Boat of the Month EXTRA - Slater 54 Roama

If you’re in the market for a classic cruising boat, the 54ft wooden cutter ROAMA

The cutter, carvel planked in WA jarrah, has been professionally restored in the last five years by local shipwright Gary Turner and specialised tradesman, with the interstate vendor apparently spending $250,000 on the work.

ROAMA was built by RT Searles and Sons of Adelaide in 1951 to a design by New Zealander Ted Slater and retains all the charm of yesteryear but completely updated where necessary. Her construction consists of carvel planking to the waterline and Queensland beech above with solid 1.6in teak decks and Queensland maple cabin sides.

GLOBAL ROAMA
With two global circumnavigations under the keel during previous ownership, ROAMA is regarded as a superbly built keelboat and certainly up to another big ocean adventured. The seven-ton lead keel is claimed to be the heaviest ever cast on the premises by Searles and the 72-foot Sitka spruce mast a sight to behold.

Cutter rigged, Roama has had all the spars removed, stripped and recoated as well as completely new rigging. Also new are a furler and headsail, boom bag and lazy jacks as well as all-new staunchions, liferails, pushpit and pulpit. A recent addition is the custom-made stainless steel stemhead fitting, beautifully crafted and serious gear for tackling any of the world’s cruising grounds.

Main power is from a fully reconditioned 45hp Lister diesel that’s said to be in perfect running condition. Combined with a large, new four-blade prop, the owner said the old fashioned “horses” provide a comfortable 7-knot cruising speed with great economy.

The restoration also includes two new stainless steel water tanks and two new powdercoated steel fuel tanks boasting a total 1000lt capacity, giving Roama excellent range.

The enclosed centre cockpit affords good weather protection and wide sidedecks give easy access forward to the bow where a new Muir Thor electric anchor winch is fitted and coupled to a 100kg Bruce anchor and 100m of new ½in galvanised chain.

RICH INTERIOR
Down below are six berths, comprising two single berths in the aft cabin, two single berths forward, as well as a quarter berth and settee berth.

The timber interior fitout is considered rich and lustrous, but with plenty of air and light from dorades, hatches, portholes and skylights. A diesel heater is another practical addition for colder climates.

The galley features include a Smev four-burner gas stove with grill and oven, eutectic fridge/freezer, and stainless steel sink with pressurised gas hot-water.

Space and quality of the timberwork are key characteristics of the saloon. Forward lies the separate shower cubicle and enclosed electric toilet as well as two berths. According to the owner, Roama was completely rewired in 2006, has four new batteries, new navigation lights and is fitted with an Icom HF radio, Siewa chartplotter and a CD stereo.

“This stately vessel is a pleasure to sail and the quality throughout is easy to appreciate,” said the vender. “For the lover of timber boats this is quite a find and the cruising grounds of the world await.”

WHERE?
Roama is for sale at $340,000 and available for inspection at Oyster Cove Marina, Kettering (37km south of Hobart). To organise a time, contact Boat Brokers of Tasmania: phone Derek Cragg on (03) 6267 4259 and 0412 619 257, or Steve Taylor on (03) 6243 0020 and 0400 934 974.

FAST FACTS
Slater 54
ROAMA

Material: Carvel planked in WA jarrah, Qld beech topsides, Qld maple cabin sides, teak decks, Sitka spruce mast
Type: Keelboat
Length: 54ft
Beam: 4m
Draft: 2.2m
Weight: 30,000kg
Sleeping: Six in two cabins and saloon
Water: 1000lt
Fuel: 1000lt
Engine:
45hp Lister diesel