
Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsPurpose-built for serious exploration, the CustombyRICHARD DUNSTONis a 145 ftmotor yachtin theexpedition yachtclass, engineered on a robuststeel hullwith steel decks. Powered by a single Ruston outboard diesel, it cruises at 9 knots (10.36 mph) and reaches 12 knots (13.81 mph). With 560 GT of volume, interiors by Allori Design, accommodations for up to 12, and 12 heads, it blends capability with comfort for extended passages.
Selecting a Custom
Choose Custom if you value the seakeeping and resilience of a steel yachtpaired with the utility of an authenticexpedition yacht. A 31 ft (9.45 m) beam provides volume and stability, while a 12.467 ft (3.8 m) draft underpins bluewater confidence. At 9–12 knots, the single Ruston outboard diesel emphasizes efficiency and simplicity in a truemotor yachtplatform.
Features of the Model
- Hull and deck: robust steel constructionwith steel decks for durability
- Power: 1 x Ruston outboard diesel engine (diesel fuel)
- Speeds: 9 knots cruising; 12 knots maximum (10.36 / 13.81 mph)
- Volume: 560 GT for generous internal capacity
- Interiors: Allori Design
- Accommodations: up to 12; Heads: 12
- Capacities: Fuel 33,814.02 gal; Fresh water 3,434.24 gal
- Mission: true expedition yacht capabilitywithin a provenmotor yacht platform
Technical Specifications
- LOA: 145 ft (44.2 m)
- Beam: 31 ft (9.45 m)
- Draft (max): 12.467 ft (3.8 m)
- Gross Tonnage: 560 GT
- Engines: 1 x Ruston, outboard, diesel
- Cruising Speed: 9 knots (10.36 mph)
- Maximum Speed: 12 knots (13.81 mph)
- Fuel Capacity: 33,814.02 gallons
- Water Capacity: 3,434.24 gallons
- Hull: steel; Deck: Steel
- Interior Designer: Allori Design
- Accommodations: 12; Heads: 12
Pricing and Ordering
For current pricing, availability, and to schedule a viewing or discuss build and refit pathways for the CustombyRICHARD DUNSTON, contact broker Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales. Our team will guide you through specifications, survey planning, and transaction details tailored to your program.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are the overall dimensions of the Custom? A: TheLOAis 145 ft (44.2 m) with aBeamof 31 ft (9.45 m) and a maximum draft of 12.467 ft (3.8 m).
Q: What speeds can I expect underway? A: The Cruising speedis 9 knots (10.36 mph) and theMaximum speedis 12 knots (13.81 mph).
Q: What is the hull and deck construction? A: It is a motor yachtandexpedition yachtbuilt on asteel hullwithsteel decksfor durability.
Q: How many people can stay on board? A: Accommodationsare for up to 12, withHeadstotaling 12, offering strong liveaboard capability for extended cruising.
Q: Who is the builder and how do I proceed to purchase? A: Builder:RICHARD DUNSTON. To move forward, contactBrokerAndrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales for inspections, negotiations, and closing support.
Owner Experience Review
Owners who pursue Customconversions fromRICHARD DUNSTONdescribe a true expedition platform born from an ocean‑going tug. A well‑documented example is Ariete Primo (built 1967, refit 2006), actively marketed and operated for luxury charter after conversion. The full‑displacement tug hull brings strong seakeeping and a heavily damped motion in a seaway, making long passages and heavy‑weather transits feel composed. Speeds are intentionally modest, but the ride is notably stable and comfortable for guests compared with lighter yachts of similar length.
Onboard comfort reflects the depth of the refit work: reports cite luxury amenities such as a spa, hammam, and gym, and accommodation layouts for up to around 14 guests in multiple en‑suite cabins. Heavy use of teak decks and major systems upgrades were undertaken, including about 45 km of new cabling during the 2004–2006 program. As one owner put it, "Per uno come me che ama lo sport e l’avventura, l’aver dato lustro a uno splendido rimorchiatore d’altura vale l’ebbrezza di un record. Che ti lancia verso nuovi traguardi" — Franco Polti. The trade‑off is a workboat maintenance profile: a steel hull demands periodic steelwork and corrosion control, older Ruston & Hornsby diesels may need specialist spares and know‑how, and both the initial conversion and ongoing service costs are higher than on composite/light‑alloy yachts.
Pros and Cons
- Ocean‑going tug hull delivers excellent seakeeping and a steady, low‑motion ride.
- Long‑range cruising and expedition use are supported by robust construction and large tanks.
- After conversion, layouts are reported to host up to around 14 guests with spa, hammam, and gym.
- Modest speeds by design compared with similar‑length yachts.
- Steel hull and workboat heritage require ongoing corrosion control and heavier shipyard maintenance.
- Older Ruston & Hornsby diesels can require specialist spares and engineering expertise.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom | 145' 0" (44.20 m) | 31' 0" (9.45 m) | 12' 6" (3.80 m) | 9 kn / 12 kn | 560 |

Learn more on the “N/A - Custom”
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