1990 Ta Shing Mason 44 for Sale

FOR SALE MASON 44, 1990, hull #152 FRANCES B The Mason 44 design is the epitome of beauty combined with brawn. We chose the Mason 44 for high latitudes cruising because of the very strong reinforced hull construction inherent in the original design, including eight full length longitudinal stringers, transverse stringers and six structural bulkheads. On the builders' part the overall attention to detail in the joinery and finish is exceptional. This is shown in the particularly strong attachments of all bulkheads to the hull and deck and the immensely strong and watertight connection of the deck to the hull. The deck balsa core was installed in small sections each encapsulated within a resin coating so there is never a risk of water migrating through the core. The teak interior and newly varnished floorboards emphasize the carpenter’s skills. The August 2019 Alexseal paint job brings out the graceful Mason hull lines. When we bought the boat we updated and improved areas like the galley and the heads plumbing. As well as the items listed below. THE RIG. The rigging wires are 316 stainless. All chain plates have been removed and replaced with 316L stainless of heavier gauge. The mast rigging tangs are now of titanium. The masthead gussets supporting the headstay and backstay have been doubled. The base under the mast heel has been rebuilt and stiffened to stand up to the loads from the rigging wires. The main boom now carries two additional winches to allow reducing sail area to the 3rd and 4th reef (which takes the place of a separate trysail). ON DECK. The cockpit well has been additionally supported with two partial transverse bulkheads underneath. The drop boards have been replaced with a door. This area can also be further protected in storm conditions with a removable ½” Lexan piece. The ports and windows of the deckhouse have ½ Lexan removable covers. The two large hatches on the deckhouse have been replaced with Bomar hatches which have Lexan lenses resting on internal cross pieces. ANCHORING. There is 400 feet of G40 heavily galvanized chain. A new Lofrans Falkon windlass (rated to up to 60 feet LOA boats) can handle this length of chain in strong wind conditions. Additionally, there is 600 feet of ¾ nylon line with chain. Also 3 other anchors suitable for anchoring in challenging bottoms like kelp covered or hard sand. ENGINE. The whole length of exhaust system has been replaced. A 3 step exhaust system has been installed to prevent possible engine flooding when sailing in storm conditions: a valve at the transom, in the lazarette and a valve to protect the exhaust manifold. New engine mounts, new turbocharger, new mixing elbow, new raw water pump, new fuel lift pump. STEERING. New (2015) steering wheel pedestal with a larger steering wheel and a bronze quadrant. Items to rig an emergency steering tiller are aboard. The powerful Aries wind vane on the stern to be used when under sail. A CPT autopilot used when under power complete with a spare unit. IN THE CABIN. New (2016) FORCE 10 three burner and oven cooking stove. A Sig Mar diesel heater with a balanced discharge/intake system (which prevents oxygen starvation inside and monoxide poisoning). This system and a small fan under the fire box reduce the chance of back drafts. All bunks equipped with lee cloths and higher fiddles installed in the galley and on the chart table. Powerful 3800 Watts inverter/charger can deliver AC power while at sea. I have written an extensive, detailed manual for all systems and their operation on this particular yacht. Since the purchase in 2010 the yacht has served us very well for cruising to remote locations; Greenland, Labrador, Newfoundland among them. I have authored 18 feature length articles about adventures on Frances B in yachting magazines in the US and the UK. The yacht has also adorned magazine covers and sailing calendars. The time has come for us to downsize from Mason 44. We now plan to have two smaller sailboats, one of them to stay in the north and be much closer to our preferred cruising destinations. The boat is available for inspection in St John's Yacht Harbor in Charleston, S.C. For more information please contact: Tom or Nancy at mollymawkinc@gmail.com, phone 912-704-6715 I