Blue Peter - CUSTOM FOR SALE

There are boats, and then there are true ships whose wake carries tales across generations and leaves an imprint on countless lives. Craft whose very names summon visions of exploration, grace, and the romance of another age. The 1928 luxury motor yacht Blue Peter is unequivocally one of these. Lying at Seattle’s prized Shilshole Bay Marina, she serves as a living archive of Pacific Northwest yachting heritage. With close to a century of passages behind her, Blue Peter embodies the timeless magnetism of classic wooden motor yachts. Now, after an exceptional, $4+ million restoration and modernization effort completed over the past decade, she is presented for sale—poised to begin her next voyage with a new custodian.

This offering is written to celebrate BLUE PETER’s distinguished pedigree, her mechanical and visual renaissance, and the uncommon chance she represents: a comprehensively restored, turn-key classic motor yacht with a transferable slip at Shilshole Bay Marina—among Seattle’s most sought-after moorings. For the discriminating owner, BLUE PETER is more than a luxury yacht; she is an invitation to join a living legacy.

Blue Peter took shape when Seattle was asserting itself as a hub for yacht design and boatbuilding. Commissioned by noted architect John Graham Sr., she was penned by the famed naval architect Ted Geary, whose mark on Pacific Northwest yachting is beyond dispute. Constructed at Lake Union Dry Dock Company, Blue Peter is one of a select few 96-foot fantail motor yachts launched in the region in the late 1920s—a golden era that yielded many enduring classics, yet none with a narrative quite as compelling as hers.

Her name, “Blue Peter,” comes from the International Code flag P, raised to signal a vessel’s imminent sailing. That ethos of preparedness and adventure for the journey ahead is stitched into the very fabric of her character.

Homeports over the years

Launched in 1928, Blue Peter quickly became a fixture in Seattle’s yachting scene. Her first owner, John Graham Sr., a leading architect, realized his vision in collaboration with Geary and the master craftsmen of Lake Union Dry Dock, and the vessel’s elegant lines, iconic fan-tail stern, and luxurious accommodations set a new standard for Pacific Northwest motor yachts. Following Graham’s stewardship, she cruised the waters of San Francisco and Los Angeles before returning to the Northwest in the late 1930s. During World War II, she was requisitioned by the U.S. Army and served as a transport for workers on the Canol Pipeline project in Alaska—a testament to her robust construction, comfort, and seaworthiness.

After the war, Blue Peter was rescued from surplus by Horace W. McCurdy, a renowned shipbuilder and civic leader. McCurdy’s affection for the yacht was legendary; he undertook a five-year restoration, sourcing aged teak from the windjammer HOMEWARD BOUND to match the original joinery. His stewardship imbued Blue Peter with a unique personality—one that responded, in his words, to the care and respect of her crew and guests. Under McCurdy, Blue Peter became a floating salon for Seattle’s elite, hosting dignitaries, the University of Washington Husky Marching Band, and countless Opening Day celebrations. She was a Seafair VIP boat for nine years and a beloved participant in the Classic Yacht Association’s annual rendezvous.

In more recent years, Blue Peter has been the pride and joy of Chuck and Linda Barbo, who have continued her tradition of hospitality and adventure. The Barbos have welcomed guests aboard for cruises throughout the Salish Sea, from Olympia to the San Juan Islands, and have ensured that every upgrade and repair honors the vessel’s heritage. Chuck’s deep love for the boat is not easy to put into words, a true passion evident in the care and upkeep of the vessel. Blue Peter’s role as a committee boat for regattas, her appearances at the Wooden Boat Festival, and her ongoing participation in classic yacht events have cemented her status as a Pacific Northwest treasure. She is not just a yacht; she is a beloved member of the region’s maritime community, a reputation the Barbos hope continues for many years to come.

Maintenance, repair, rebuild

Over the past decade BLUE PETER has been the focus of a restoration and modernization campaign of exceptional scope and quality. With over $4 million invested, the guiding philosophy was restoration without compromise, preserving her historic character while seamlessly integrating the finest contemporary technology, safety, and comfort. The centerpiece of this renaissance was a multi-year refit at Haven Boatworks in Port Townsend, Washington, a yard renowned for its mastery of wooden yacht restoration. Under the direction of master shipwrights, every element was scrutinized, restored, or upgraded as required, drawing on the talents of local artisans, marine engineers, and systems specialists to balance tradition with innovation at every turn.

