1974 Doggersbank 63 “CONSTANT” – A Timeless Classic Dutch-Built Explorer Yacht
Designed by Vripack and built in Holland in 1974 by Jongert, CONSTANT at 63 feet was the largest Doggersbank built at the time and the first one crafted for export. This steel-hulled yacht combines classic build quality with extensive care and maintenance that enhance her expedition readiness. She has only had four owners since she was new and they all have both cruised extensively aboard her and cared for, maintained, and improved her over the years. Her robust hull is paired with a classic raised pilothouse layout, offering commanding views, and sturdy seakeeping capabilities. Teak decks and cap rails adorn her classically styled exterior. Her timeless interior features extensive solid teak sculpted by renowned Dutch craftsmen.
Dimensions & Construction
Measuring 63 feet (19.2 m) with an 18-foot beam and a 7-foot draft, CONSTANT displaces around 171,000 pounds. Her hull is constructed of Corten steel which delivers superior corrosion resistance while maintaining strength. Corten steel is a low carbon, low-alloy structural steel developed by US Steel for applications requiring high tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. It is more expensive than mild steel but over the lifetime of the vessel, Corten Steel’s considerable strength, durability & low-maintenance features provide significant financial and safety incentives. In testimony to the merits of Corten Steel an ultrasonic hull survey carried out on CONSTANT in 2011, her 37th anniversary, showed negligeable wasting of the hull plate including in areas that typically have the worst wear. Even in an area located at the aft-end of the engine-room in the way of the reduction/reverse gear and intermediate shafting and fully visible, both externally and internally there was no indications of corrosive degradation. The best materials were selected for CONSTANT and many parts, such as stanchions, air ducts and vents, railings, hatches, etc. are made from high-grade stainless steel.
Accommodations
CONSTANT has a rich interior commensurate with her heritage. Extensive use of solid teak, teak veneer and brass fixtures and portholes create luxurious and distinctly nautical spaces. Intricate joinery and detailed cabinetry is exquisitely executed throughout. Her main salon has a wrap around couch and a separate settee with integral storage. Intricate cabinetry conceals AV equipment and a soapstone wood burning fireplace provides warmth and ambiance. A covered main deck aft offers seating and a table for alfresco dining.
The well-equipped galley, and inside dining area are amidships on the main deck. The galley is quaintly adorned with original Dutch tiles and brass oil lamps. Appliances include a Dickinson four-burner propane stove/oven, a 10 cubic ft. refrigerator and 12 cubic ft. freezer. There is also an additional 6 cubic ft. refrigerator/freezer on the boat deck.
Below deck, cabins comfortably sleep six in three staterooms. The master stateroom has a double bed and an ensuite head featuring a tub and shower. There is also an office with a desk and a long settee that would be a great place to read or study charts and destinations or could be used for additional guests if needed. Forward there are two twin bunk cabins and two heads, one with a sink and shower, and the other with a sink and toilet.
Propulsion & Range
CONSTANT is powered by a single Caterpillar 3408 diesel engine (365 hp at 1,800 rpm) which was installed new in 1981 and now has slightly over 6,600 hours. The main engine drives a 5-blade bronze propeller through a 4.48:1 Caterpillar 7211 Reduction/Reverse Gear and a Self-Aligning Universal joint coupled to a 3″ Stainless Tail-Shaft (through a dry stuffing-box). She cruises comfortably at 8.5 knots, maxing out around 9.6 knots. Her range is in excess of 2,500 nautical miles at her cruising speed or can be increased to 5,000 nautical miles at 6 knots.
Tankage & Systems
Fuel capacity is 2,700 gallons in three integral fuel tanks and two-day tanks. Freshwater capacity is 1,200 gallons and the holding tank is 100 gallons. She is also equipped with a Village Marine watermaker. Electrical systems include a 16 kW Northern Lights generator (installed in 2013), a 24 V house battery bank, an inverter/charger, a full 240 V shore power connection, and much more.
Tender
The upper deck features a 14-foot Rendova RIB equipped with a 50-hp Honda outboard engine and onboard Garmin navigation. Two winches are on the mast and the boom functions to launch the tender. New Sunbrella rail covers (introduced in 2023) provide additional protection.
Passagemaker Nov/Dec 2023 quote
“Fans of long-distance passage-making know the brand name Doggersbank well. Ever since Dick Boon, founder of the Dutch design firm Vripack, drew the first 35-ft version back in 1968, Doggersbank boats have been seen cruising pretty much every corner of the planet, from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica and lots of remote destinations in between.”
Navigation & Safety
The pilothouse of CONSTANT has ship like charm and equipment. There is a single Recaro adjustable helm chair and a mezzanine couch with a table. This couch provides not only a place to hang out while under way but a convenient watch berth during passages. Side doors open for deck access and there are storage areas for paper charts, binocular and other cruising necessities. Multiple windshields have wipers, and one panel has a clear view spin-window with spray wash.
Modern electronics include a Simrad NSS Evo 2 Chart plotter/radar with a 16” display, AIS, autopilot, Furuno satellite compass, Garmin GPSMAP 4208 chart plotter/depth-sounder, and another digital depth sounder, CCTV feeds engine room cameras to the pilothouse. There is a spotlight, ACR EPIRB, ICOM VHF with upgraded antenna (2023), and an external hailer/foghorn system.
An additional helm station on the flybridge has bench seating, excellent visibility, and throttles for control while operating aloft.
Engine Room
A really nice feature of CONSTANT is the engine room. Entered through a door on the main deck, steep steps lead down into the stand-up engine room that is equipped with a halon fire suppression system. There is plenty of room to access service points on the main engine, generator, and other systems including the dripless self-aligning shaft. A workbench and tool storage both for securely hung wrenches and in a metal tool chest is a nice feature. The engine vents through a stainless-steel exhaust system. Other notables are the Hynautic hydraulic steering (with manual wheelhouse override), Becker articulated rudder, and Naiad hydraulic fin stabilizers that ensure comfortable offshore passages.
Maintenance & Upgrades
Recent refits include extensive paint work in 2023 with a full topside repaint and new bottom paint. Zincs have been renewed, the mast overhauled, refrigeration compression replaced, the bilge pump system upgraded. New Sunbrella covers recently installed and varnish and other routine maintenance has been looked after.
Price & Location
The current owner of CONSTANT is very motivated to move on from her for reasons that have nothing to do with the boat. He recently lowered her asking price to $695,000 which is an incredible value for this distinguished and capable expedition yacht. She is currently in Seattle, WA and is packed full of equipment and ready for her next adventure.
Doggersbank 63 Constant Summary
The Doggersbank 63 CONSTANT is a purpose-built expedition yacht combining timeless Dutch craftsmanship with modern system upgrades. With long-range fuel capacity, tough mechanical systems, extensive navigation gear, and a classic interior with all the comforts of home, she is well-suited for serious voyaging in remote waters.
