Asking PriceBroker
$3,520,000 THB
+10 moreYear1987
Length13.6m
FuelDiesel
Overview
About this vessel
Argos is a 1987 Celestial 44 centre-cockpit ketch, offering the substantial construction, protected cockpit and versatile sail plan associated with traditional long-distance cruising yachts, combined with a number of important upgrades completed during recent ownership.
Purchased by her current owner approximately four years ago, Argos has benefited from investment in several of the areas that matter most to cruising sailors. Her Rolly Tasker mainsail and furling genoa were replaced in 2024, the diesel engine was installed approximately ten years ago, the electric windlass is around three years old, and the house batteries were replaced within the last 12 months.
For extended periods away from marinas, she carries an 800Ah battery bank, 500W of solar generation, Victron MPPT solar charging and a 2,000W Victron inverter.
With six berths, saloon air-conditioning, substantial fuel capacity and an included tender, she offers a practical platform for exploring Thailand and cruising further throughout Southeast Asia.
Recent Investment in the Cruising Essentials
One of the more attractive aspects of Argos is the investment made in several high-value systems that buyers of older cruising yachts typically need to consider.
Her Rolly Tasker mainsail and furling genoa date from 2024, giving the next owner a relatively recent primary sail inventory.
The standing rigging has also previously been replaced and upgraded to an oversized specification. The exact replacement date is not documented in the information currently available, although the owner advises that it was completed less than ten years ago. Prospective purchasers should establish its precise condition and suitability as part of their pre-purchase survey.
Ketch Rig & Protected Centre Cockpit
The Celestial 44 was designed around a traditional centre-cockpit cruising configuration.
Her ketch rig divides the sail area between mainsail, genoa and mizzen, providing considerable flexibility when balancing the yacht in changing conditions and allowing sail area to be progressively reduced when sailing short-handed.
The protected centre cockpit positions the crew securely within the yacht rather than at the extreme stern and creates useful separation between the yacht's accommodation areas.
For owners planning coastal cruising around Thailand or longer passages through Southeast Asia, this configuration provides the versatility expected of a traditional offshore cruising yacht.
Auxiliary Power
Auxiliary power is provided by a 2015 Yanmar diesel engine, currently showing approximately 1,500 running hours according to the information supplied.
The relatively powerful engine installation provides useful reserve power for manoeuvring, motoring through adverse conditions and operating a substantial cruising yacht.
Upgraded Solar & Electrical System
Argos has been equipped to reduce reliance on shore power when cruising or spending extended periods at anchor.
Her domestic electrical system includes approximately 800Ah house battery capacity with batteries less than 12 months old, approximately 500W solar array, Victron MPPT solar controller, and Victron 2,000W inverter.
This provides a useful foundation for extended cruising and allows everyday domestic equipment to be operated while spending time away from marina facilities.
Comfortable Liveaboard Accommodation
Argos provides generous accommodation for extended cruising without moving into the size and complexity of a substantially larger yacht.
The interior provides sleeping accommodation for four people in two cabins, making her suitable for a cruising couple with guests or a family planning longer periods aboard.
The centre-cockpit arrangement provides good separation between the yacht's principal living and sleeping areas, an advantage when spending extended periods aboard.
Equipment includes comfortable saloon with air-conditioning, functional cruising galley, 12V refrigerator, microwave, electric marine toilet, shower, hand basin, and hot and cold running water.
Navigation & Cruising Equipment
Navigation and communication equipment includes GPS, chartplotter, autopilot, echo sounder, VHF radio, and navigation lights.
The GPS and autopilot are approximately five years old, bringing two important navigation systems considerably more up to date than the yacht herself.
A tender with 3.5HP outboard motor is also included with the sale.
A Practical Platform for Extended Cruising
At this age, the value of a cruising yacht is determined much more by her present condition, equipment and maintenance history than simply by her build year.
Argos benefits from a number of relatively recent upgrades, particularly her 2024 sails, recent house batteries, solar and Victron electrical system, newer windlass and replacement diesel engine.
There are also areas where buyers should carry out their normal due diligence. The exact age of the standing rigging is not documented, although the owner advises it is less than ten years old, while the last antifouling was approximately three years ago. These are sensible items to investigate during survey rather than assumptions built into the listing.
For buyers seeking a substantial centre-cockpit cruising ketch in Thailand, with comfortable liveaboard accommodation and useful off-grid capability already installed, Argos offers an interesting platform from which to begin a longer-distance cruising programme.
Specifications
The details
Vessel
Year1987
Dimensions
Length overall13.6m
Engine & Fuel
Fuel typeDiesel
Features
On board
Rolly Tasker mainsail (2024)
Rolly Tasker furling genoa (2024)
Oversized standing rigging
Electric windlass
Ketch rig with mizzen
Lazy bag system
Yanmar diesel engine
Autopilot
GPS chartplotter
Echo sounder
VHF radio
Navigation lights
800Ah house battery bank
500W solar array
Victron MPPT solar controller
Victron 2,000W inverter
Saloon air-conditioning
12V refrigerator
Microwave
Electric marine toilet
Shower
Tender with 3.5HP outboard
