Crowther 17.0m (56’) World Cruising Catamaran
Investigator
II was designed by the legendary Lock
Crowther, responsible for many of the worlds finest Catamarans including the
French Catana Production Catamarans and other record
breaking offshore multihulls worldwide.
The very
strong aluminium construction is to
International Classification standards and built to NSW, Australian Survey ( paperwork on file ). With high bridge deck clearance, wide beam
and water tight bulkheads she is a very comfortable, safe and proven offshore
performer. Roller furling headsails and
mainsail, electric sheet winches, comprehensive electronics, anchor operated
from the helm and smooth reliable engines make shorthanded cruising ( a husband
and wife team ) and berthing a breeze. Investigator
II is luxuriously fitted out with all home comforts including a gourmet
galley, spacious saloon, two Queen sized aft cabins, a twin
berth cabin amidships, separate laundry and large bathrooms located forward in
each hull. The cockpit provides a spacious covered outdoor living area and is
protected from the elements with the aft deck seating a perfect place to watch
the sun setting while enjoying a few sundowners with friends. The expansive
foredeck area also makes Investigator II perfect for entertaining and ideal for
use as a charter vessel if desired.
David Williamson, a
very good friend of ours and an engineer, built the boat, fitted the engines,
rigged and launched her in 1982 with absolutely nothing inside but the
two beautifull Celery Pine benches, stove top, sinks, a mattress and a chemical
toilet. He lived a quiet life on board in Pittwater and when he
unfortunately passed away with no family he bequethed Investigator II to a
previous lady friend. She had it sailed to Caboolture in Qld. where it sat in the river for two years
before being lifted out into a boat yard where she languished for a further
seven years before we purchased her in 2003.
I had just retired from
many years in the boatbuilding industry so we stripped everything back to a bare hull
and spent 14 months doing a total interior fitout, mechanical and exterior
refurbishment.
The engines were fitted
new in 1982 and when we purchased the boat only had 1200 hrs on them.
They now have 2850 hrs only and apart from regular oil, filter, impellor and
belt maintenance give us no trouble and have been very reliable.
Investigator II is in
current Australian Registration.
Having sailed Investigator II as a couple for thousands of
miles, coastal hopping up and down the
Australian east coast between Sydney , Cooktown and Lizard Island, we
decided to cruise north around Cape York and into the Gulf. We then crossed the Gulf of Carpenteria to
Gove in strong trade wind conditions which was a test for us but we enjoyed it
so much and were so relaxed and comfortable on arrival we made the decision to
cruise across the N.T. to Darwin via the British Company Islands and join the
2008 Darwin to Kupang Rally. Many new friendships
were made in Darwin and we enjoyed the company cruising and the partying on
arrival in Kupang.
Since then we
have cruised through the Indonesian Islands from Kalabahi to Bali, up to
Singapore, through the Melaka Straits to Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia and up
to Phuket in Thailand. Our one year
Asian cruise has now turned into a five year adventure going as far North as
Ranong in Myanmar, back down to Singapore, up to the Tioman Islands, and up the
East coast of Malaysia to Terengganu and
the Perhentian Islands. From there we
crossed the South China Sea to Kuching in Borneo then sailed on to Brunei,
Labuan and Kota Kinabalu. Mary and I
found the return trip from Miri to Singapore exciting with all the oil rigs,
floating logs and shipping around and we covered the 680nm in 94 hours. We cruised up through the Melaka Straits to
Lumut where we hauled out at the end of October, lifted out the mast and put
Investigator into a covered shed where we re-sprayed the hulls with black
AwlGrip, fitted a new shaft and coupling to the port engine, completely
stripped the mast and fitted new Spectra halyards and mainsail furler stay, re
painted the antifouling and re launched Xmas eve. We are now back in Rebak
Marina, Langkawi, where we are spending the monsoon season, catching up with
friends and doing some land travel.
When we flew to Australia recently to visit our family and grandkids we found them standing
at the airport holding up a sign saying Pop & Mary and realized it was time
to stop our wanderings for a while before they forget our names as well.
Reluctantly we
have now made the decision to sell Investigator II which is in exceptional condition and ready to
cruise. Priced at AUD $ 390,000 Investigator II is well below market value.
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| Saloon |
10:32 AM | 
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Investigator II
