Well we are having a hard time keeping this one a secret !.... In the big girl department we are pleased to present Argonaut .... 65 foot Expedition Trawler Yacht . This beauty is from the drawing boards of John Simpson Ltd. ( With some input from Rick Welin) and has entered the kit creation process here at Metal Boat Kits . This is no 'lets drop a saloon on a fishboat". Rather a brand new hull designed specifically for the Argonaut..

While the others stamp out carbon copies of each others work we chose a different road.

Argonaut is truly a no nonsense commercial duty yacht. .... Drawing on countless successful Pacific Northwest commercial craft , as well as Yachts , to his designs over the past 25 years John has defined a standard for the new trend in Trawler Yachts : The "Expedition Trawler". ..

True security at sea ...

With massive carrying capacity this little ship can carry fuel and stores for several months at sea without need to hit port for re-provisioning. This capacity gives her a range that can actually take you somewhere.....in safety .... Antarctica anyone ?....

With her prestigious looks you will have pride of ownership alongside and at anchor , but She is laid out for serious business too. Whether your business is fun, or serious scientific exploration . The large aft deck space , not found on most yachts these days ,is a welcomed change from the status quo. Great for entertaining , scuba diving ,or smaller minisubs. , 2 onboard offices and 4 staterooms ..... she's ready for your next adventure.

Please Contact Us if you are interested in more information , or would like to be notified when Argonaut is available. We would love to hear your ideas . We will be offering her in CNC Kit form as well as Plans , and can recommend some top builders, as well as offer Designer Supervision during construction.

(Under development)

Design: J. Simpson Ltd., Delta BC

Email John Simpson Ltd.

Computer modeling & Lofting: Trident Welding Ltd., Richmond, BC

Like many trawlers on the market, this expedition yacht offers comfort, economy, long range and prestige. Unlike some trawler yachts, this expedition yacht makes no allusions as to its purpose and fully lives up to her reputation: she is truly a ‘little ship’.

Based upon fishing vessels of similar size which operate the open ocean on a year round basis, the crew of the ‘Argonaut’ can rest assured that they will be in the most competent, capable, and safe ship. The steel hull and superstructure, and the aluminum wheelhouse are designed to satisfy the American Bureau of Shipping requirements for vessels of this type and service.

Like her commercial counterparts this vessel is fitted with a collision bulkhead and may in additional, have up to 5 watertight bulkheads.

Length-Hull 65’-0" Beam 20’-0"

Depth (mld) 9’-0" Draft 8’-3"

Power 450 HP Fuel 3300 Gal.

Range (8 kn) 4000 nm Speed (max) 11.5 kn

Water 500 gal

Accomm 4/8 persons

In the following, we will take you on a tour through the ship (starting at the bow and working aft) and address the features on each deck. Please note that arrangements and details can be modified to suit individual requirements and we welcome any queries you might have.

1. Functional and proven bulb bow integrated with bottom plating for maximum efficiency.
2. Generous freeboard for maximum safety , and load carrying.
3. For’d pit for safe and secure anchor and line handling.
4. Be safe and secure in the Portuguese bridge with walk around ‘foredeck’ "Wing" controls on Portugese deck for docking.
5. Wide side decks with cabin access on the starboard side.
6. Large Bow Thruster for optimum maneuverability in tight quarters.
7. Large, efficient propeller for efficient cruising and effective maneuvering.
8. Foil/fishtail & fenced rudder for optimum maneuverability in tight quarters.
9. "Commercial Duty" working mast for retrieving boats and other heavy items.

FOC’SLE DECK

1. For’d pit for safety with access to accommodation.
2. Walk around foredeck-permits skipper to see all activity and operations when underway, docking, or anchoring.
3. Fully equipped and dedicated wheelhouse. Fitted with 2 way settee shared with ‘office’.
4. Ship’s office/Navigation space with desk, locker, chart table. Also fitted with blackout curtain (at wheelhouse) and stairs down to main deck.
5. Aft foc’sle deck- 350 sq.ft. of deck space for boats, gear, lockers, etc.
6. Ladder Access to main deck.

1. Bosun’s Locker under for’d pit deck. Keep spare lines in an accessible place.
2. Generous Guest Stateroom with lockers & Vanity.
3. For’d pit access & Escape hatch from lower deck.
4. Guest ‘head’ with shower.
5. Ship’s office- 2 desks.
6. Oilskin locker walk in with room for all the necessary foul weather & safety gear. Close to side deck access.
7. Master stateroom with queen berth, wardrobe, & vanity. En-suite ‘head’ with shower or optional shower/tub.
8. (a) Stairs to Lower deck (b) Stairs to foc’sle deck. (locker under)
9. (a) Side deck access- starboard port optional. (b) Aft deck access.
10. Saloon with bar, 2 settees, table, dinette, and entertainment center.
11. Fully equipped galley.
12. Aft deck- 200 sq.ft. of open deck suitable for diving preps, boat recovery, or deck chair lounging. Adjacent access to engine room (downs) and foc’sle deck (up).
13. Cockpit, boats embarkation area. A swing down gate/platform to facilitate access to boats or diving/recovery operations.

1. Fully equipped ‘head’- escape hatch over.
2. 2 double staterooms for crew, guests, or scientists.
3. Workshop- with bench, tool lockers, etc.
4. Laundry room- washer, dryer, and tub.
5. Electrical room Switchboards, panels, etc. away from the engine room environment.
6. Engine Room- Full headroom and large enough for propulsion and other necessary equipment. Fuel tanks fitted port & starboard.
7. Lazarette- storage aft with access to main deck and to cockpit.

Email John Simpson Ltd.