2007 Bruce Roberts 434 Centre Cockpit Ketch

The interior of Iskoteo was designed for serious long-distance cruising and onboard living. The layout provides excellent privacy, abundant storage, a protected pilothouse salon, dedicated navigation space, dedicated workshop space, and comfortable accommodations for liveaboard cruising.

The steel pilothouse offers security and protection during heavy weather sailing while the centre cockpit keeps you high and mostly dry. The aft owner’s accommodations with a large island berth make for a very home-like feel on board. With guest bunk quarters, workshop space, and substantial storage, this vessel is specifically suitable for extended expeditions and offshore passages.

Layout

Forward is an open forepeak with the chain locker and dedicated stowage space. Immediately aft is the head compartment featuring a separate shower to port and vanity to starboard. A private guest stateroom with over/under berths is located to port, while the dedicated navigation station is positioned opposite to starboard.

The raised pilothouse serves as the main salon and command center, featuring the interior helm station to starboard and a comfortable C-shaped dinette to port. The galley extends along the starboard passageway leading aft toward the owner’s accommodations.

Cockpit

The protected cockpit incorporates a raised helm station with hydraulic steering and a substantial 36-inch stainless steel destroyer wheel. The U-shaped cockpit seating provides secure seating offshore while maintaining excellent visibility. A canvas dodger helps protect crew from weather and spray during offshore passages.

Salon / Pilothouse

The pilothouse is one of the defining features of this vessel. Offering protected watchkeeping in difficult conditions, it combines interior helm functionality with a comfortable salon arrangement. Large Lexan windows provide excellent visibility while the elevated position allows commanding views underway. The C-shaped dinette creates a comfortable social and dining area while maintaining proximity to the navigation and helm positions.

Sleeping Areas

Guest Cabin

• Private stateroom

• Over/under berths

• Excellent sea berths for passage-making

• Convenient access to head compartment

Owner’s Stateroom

• Full-beam aft master cabin

• Queen-size berth

• Massive locker and storage capacity

• Adjacent workshop area

• Excellent privacy for extended liveaboard cruising

Command Bridge / Helm Stations

Iskoteo features dual steering stations for safety and flexibility. The exterior helm provides a comfortable spot with great visibility. With high freeboard and the centre cockpit location, it is a well-protected space with a large dodger. The protected pilothouse helm allows comfortable watchkeeping during cold, wet, or challenging conditions. This is a particularly valuable feature for extended northern latitude cruising. Hydraulic steering reduces helm loads and contributes to reliable offshore handling

Designed for self-sufficient cruising, Iskoteo incorporates substantial domestic systems including propane cooking, diesel cabin heat, large fresh water storage, onboard watermaking capability, and robust waste management systems. The vessel’s systems are particularly well suited for extended cruising in areas where dockside services may be unavailable.

Galley Equipment

Force 10 Three-Burner LPG Stove with Oven

• Marine-grade propane cooking system

• Oven for baking and long-distance cruising

• Proven offshore reliability

Nova Kool R4500 DC Refrigerator

• 12V DC operation

• Energy-efficient refrigeration

• Well suited to solar-supported cruising

The galley is arranged along the starboard passageway with engineered countertops, deep sink, good ventilation, and secure offshore ergonomics.

LPG System

Trident Marine LPG Control and Detection System

• Propane leak detection

• Remote solenoid shutoff

• Dedicated vented propane locker

• Pressure gauge and regulator system

• Spare propane cylinder storage

Heating System

Vevor Diesel Cabin Heater

• Independent diesel-fired heat source

• Protected exhaust with heat shielding

• Ideal for shoulder-season and northern cruising

• Supports high-latitude operation and liveaboard comfort

For a vessel intended for northern waters and potential Northwest Passage ambitions, an independent diesel heating system is an essential feature that extends cruising seasons while improving crew safety and comfort.

Hot Water System

Force 10 Hydronic / 120V Hot Water Tank

• Domestic hot water capability

• Supports showering and galley requirements

• Suitable for extended cruising and liveaboard use

Fresh Water Systems

HRO Seafari Escape Watermaker

• Self-maintaining design

• Dedicated seawater intake and filtration

• Control panel at helm

• Extends cruising autonomy dramatically

JRV Tank Monitoring System

• Water tank monitoring

• Convenient system status information

Water Capacity

• 2 x 100 Gallon Epoxy-Coated Steel Water Tanks

• Total Capacity: 200 Gallons

Head System

Jabsco Manual Marine Toilet

• Reliable offshore simplicity

• Low maintenance

• No dependence on electrical operation

Whale Gusher Shower Sump Pump

• Dedicated shower drainage

• Proven marine reliability

Waste System

• 2 x 40 Gallon Poly Holding Tanks

• Jabsco 12V Macerator Pump

• Y-Valve Diversion System

The electrical systems aboard Iskoteo reflect an expedition cruising philosophy with multiple charging sources, substantial battery capacity, solar generation, inverter capability, galvanic protection, and generator support. The system is designed to sustain long periods away from shore power.

