Swanson 42

Frances Stewart is a custom-designed masterpiece built over 38 years to standards of perfection by the finest craftsmen in the finest materials. Designed by Ron Swanson in 1980 for the owner with Jim Swanson consulting during the build, the vessel was constructed using Huon Pine, Californian Redwood, American White Oak, Burmese teak, Brazilian Mahogany, and New Guinea Rosewood.

The boat is 90% completed with the owner sadly passing away before completion and launch. The family have calculated that material costs alone exceed 1 million dollars, with decades of master craftsmanship invested throughout.

The build features West system glue and sheathing, a Brazilian Mahogany backbone, laminated American White Oak rib and floor timbers, four-layer planking with Californian Redwood, and Dynel-sheathed hull. All fastenings are 316 stainless steel bolts and bronze nails. External lead ballast of 5¾ tonnes is through-bolted with fourteen 1" 316 stainless steel through floors.

The deck is constructed from two layers of rot-treated ply with 35mm CSR foam insulation, topped with 7/16" Burmese Teak decking. The deckhouse features New Guinea Rosewood and Douglas Fir laminated beams with Huon Pine fan lights and doors, complemented by 10mm laminated heat-treated glass windows.

Interior fit-out was completed by Master Shipwright Ian Morris and Cabinet Maker Roger Singleton, featuring solid timber work in Brazilian Mahogany, Huon Pine, and American White Oak, all hand-done and polished with five coats of International satin varnish. Bulkheads are v-jointed Brazilian Mahogany, main doors are Huon Pine, and benches, tables, and vanity surfaces are also Huon Pine. Flooring throughout is Queensland White Beech.

Included and in many cases fitted as new is an extensive cruising inventory comprising spars, rigging, navigation electronics, machinery, deck hardware, refrigeration, sails, and diesel heater. An existing shed and Master Shipwright Lawrence Giles are available to finish the vessel prior to launching. Full inventory can be supplied upon request.