1978 Dickerson 41

The Dickerson 41 Ketch has a well-earned reputation as a capable long-distance cruising yacht. Designed by Ernest Tucker and introduced in 1974, it was the first fiberglass model built by Dickerson Boat Builders, marking a significant transition for the company. Only 19 were constructed, and impressively, 10 of these vessels are still actively cruising today, a testament to their durability and seaworthiness.

The Dickerson 41 played an important role in the company's legacy. A bluewater voyage aboard a friend?s Dickerson 41 inspired Ted Reed to purchase Dickerson Boat Builders in 1978. Under his ownership, the company expanded its capabilities and went on to produce several respected models, including the Dickerson 50, Dickerson 37, and the well-regarded Farr 37.

One standout example is the Dickerson 41 Ketch Down Home, which has benefited from thoughtful upgrades by experienced and caring owners. Having completed many passages between the Canadian Maritimes and the southern Bahamas, Down Home has proven to be a smooth-motioned, strong, and reliable cruiser, well-suited to extended offshore sailing.
Upgrades

Electrical

Entirely rewired

New AC and DC panels

2000 Watt True Sine Wave Inverter - 2022

16,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioning/heat

(4) 8L16-6V house batteries provide 740 amp hours @ 12V

LED Lights throughout the interior

Xantrex 40A battery charger

Balmar 110A alternator

Balmar 614 Regulator

(2) rigid solar panels provide 350W

Rutland 1200 500W wind charger

Link 2000

Balmar DUOcharge for starting battery
Bow Thruster added



Fresh Water System

2 x 150-gallon potable water tanks replace the original 100-gallon capacity

8-gallon water heater - runs off shore power or the engine

All freshwater lines rebuilt with PEX tubing

Seagull IV water filter on a separate faucet

45-gallon holding tank



Electronics

B&G suite includes Zeus3 9" chart plotter with Navionics charts for North and South America, VHF with integral AIS and wireless microphone for the cockpit, depth, speed, log, wind speed and direction, all monitored through 2 displays overhead in the cockpit.

(2) cockpit speakers

(2) main cabin speakers

B&G Autopilot computer

Hydraulic/electric autopilot



Galley

Force 10 propane stove and oven

Corian countertops

Large freezer & refrigerator system with top and side access - new compressor and electronics in 2020 and a new evaporator in 2021

Xintex propane solenoid shut off valve

2 x 20lb aluminum propane tanks in propane locker on the aft deck



Engine and Drive Line

Yanmar 4JH2TE 63 hp turbo diesel engine - 3400 hours

Kiwi 3-bladed feathering propeller

Electronic fuel gauges

Racor 500 fuel filter system

Custom external bronze cutlass bearing housing



Owner's Cabin

Reconfigured to a queen-size berth and

Additional storage-second hanging locker, 8 drawers, 6 large lockers

Berth hinged for access to storage and steering quadrant below

Custom mizzen mast step for improved space in the cabin



Main Cabin Interior

Mahogany cabin sole replace in 2020

Hidden sliding screens at main and aft companionways

Hatch screens

Leather cushions in the main salon



Deck & Hull

Custom doghouse added in 2015 - constructed of Coosa with canvas side and aft curtains, opening forward window, and (2) solar panels affixed on top.

The original deck construction is fiberglass over A-A marine fir plywood on verticle-grained fir stringers. In 2015 the decks were stripped, reinforced, and refinished with Kiwigrip non-skid.

Cabin sides - replaced with Coosa in 2015 plus new bronze ports and (3) new Lewmar Ocean hatches were installed.

Teak toe rails replaced 2021

Custom split aft stern rail installed in 2018

Dinghy davits

Hull repainted (with Awlgrip) in 2020
New Heavy Duty Bow Sprit in 2024



Sails and Rigging

2015 refit of both masts included all new wiring, new LED navigation and deck lights, sail controls, halyards, Shakespeare TV antenna, B&G 4G radar dome, Tri-Lens radar detector, AIS antenna, VHF antenna, Rutland Whisper Quiet wind charger, retractable mast steps, plus both masts were repainted.

Tides system Teflon luff grooves, fully battened main, and mizzen in stack pack covers.

Main and Mizzen sails new in 2017

140% Genoa new in 2016

Chainplates replaced in 2020



Ground Tackle

Main anchor - Rocna 55 lb anchor with 200' of 3/8" HT chain

Auxillary anchor - Large Danforth with 150' 7/8" braided line

Maxwell windlass

Washdown pump - seawater



Dinghy, Outboard, Swim Platform

Dinghy davits

Portaboat dinghy rides in davits or folds up for stowage on deck in custom brackets

Lehr 5hp propane outboard motor with a bracket on the stern rail

Custom fold-down swim platform