Batteries

Engine Starting Batteries

• 2 x 12V Cranking Batteries

House Bank

• 8 x Interstate 6V Deep Cycle Batteries

Benefits include:

• Significant reserve capacity

• Extended anchorage endurance

• Support for refrigeration and electronics

• Improved system redundancy

Charging Systems

Engine Alternator

• 130 Amp Alternator

Solar System

• 2 x Sharp 130-Watt Solar Panels

• Total Solar Capacity: 260 Watts

Solar Controller

• Morningstar SunSaver Duo 25 Amp Controller

This combination allows battery charging under sail, at anchor, and underway without relying solely on shore power or the generator.

AC Electrical System

30 Amp Shore Power System

• 50-foot shore power cord

• Three-position selector switch

• Dedicated breaker protection

Federal Pioneer AC Distribution Panel

ProMariner ProSafe FS30 Galvanic Isolator

• Reduces galvanic corrosion

• Important protection for steel-hulled vessels

Magnum MagnaSine Inverter

• Converts DC battery power to AC electricity

• Supports offshore self-sufficiency

• Remote control panel installed

Electrical Protection

Blue Sea Systems Distribution Equipment

• Blue Sea breaker panels

• Blue Sea 150A MRCB windlass protection

• Blue Sea 150A house system breaker

Perko Battery Switches

• Dual isolation switching

Additional features include:

• Reverse polarity indication

• Bonding system

• Marine-grade tinned copper wiring

• Heat-shrink sealed terminals

• Galvanic corrosion protection

Generator

Fischer Panda Panda 8 Mini Digital

• Freshwater-cooled

• Dedicated raw-water filtration

• Sound enclosure

• Vibration-isolated mounting

• Independent starting battery

The Panda generator provides extended off-grid capability for battery charging and AC loads during long-distance cruising.

Iskoteo features a modernized navigation package centered around Garmin multifunction displays and NMEA 2000 networking. Redundant helm stations combined with chartplotters, radar, AIS, VHF communications, and autopilot integration provide the situational awareness expected in offshore and expedition cruising environments.

The Garmin autopilot has a wireless remote control and is WiFi enabled for monitoring the plotter/radar and controlling the autopilot from a smartphone or tablet through the Garmin app.

Chartplotters & Multifunction Displays

Garmin GPSMAP XSV

• Cockpit-mounted MFD

• Primary navigation platform

Garmin GPSMAP XS

• Pilothouse-mounted MFD

• Protected interior navigation station

Garmin GNX Display

• Dedicated data display

• Networked system information

Radar

Garmin Radome Radar

• Mounted on mizzen mast bracket

• Enhanced collision avoidance

• Poor visibility navigation capability

• Valuable during fog and northern latitude sailing

AIS

Garmin AIS 600

• Commercial-grade traffic awareness

• Improved vessel visibility

• Important offshore safety feature

VHF Communications

ICOM IC-M412 DSC VHF Radio

• DSC emergency capability

• Reliable ship-to-ship communication

• Industry-proven offshore radio

Autopilot

Garmin Autopilot Control System

• Reduces steering workload

• Essential for passage-making

• Supports single and short-handed operation

Depth, Speed & Wind Instruments

Raymarine ST40 Display

Airmar Transducers

Windex Wind Indicator

Benefits include:

• Real-time depth monitoring

• Wind awareness

• Performance optimization

• Enhanced navigational safety

Compass

Ritchie 4-Inch Compass

• Independent navigation reference

• Reliable backup navigation tool

The ground tackle aboard Iskoteo is appropriately sized for a heavy-displacement steel cruising yacht and provides the holding power required for remote anchorages and extended cruising. Excellent anchor inventory and substantial chain rode reflect the vessel’s offshore mission.

Primary Ground Tackle

Rocna 30 kg Anchor

• Industry-leading holding performance

• Excellent resetting characteristics

• Favored by serious cruisers

Primary Rode

• 300 feet of 5/16-inch chain

Secondary Rode

• 200+ feet of 1/2-inch braided anchor rode

Windlass

Lofrans Tigres Windlass

• Electric operation

• Deck-mounted

• Overcurrent-protected

• Survey-tested and operational

Secondary Anchor

Lewmar 20 kg Claw Anchor

• Excellent backup anchor

• Suitable for varying bottom conditions

• Important redundancy for expedition cruising

Propulsion aboard Iskoteo centers around a naturally aspirated Lugger diesel supported by quality fuel filtration, substantial fuel capacity, robust drivetrain components, and a dedicated Fischer Panda generator. The installation prioritizes reliability and serviceability, both critical considerations for remote cruising.

• PSS shaft seal, new in 2019

• Heat exchanger new in 2020

Main Engine

Lugger L984D Diesel

• 4-Cylinder Marine Diesel

• 70 HP

• Freshwater Cooled

• Heat Exchanger System

• Reported Engine Hours: 2,025.8

Benefits include:

• Commercial-duty reputation

• Excellent fuel economy

• Worldwide serviceability

• Long service life

Fuel System

Racor 500FG Fuel Filtration System

• Integrated fuel polishing

• Fuel distribution manifold

• Enhanced fuel reliability offshore

Fuel Capacity

• 2 x 150 Gallon Steel Fuel Tanks

• Total Capacity: 300 Gallons

The large fuel capacity provides exceptional motoring range and is a significant asset for remote expedition cruising.