Structural integrity and the purity of her lines were paramount. The hull underwent a complete survey and restoration, with frames, planks, and fastenings replaced or sistered as needed. Extensive attention to the fan-tail stern ensured enduring strength while preserving the yacht’s iconic profile. Decks were rebuilt with one-and-one-eighth-inch carvel-planked teak, and the bulwarks were renewed in yellow cedar capped with purple heart covering boards, uniting durability with period authenticity.

Mechanical and systems upgrades were executed to deliver quiet power and modern reliability. The engines were rebuilt and fitted with advanced vibration isolation and soundproofing. Shafts were replaced and upsized to new three-and-one-quarter-inch specifications to allow for future repower, four hundred hp capable, with stern tubes and surrounding structure upgraded, upsized, and rebuilt in concert. Propulsion was further refined with two 41” x 40” five-blade propellers sourced from Midland, Michigan. Electrical resilience arrived with a new Northern Lights 20 kW generator and its associated systems. Plumbing, freshwater, and sewage installations were replaced throughout with marine‑grade components, while steering, controls, and safety systems were modernized for unwavering reliability and compliance.

Belowdecks, the interior was restored with reverence for her era. Original joinery was meticulously conserved or replicated with careful attention to period details. Staterooms, salon, and galley were refreshed with new soft goods, fixtures, and finishes, and custom cabinetry, hardware, and lighting were crafted to blend seamlessly with historic elements, elevating comfort without compromising authenticity.

Navigation and onboard intelligence were brought fully up to date. An advanced suite—including chartplotters, radar, AIS, and communications—was installed and tied together with an integrated NMEA2000 backbone for future expandability. Redundant systems enhance safety and ease of operation, ensuring confident passagemaking.

On deck and aloft, her presentation matches her pedigree. The hull and superstructure were completely stripped, faired, and repainted, and brightwork received multiple coats of varnish for exquisite depth and long-lasting protection. All exterior hardware was polished, re‑chromed, or replaced as appropriate, returning every detail to showpiece condition.

Tenders were renewed or fully restored, with upgraded davits and launch systems for effortless deployment. Safety equipment was brought up to or exceeding current USCG and SOLAS standards, and fire suppression, alarms, and emergency systems were installed or upgraded to meet the most rigorous expectations.

Every step of the project is traceable. Comprehensive photographic and written documentation records all work performed, while maintenance logs, survey reports, and provenance files are organized for seamless transfer to the new owner.

The result is a yacht that is, in every sense, better than new. BLUE PETER retains her soul and historic ambiance yet delivers the reliability, comfort, and safety expected of a modern superyacht, ready for immediate cruising, charter, or continued participation in classic yacht events.

Construction and structural details

Built with yellow cedar planking over double-sawn Douglas fir frames measuring 3.75 by 7.25 inches, the hull is further fortified by an Iron Bark keel shoe, a Douglas fir bilge keel, a Douglas fir keel, and a Douglas fir guard. Newly carvel-planked in 1-1/8-inch teak, the double teak decks are complemented by new purpleheart covering boards and yellow cedar bulwarks. The superstructure employs mixed hardwood framing sheathed with marine-ply and GRP overtop, while a fan-tail stern, two decks, and a classic raised pilothouse define the design.

The choice of yellow cedar for the hull reflects the best practices of 1920s yacht construction, prized for strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to rot—qualities that have underpinned BLUE PETER’s longevity. The double-sawn fir frames provide a robust backbone, and the double teak decks bring durability, a timeless aesthetic, and a soft quietness down below. All structural work during the restoration adhered to traditional methods, with modern adhesives and bronze fastenings employed where appropriate for longevity. The hull was thoroughly inspected, and any compromised elements were replaced using matching materials and techniques.

Following the recent restoration, the hull is in exceptional condition. Surveys confirm that all structural members are sound, with moisture readings and fastener integrity well within acceptable limits. The hull is faired and painted to a mirror finish, with underwater coatings applied for optimal protection.

