Custom-Built Bilge-Keel Bluewater Cutter, Same Family Since New, Extensively Equipped for Long-Range Cruising
This 1980 Navigateurs J.E.L. Custom 37 is a one-off, purpose-built cruising sailboat with genuine history, substantial cruising equipment, and continuous ownership within the family that commissioned her construction.
The current owner's father had the boat custom built, and she has remained in the same family since new. Rather than an assembly-line production cruiser, she was designed and equipped as a capable long-range sailing vessel. Her cutter rig, bilge-keel configuration, substantial ground tackle, independent electrical generation, and cruising inventory make that purpose immediately clear.
The cutter rig includes an aluminum keel-stepped mast and aluminum boom, Profurl roller furling on the headstay, and a Facnor LS130 furling unit on the cutter stay. Her sail inventory includes a mainsail, 100% jib, staysail, storm jib, and gale sail. Sail handling is supported by six two-speed Lewmar winches and two additional single-speed Lewmar winches. The standing rigging cables were replaced in stages from 2020 through 2023 and inspected upon completion in 2023 by Cayo Quenado Sails and Rigging.
Auxiliary power comes from a naturally aspirated Nanni Marine N4.50 50 HP diesel with approximately 2,000 hours. The engine powers a Sauer Danfoss hydraulic drive connected to a 1-1/4-inch stainless shaft and three-blade bronze 19 x 16 propeller. A PSS shaft seal was installed in 2024.
For anchoring, she carries a 40 kg Rocna with approximately 150 feet of 3/8-inch chain, a 45 lb CQR with approximately 150 feet of rode, an additional emergency anchor, and a Lofrans Tigres 1500W electric windlass.
Navigation equipment includes a Raymarine C95 radar/chartplotter/depth system, AIS transponder with GPS, Furuno Nav-500 hydraulic autopilot, DST800 speed/depth instrumentation, Galaxy Aquameter compass, mounted VHF, and handheld VHF.
For extended cruising and time away from shore power, charging sources include a high-output engine alternator, 250-watt solar panel, additional 100-watt adjustable solar panel with Blue Sky Solar Boost 3024i controller, and wind generator. The battery bank consists of a Lifeline Group 24 AGM starting battery and four Rolls 225Ah 6V AGM house batteries, with the current battery bank installed in 2023.
Below deck is a traditional cruising arrangement with a forward V-berth cabin, enclosed head to port, storage lockers to starboard, main salon with port settee, convertible starboard settee, navigation station, quarter berth, and U-shaped galley. Interior construction incorporates marine and teak plywood, solid teak trim, and a teak-and-holly veneer cabin sole. Sleeping capacity is listed for five, and the boat is considered suitable for liveaboard use.
A 10-foot AB RIB with Mercury 9.9 HP two-stroke outboard is also included.
For the sailor looking beyond production-boat cosmetics for a distinctive, heavily equipped cruising platform with genuine provenance, this custom cutter deserves a close look.
While we will always attempt to provide you with a TRUE representation of every vessel we market, during any purchase from Pop you will be encouraged to schedule an inspection from an independent, accredited surveyor and every purchase WILL ALWAYS BE subject to your satisfaction with the results from your independent survey and your own personal trial run.
Condition:
The vessel shows normal cosmetic wear consistent with her age and extensive cruising use. Interior woodwork, upholstery, deck surfaces, hardware, and exterior finishes show age in areas but appear serviceable in the listing photos.
The seller reports the mechanical and operational systems function as intended. Sails are reported serviceable with slides and bindings intact.
The vessel has been stored on the hard and completely covered since its last haulout in 2024. Given the vessel's age and custom construction, an independent marine survey and mechanical inspection are recommended.
Recent Maintenance:
Standing rigging cables were replaced in stages from 2020 through 2023 and inspected upon completion in 2023 by Cayo Quenado Sails and Rigging, a certified master rigger.
The hull below the waterline was refinished in 2021 at RAM Marina in Guatemala using AWLGRIP epoxy primer and two-component polyurethane paint.
The current battery bank was installed in 2023 at RAM Marina in Guatemala.
Recent Repairs:
A PSS shaft seal was installed in 2024 at Marathon Shipyard.
Standing rigging cables were replaced in stages from 2020 through 2023, with the completed rigging inspected in 2023 by Cayo Quenado Sails and Rigging.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p9eAz452bE
Owners: 2
Non-Smoking
Boat Type: Bilge Keel
Hulls: 1
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Designer: Navigateurs J.E.L.
Engines: 1
Engine Type: Inboard
Drive: Direct Drive Sauer Danfoss Hydraulic
Engine: Nanni Marine N4.50
Horsepower: 50
Engine Hours: 2000
Propeller: Bronze
Max Draft: 5.8 ft
Weight: 32,000 lbs
Berths: 4
Cabins: 1
Saltwater Use
Liveaboard Capable
Dinghy Included: COABM51021D020 AB 10' RIB
Accommodations: Cabin Lighting, Cabinets, Composting Toilet, Dinette, Hanging Locker, Head, Heat, Port Holes, Pressurized Water System, Refrigerator, Salon, Settee, Shower, Sink - Galley, Stove / Oven, V Berth, Window Treatments
Construction Features: Bottom Paint Antifouling
Deck Gear: Anchor, Anchor Locker, Anchor Rode, Bimini, Bow Pulpit, Bow Rail, Cleats - Fixed, Cockpit Seating, Fridge - Cockpit, Non-skid Deck, Propane Tanks, Self Bailing Cockpit, Steering Wheel, Swim Ladder ( Stern ), Swim Platform, Transom - Closed, Windlass
Electrical Systems: 110v AC Outlets, 12 V DC Outlets, AC Electric Panel, Alternator, Battery Switch, Courtesy Lights, Galvanic Isolator, Number Of Batteries, Shore Power, Solar Charger, Solar Panel, Stereo, Tachometer, Water Heater
Mechanical Systems: Bilge Pump, Holding Tanks, Rudder, Throttle/shift: Mech, Water Tanks, Whale Tail
Navigational Equipment: AIS System, Autopilot, Compass, GPS / Plotter, Masthead Light:, Navigation Lights, Radar Dome, Separate Depth Sounder, VHF, VHF Antenna
Rigging: Backstay, Blocks, Boom, Chain Plates, Forestay, Lifelines, Mast, Rigging Hardware, Running Rigging, Sheet Roller Cars, Standing Rigging, Traveler, Winches - Manual
Safety Equipment: Emergency Tiller, Engine Kill Switch, Grab Rails
Sails: Covers - Sail, Dodger, Downhaul, Main Sail, Roller Furling Jib, Staysail, Storm Jib
