John Johnson | Yacht Buoy

John Johnson | Yacht Buoy

M/Y 'Sound Endeavor': The Northern Marine 80' Pilothouse LRC Currently For Sale

An Ocean Voyager Reimagined: Exploring the Craftsmanship and Capability of the Northern Marine 80' Pilothouse LRC

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John Johnson - Yacht Buoy
Dec 28, 2024
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For nautical adventurers with an eye for seaworthiness and refined craftsmanship, Sound Endeavor, a 2002 Northern Marine 80' Pilothouse Long Range Cruiser (LRC), represents an exceptional opportunity. And she has just come up for sale! Currently moored in Anacortes, Washington, this vessel is listed for sale at $2,300,000 and offers a pedigree of engineering excellence and thoughtful design.

A Proven Explorer Yacht

Originally launched in 2002 as ZEUS, Sound Endeavor has a storied history of extensive cruising. Northern Marine designed her for serious passage-making, and she has since undergone multiple refits to ensure her systems remain cutting-edge. Most recently, a 2023-2024 refit at the Northern Marine facility brought her to a great standard, including a fresh coat of Awlgrip paint and significant system upgrades. She's as ready for the next adventure as she was on day one.


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Dimensions and Performance

At 80 feet LOA with a beam of 21'6", this explorer yacht offers substantial living and operational space. Her draft ranges from 6'5" to 6'10", and with a displacement of 270,000 lbs, she delivers stability in open - and rough - waters.

Powered by a single Cummins QSK-19 660 HP diesel engine turning at just 1800 RPM, she is capable of long-range cruising. Her efficient hull design allows for a remarkable range of 5,000 nautical miles at 7 knots while burning just one gallon of diesel per mile.

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Key Features from the 2023-2024 Refit

During her recent refit, Sound Endeavor underwent a comprehensive exterior repaint using Awlgrip, ensuring a gleaming and durable finish. The hydraulic systems received a full overhaul, with new hoses and fittings to enhance reliability. The Cummins engine had a top-end rebuild, restoring its performance and longevity, while the generators were comprehensively serviced, including a PTO rebuild on the 27 kW Onan.


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In the engine room, LED lighting upgrades make maintenance more efficient, complementing the new hot water heater, cutlass bearings, and PSS dripless shaft seal. New carpets and luxury vinyl flooring in the lower staterooms elevate the interior ambience. The fire suppression system was rebuilt and recharged, and a fresh layer of bottom paint and a finely tuned propeller ensure peak performance below the waterline.

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Elegant Interiors

Northern Marine's craftsmanship shines throughout Sound Endeavor's interior. The main deck salon features Makore woodwork and a coffered ceiling, with raised panel detailing and brushed silver sconces. An L-shaped leather settee anchors the aft lounge area, complemented by a formal dining space with a Brazilian cherry table for six.


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The galley is equally well-appointed, with premium appliances including a Sub-Zero fridge, Jenn-Air convection oven, and KitchenAid dishwasher. Expansive Corian countertops and abundant storage make it a chef's delight—perfect for extended voyages.

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Accommodations

The accommodations aboard Sound Endeavor are designed for comfort and versatility. The master stateroom, located forward on the main deck, features a centreline king bed flanked by custom Makore cabinetry. The ensuite head includes dual vanities, a glass-enclosed shower with a teak bench, and both a bidet and toilet.

On the lower deck, two VIP cabins provide luxurious sleeping arrangements with queen beds and ensuite heads. One of these cabins includes a bunk-style berth that can be stowed away when not in use, making it ideal for families or additional guests. The third cabin offers upper and lower bunks, perfect for crew or younger passengers.

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Pilot and Flybridge Features

Sound Endeavor's pilothouse is purpose-built for functionality and comfort. Three Stidd helm seats face a thoughtfully arranged dashboard equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and monitoring systems. These include Simrad AP20 and AP25 autopilots, Furuno NavNet systems, and ABT Trac stabiliser controls. A raised leather settee and navigation desk enhance practicality, while heavy-duty Freeman sliding doors allow easy deck access.

The flybridge continues the theme of operational excellence, with wing controls for precise docking and a wet bar with ample seating under a Targa hardtop. A Nautical Structures 3,000-lb davit makes handling tenders or water toys a breeze, ensuring the vessel is well-equipped for extended stays.

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Engine Room and Mechanical Highlights

The engine room is a standout feature, designed with serviceability in mind. The Cummins QSK-19 engine, with 4,096 hours of operation, is supported by three Onan generators. The 27 kW generator powers the hydraulic systems and provides get-home functionality, while the 21 kW generator is ideal for daily operation, and the 9 kW unit excels during quiet night-time use.

Additional systems, including ABT Trac stabilisers, reversing blowers, a Sea Recovery watermaker, and Headhunter heads, contribute to the vessel's capability and comfort. With a hydraulic get-home drive capable of 6 knots, Sound Endeavor is prepared for any journey with multiple layers of redundancy.

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The Perfect Long-Range Cruiser

Whether you dream of crossing oceans or coastal exploration, Sound Endeavor delivers. Her fuel-efficient design, luxurious accommodations, and robust mechanical systems make her a proven platform for adventure.

If you are interested in finding out more about this vessel, or any other explorer yacht, please feel free to contact me. For chartering enquiries or questions on other yachts worldwide, regardless of your budget, don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact me at john@yacht-buoy.com.

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