Raw Water Components

Groco ARM1000-S Raw Water Strainer

Trident Marine Reinforced Cooling Hoses

These components provide dependable cooling system protection and simplify maintenance.

Transmission & Drivetrain

ZF 450 Transmission

• 2.03:1 Reduction Ratio

PYI PSS Dripless Shaft Seal

1.375-Inch Stainless Steel Shaft

The drivetrain reflects a robust ocean-crossing specification emphasizing reliability and reduced maintenance.

Steering

Dual-Station Hydraulic Steering System

Features:

• Hydraulic ram steering

• Stainless rudder stock

• Protected skeg-hung rudder

• Offshore-proven reliability

The skeg-supported rudder arrangement is particularly attractive for offshore sailors seeking improved rudder protection in remote waters.

The ketch rig provides excellent sail plan versatility, easier sail handling, balanced heavy-weather performance, and numerous sail combinations for offshore passagemaking. For long-distance cruising couples, a ketch offers significant advantages in reducing sail loads while maintaining flexibility across a wide range of conditions.

In 2019, Blackline inspected and tuned the standing rigging.

Spars

YachtTec Aluminum Masts and Booms

• Main and mizzen deck-stepped

• Painted aluminum construction

• Mast steps on main mast

Well suited to offshore service with strength, corrosion resistance, and manageable maintenance requirements.

Standing Rigging

• 1x19 Stainless Steel Wire Rigging

• 5/16-inch Intermediate, Lower and Aft Stays

• 7/16-inch Upper Shrouds and Forestay

• Open-body bronze turnbuckles

• Welded steel chainplates and tangs

Headsail Handling

Schaefer 2100 Roller Furler

• Single-line furling

• Cockpit-controller

• Efficient sail reduction in changing conditions

Sail Inventory

Leitch & McBride Dacron Mainsail (2011)

Leitch & McBride Dacron Mizzen (2011)

Leitch & McBride 135% Dacron Genoa (2011)

Sail Handling Systems

• Lazy Jack Systems

• Stack-Pack Style Sail Covers

• Slab Reefing System

• End-Boom Sheeting

• Multi-Purchase Traveler

• Quality Braided Running Rigging

Winches

Cockpit

• 2 x Harken 46 ST Self-Tailing Winches

Main Mast

• 2 x Harken 40 ST Self-Tailing Winches

• 1 x Lewmar 40 Reefing Winch

Mizzen Mast

• 1 x Lewmar 40 Winch

Deck Hardware

Predominantly Harken blocks and sail control hardware provide reliable sail handling while supporting efficient short-handed operation offshore.

Steel boats have some serious advantages for the expedition cruiser. In 2019, the hull was professionally sandblasted at Raven Marine in Sidney, back to the bare steel below the waterline. A barrier coat was applied, as well as new bottom paint.

Reasons you want a steel boat

1. Exceptional Strength and Impact Resistance

Steel is one of the toughest boatbuilding materials available. A steel hull can better withstand:

• Floating logs and debris

• Groundings on reefs or rocky bottoms

• Docking impacts

• Ice encounters in high-latitude cruising

While any boat can suffer damage, steel generally deforms before it fails catastrophically. Dents are often preferable to holes when cruising thousands of miles from repair facilities.

2. Ease of Repair Worldwide

One of steel’s greatest offshore advantages is that it can be repaired almost anywhere in the world

• Welders are available in nearly every port or town you find yourself in.

• Repairs typically require basic steel plate and welding equipment.

• Remote regions that may lack fibreglass specialists or composite materials will have metal fabrication capabilities. They may not be boat-specific, but anywhere there are cars and trucks, you will find a welder.

For circumnavigators and expedition cruisers, this worldwide repairability provides significant peace of mind.

3. Excellent Heavy-Weather Performance

Steel boats are typically heavier than comparable fibreglass boats, which can provide:

• A more comfortable motion in large seas

• Reduced pounding into waves

• Greater momentum through rough conditions

For extended ocean passages, many sailors appreciate the solid, secure feeling of a well-designed steel vessel.

4. Longevity and Structural Reliability

A well-maintained steel yacht can last for generations.

Advantages include:

• No concerns about osmotic blistering

• No hidden core rot found in some cored composite constructions

• Ability to renew sections of plating if necessary

Many expedition and commercial vessels remain in service for decades because steel structures can be repaired and renewed repeatedly as needed. There is a reason why so many commercial boats are made of steel.

The hull of this boat is fabricated from 3/16” welded steel plate with substantial steel framing, 1/8” steel decks and cabin structure, and a heavy-duty 5/8” hull shoe.

The hull features rounded chines, a fin keel, and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration favoured by offshore sailors for strength, directional stability, and protection of the steering system.

The current owner is trained and employed in the area of galvanic corrosion and understands how to properly protect and maintain a steel boat. He will be able to impart simple steps on how to properly maintain a steel boat to the new owner.