dive operation or expedition business. Plus, there’s an interesting history to go along with it. That’s what makes Cape, a 1958 Bellingham shipyards minesweeper, so appealing. Between her 12 knot cruising speed, 4,000 nautical mile range, and very seaworthy condition, Cape is a boat for many uses.
Bellingham Shipyards was founded in 1941 prior to World War II, and stayed in operation until 1963. During the war, the shipyard produced wooden minesweepers and was the largest privately-owned shipyard in the United States. After the war, under the name Bellingham Marine, the yard continued to build minesweepers for the U.S. and Belgian navies.
The 112’ long Cape had an extensive military career and benefitted from an overhaul of her four diesel engines in the 1970s, just prior to decommissioning. Her first civilian job was as a research vessel under contract for Johns Hopkins University, and then she was put back in military service, briefly, in 1984.
After a few idle years, a private owner purchased Cape and updated some functional features as well as enhancing the creature comforts. Cape’s interior includes five cabins and four heads and she can accommodate 16 for overnight excursions. Electronics include radar, GPS and autopilot but Cape also has a genset, inverter, water-maker, deep freeze, washing machine, and an air compressor. In addition, Cape has water tanks for 2,600 gallons—so guests aboard will lack for almost nothing, including hot showers.
On deck, Cape has plenty of space due to the 23’ beam. She’s able to carry a Boston Whaler tender as well as a liferaft in case of offshore passages. The hydraulic windlass and plenty of anchor rode means anchoring just about anywhere the 10’ draft allows her to roam. Cape is a substantial vessel at 240,000 pounds of displacement, and she’s sure to be noticed upon arrival. And just think of the stories you can spin over happy hour cocktails, when your minesweeper pulls into the marina.
See the listing for Cape, currently offered for sale in Olympia, Washington.
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