Nicholson 48 – Classic Offshore Ketch
Bluewater Pedigree · Spacious Layout · Refit Opportunity
Raymond Wall designed this Nicholson 48, and Camper & Nicholsons/Halmatic built her in 1975. She’s a true bluewater cruiser with a proven pedigree. Only 42 were produced, which makes her a sought-after design among serious offshore sailors.
This particular yacht needs cosmetic attention and systems updating. Even so, she offers a solid foundation for a rewarding refit. For hands-on sailors, it’s a chance to shape a capable, long-distance cruiser.
In 2012, the GRP hull was professionally stripped and reinforced with two new fibreglass layers. Thanks to her medium-long encapsulated keel, skeg-hung rudder, and 14,000kg+ displacement, she delivers dependable offshore comfort and stability. A Perkins 4-236 diesel engine, complete with a new shaft and exhaust, powers her reliably on extended passages. Furthermore, the ketch rig, large sail inventory, and nearly 1,000L of water and 860L of fuel capacity all point to genuine bluewater potential.
The layout below deck is rare and practical. With four cabins and eight berths, there’s space for crew, family, or guests. Classic teak joinery brings warmth, while the bright raised saloon provides excellent visibility and natural light. Equipment such as air conditioning, a large fridge, and a washing machine support long-term living aboard. Of course, some systems will need updating as part of the refit.
Williams & Smithells International Ltd presents this Nicholson 48 as a serious opportunity. If you're looking for a proven design with scope to personalise and upgrade, this yacht is well worth considering.
Contact Williams & Smithells International for further details or to arrange a viewing.
Construction
White GRP hull
2 Layers of new fibreglass added in 2011 after complete scraping
White GRP deck with integrated non-slip
White GRP Superstructure
Medium long encapsulate keel with lead ballast
Full skeg protecting rudder
Wheel steering
Hull and upperworks sandblasted to remove all signs of osmosis and coated with 2 new fibreglass layers (2012)
Machinery
Perkins 4-236 diesel engine
New bearings and shaft (2011)
New engine exhaust system (2022)
Borg Warner gearbox
Fixed three-blade prop
Electrics
12v DC and 24v DC circuits
220/240v AC and 110v AC circuits
6 x 105Ah batteries configured for 24v DC
Sterling Pro Digital 24v 25A controller
Control panel
20 amp battery charger
3kW transformer to 110v AC
Tankage
2 x Diesel tanks with total capacity approx. 860 litres, cleaned in 2023
Integral water tank approx. 1000 litres with new lining (2013)
2 American-made holding tanks (unused)
Accommodation
Teak joinery throughout
Saloon bookcase (2013)
6'1" headroom in saloon
U-shaped portside settee with dining table
Starboard galley with new worktops and large front-opening fridge
Washing machine/tumble dryer aft of galley
Portside chart table
Aft ensuite cabin with port double berth and starboard single berth, plus settee
Forward V-berth with twin singles
Second heads with shower aft of forepeak
Hanging lockers, bookshelves and storage throughout
Domestic
New 3-burner gas cooker (2013)
Large front-opening Danfoss fridge (24v DC)
Microwave oven
Reverse-cycle air conditioning (unused)
Clock and barometer
Crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils and drinking glasses
Drinking water filter
Calorifier with immersion heater
Showers and holding tanks in both heads
Deck
Lewmar anchor windlass (new 2016)
60 lb CQR and 60 lb Bugel anchors
Large Fisherman anchors stored in cockpit locker
Davits installed (2007)
New wooden passerelle (2012)
Swimming ladder
Winter and summer awnings
New fixed cockpit hood (2023)
Warps and fenders included
Navigation
Sestral steering compass
Standard Horizon radio
SEA222 SSB
Furuno radar (older model, still functional)
Tenders
Zodiac Cadet 270 with aluminium floor (new 2023)
Suzuki DF2.5 HP short shaft outboard engine (new 2023)
Safety
V 6-person liferaft, last serviced 2017
MOB lifesling
6 life vests
Jackstays
Remote fire extinguisher in engine room, plus 3 manual extinguishers
2 manual bilge pumps and 1 automatic electric bilge pump
The condition or level of safety equipment on board is not to be negotiated on following survey. It is likely to be listed by most surveyors but is not structural or an integral working part of the vessel and is not to be used to further negotiate the price down after survey. We strongly suggest that for your own personal safety that when purchasing a yacht you provide new safety equipment rather than relying on second hand gear.
Should you become the new owner of this yacht then the responsibility to re-register or update official bodies for items such as EPIRB, VHF, MMSI or AIS becomes yours.
Rig & Sails
Ketch rig with alloy masts and booms
Standing rigging with shrouds recently renewed on mainmast
Profurl headsail roller furling gear
Mainsail new in 1999, converted to slab reefing with 2 reefing points (2013)
Fully battened mizzen (2012)
2 genoas
Mizzen staysail
Storm jib
Cruising chute
Lazyjacks fitted in 2009