Palmer Johnson 78

Introduction

SIROCCO is an elegant, high-performance, long-range cruising ketch. Her centerboard configuration (7'-2" with board up, 14' with board down) permits access to ports not usually open to so large a vessel. Her 1200 gals. of fuel and 1400 gals. of water gives her a 'go-anywhere' cruising range, and her Caterpillar diesel gives her a comfortable 10 kt cruising speed. She has been continually upgraded both cosmetically and mechanically, including new deck paint (2021), hull paint (2021) and Garmin touch-screen chart system with HD radar and wind instruments. She is ready to cruise the world's oceans in comfort and speed. Seriously for sale.

Accommodations

In the bow is a large sail and gear locker, very well laid out and approx. 6' in length. Aft of this is a collision bulkhead. The owner's stateroom is in the forward part of the vessel, beautifully arranged, extremely light, airy and well ventilated. There is a centerline queen berth, extensive drawer storage and a small settee, linen storage locker and book storage. Aft to starboard is a cedar-lined hanging locker; further aft is a mirrored vanity with swing-out seating, drawer and hair dryer storage locker. The owner's head is to port, beautifully finished in cherry with Corian countertops, small bath tub and shower aft, stainless steel bidet, Mansfield electric head and teak grate.

Moving aft to the passageway, to starboard is a hanging locker and built-in shoe locker.

Continuing aft to starboard is a very comfortable guest stateroom. This cabin has a queen berth outboard, flanked by a four-drawer bureau inboard, and a built-in Panasonic TV forward, with bookshelves. There is a hanging locker, and excellent storage both above and underneath the berth. There is an adjoining head (electric), with stall shower and Corian counters. Bulkheads are Formica with cherry trim.

Opposite is the port side guest stateroom, light and airy with a Goiot hatch for ventilation. This stateroom has upper and lower double berths with storage behind. There is also drawer storage under. Aft of this stateroom is the adjoining head with stall shower. Proceeding out of the center line companionway, which can be separated by a door, there are two shallow steps up to the main saloon.

The interior of SIROCCO is finished in beautiful cherry wood, complimented and lightened by the use of matte white overheads, with solid teak and holly soles throughout. The saloon is generous, with light and ventilation provided by four large overhead hatches. There are L-shaped settees port and starboard, with the hi/lo extension dining table in the starboard settee. There is extensive storage both in lockers and drawers. There is a pilot berth behind the starboard settee. Behind the port settee is the TV and stereo. Aft of the port settee and outboard is the liquor storage, and there is a built-in bar aft in this area as well, complemented by excellent drawer storage. Next aft to starboard is the galley.

The galley is open to the main saloon, and is U-shaped, facing forward. There is excellent counter space, fiddles, excellent storage, a top-loading refrigerator with front-door access and a top-loading freezer. The gimbaled stove is located outboard and can be hidden with cherrywood drop panels.

Adjacent to the galley on centerline is the passageway to the aft cockpit, with a watertight door behind the companionway for access to the engine room. Adjacent to the companionway is a wet locker, and further outboard is access to an additional double stateroom with excellent storage and ventilation, which can also be used as crew quarters.

Forward of this stateroom is a head, and forward of the head is the nav center.

Up the companionway is the large aft cockpit. There is a large cockpit table with centerline foot rest. The cockpit is protected by a dodger and a bimini that can be united. There is engine room access under the starboard seat.

On the foredeck the anchoring system is exceptional, with two large CQR anchors in chocks, the windlass further aft, and excellent deep storage lockers both port and starboard of the sail locker. There is a large lazarette aft.

Sails and Rigging

Ketch-rigged with manual Hood Sto'way main mast and Detroit Offshore Spars mizzen with manual in-mast furling. Headsail and staysail are fitted with Hood furlers.