Mechanical systems and recent overhauls

Power comes from twin Caterpillar D334 320 hp diesels showing 6,560 and 6,510 hours, each benefitting from complete rebuilds in 2020 with new engine mounts, controls, and monitoring systems. The transmissions and shafts were inspected, aligned, and serviced, with new cutless bearings and seals fitted, and the shaft upgraded to 3-1/4 inches to allow for future repair up to 400 hp. A fully renewed, marine‑grade, water‑cooled exhaust system enhances safety and reduces noise.

Electrical generation and distribution are equally robust, led by a primary Northern Lights 20 kW M844LW3.3 generator with 1,868 hours, installed new in 2021 and enclosed for sound attenuation. Custom‑built electrical panels provide digital monitoring and comprehensive circuit protection, while 50 amp shore power is managed through an isolation transformer and surge protection. Seven Outback VXFR3524A inverters, installed in 2025, deliver efficient AC conversion, and a bank of thirteen FullRiver Group 21-L16 Deep Cycle batteries supplies dependable reserve power.

Onboard comfort is assured by a Kabola B17 diesel boiler with circulation pump commissioned in 2026, delivering efficient heating and air conditioning support, with hot water provided by the diesel boiler or AC Electric. Insulation has been upgraded throughout to elevate thermal efficiency and dampen sound.

Handling is precise thanks to hydraulic steering with new pumps, rams, and controls installed in 2022, complemented by a redundant manual backup for safety and compliance.

Plumbing systems were comprehensively renewed in 2021 with new freshwater tanks, pumps, and filtration. Sewage and blackwater are managed by USCG‑compliant holding tanks, macerators, and deck pump‑out fittings, while greywater is separately collected and discharged through dedicated filtration.

Safety systems include USCG‑approved fire suppression serving the engine room and galley, and high‑capacity bilge pumps operating in both automatic and manual modes with alarms.

All mechanical systems have been documented, with maintenance logs and manuals available for review.

Electrical, electronics, navigation, and communications

At the helm, a Garmin 7612xsv 16-inch touchscreen chartplotter/MFD anchors a comprehensive navigation suite that includes a Garmin GMR Fantom 54 solid-state radar with MARPA tracking, a Garmin Reactor 40 hydraulic autopilot with remote control, and a Garmin AIS 800 Class B transceiver integrated with the chartplotter. An Airmar UDST800 ultrasonic transducer delivers depth, speed, and wind over the NMEA2000 network, while a Ritchie Globemaster magnetic compass is complemented by a digital fluxgate for precise heading reference.

Seamless communications are ensured by an Icom M605 fixed-mount VHF at the helm and an Icom M510 at the flybridge, both with DSC and hailer, backed by a waterproof Standard Horizon HX890 handheld VHF with GPS. Connectivity comes via a Pepwave MAX Transit Duo router paired with Starlink Mini satellite internet, and a wired intercom links the helm, engine room, and crew quarters for clear onboard coordination.

The electrical system provides 240V/120V AC power protected by an isolation transformer and surge protection, alongside robust 24V and 12V DC systems supported by AGM batteries installed in 2023 and monitored through a Victron Energy Cerbo GX. LED lighting spans the yacht with dimmers and emergency backup, and shore power is offered at 50/100 amp with smart switching and load management to optimize efficiency and safety.

For entertainment and comfort, Sonos multi-zone audio pairs with a Samsung 4K TV in the salon and Apple TV streaming, all delivered over full-boat WiFi coverage with separate guest and crew networks. All electronics are professionally installed on an NMEA2000 backbone for future upgrades, and manuals, schematics, and software licenses are included.

Accommodation and interior features

Blue Peter’s interior is a masterwork of classic yacht design, blending original joinery with modern comfort. The layout is ideal for both private cruising and entertaining, with generous public spaces and intimate staterooms. She welcomes eight guests overnight in five staterooms and up to twelve guests for day trips, with special arrangements possible for larger events.

The full-beam master suite is positioned forward on the main deck and features twin berths, an en suite head with shower, and ample storage. The lower deck forward VIP stateroom offers a queen berth and shares a head with a bathtub. Two additional guest staterooms on the lower deck comprise a twin with an en suite head and a single midship that shares a head with the VIP. Separate crew quarters are set forward of the galley in the bow, fitted with two bunks and a head.

There are five heads in total, all with modern marine toilets, sinks, and showers, complemented by three showers and a custom bathtub in the lower deck guest area.

The main salon is expansive, with an original wood-burning fireplace, plush seating, and panoramic windows, creating a warm, convivial heart of the yacht. A formal dining area on the lower deck, adjacent to the galley, centers on a table for eight. A partially covered aft deck invites al fresco living with teak recliners, a wet bar, a grill, and a coffee station—ideal for dining and relaxation underway or at anchor. The classic pilothouse provides a guest bench and commanding views, a perennial favorite perch while cruising.

Designed for both effortless family service and polished entertaining, the galley is equipped with a Wolf professional range with hood and oven, several built-in fridges and freezers, a Miele dishwasher, a microwave, and a trash compactor. Custom-built soapstone countertops in the galley and breakfast bar area complement ample cabinetry, a pantry, and dry stores, with space to accommodate caterers. A washer and dryer are located in the crew area forward of the galley.

Authentic teak and mahogany joinery, restored or faithfully replicated to original patterns, pairs with teak-and-holly flooring accented by area rugs. Period lighting fixtures feature LED upgrades, while custom upholstery, drapes, and bedding elevate comfort. Amenities include the wood-burning fireplace in the main salon with a custom hearth, WiFi throughout the vessel, and climate control via individual radiators with dedicated controls. The interior is both a tribute to Blue Peter’s heritage and a showcase of modern luxury, with every detail considered for comfort, beauty, and functionality.

Tenders, davits, and auxiliary systems

BLUE PETER carries a thoughtfully curated suite of tenders and auxiliary craft, all stowed on the upper deck for swift operations and launched via a robust davit system. The primary tender is a Rendova RIB powered by a Yamaha 60 hp outboard, while the secondary tender is a 12' Whitehall sailing dinghy featuring a sliding seat for efficient rowing. The RIB tender is equipped with safety gear, navigation lights, and protective covers, and the davits and chocks are engineered for secure stowage and effortless deployment. Additional personal watercraft include two kayaks and two stand-up paddleboards, broadening the yacht’s on-the-water versatility. The custom-fabricated davit system is designed for safe, easy launch and retrieval with a capacity of 1,500 lbs.

Regarding safety equipment, certification, and survey status, BLUE PETER is fully equipped to meet or exceed all current USCG and SOLAS safety requirements for her class and size. Onboard provisions include two 12-person life rafts with SOLAS A-pack serviced in 2025; 24 adult and 12 child USCG-approved life jackets; five immersion suits; and an ACR GlobalFix V5 EPIRB, registered and tested. Fire protection is comprehensive, with an automatic system in the engine room, a manual system in the galley, and portable extinguishers distributed throughout. All cabins and public spaces are monitored by smoke and CO detectors, and bilge management is ensured by six automatic and two manual bilge pumps with high-water alarms. A full, current complement of flares, signaling devices, and first-aid kits is carried, and man-overboard recovery is supported by a dedicated MOB (Man Overboard) system featuring a Lifesling, throw rings, and retrieval tackle.

Transferrable slip information

One of BLUE PETER’s most valuable assets is her transferrable slip at Shilshole Bay Marina, Seattle’s premier deep-water marina. The berth measures 100 feet and comfortably accommodates BLUE PETER with tenders, and it is fully serviced with 50/100 amp shore power, water, and WiFi. Security is comprehensive, with gated access and a twenty-four-hour staff. Shore-side conveniences include parking, showers, laundry, mail service, and bike storage, and liveaboard status is permitted with an additional fee. The slip is transferrable to the new owner, subject to Port of Seattle approval.

Disclaimer

All details are presented in good faith; however, the accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed, nor can the condition of the vessel be warranted. The yacht is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from the market without notice. This information is provided as a convenience by the broker to its clients and is not intended to constitute direct representation of any specific yacht offered for sale.