Wooden Boats FOR SALE
We would love to post your boat. Abernethy & Gaudin is pleased to list some of the most beautiful boats built by hand. We have selected good quality wooden boats to feature for sale. Our listings are mostly west coast from Alaska to California.
Want to list your wooden boat with us? It’s a free service. All you have to do is email us with your contact information and description of your boat, several photos and, most importantly, a price in Canadian dollars. After we decide if the listing is a good fit for us, we will post it and the buyer will inquire with you directly.
Once the boat sell you can let us know and we will modify the listing as sold.
Our goal is to keep our treasured wooden boats well cared for in and constant use.
We offer a builders survey service. Visit our Surveys page for information.
PANACEA II
PANACEA II
~ Panacea II ~
1949 Kettenburg K-38 Sloop — Hull #4
Offered at $59,900 CAD
Lying: Sidney, BC
Step aboard a true West Coast classic. Panacea II is one of the earliest examples of the legendary Kettenburg K-38 class—Hull #4, launched in 1949. Designed and built in San Diego by the Kettenburg Boat Works, these sleek sloops were revered for their elegant lines, racing pedigree, and superb performance under sail. Only 26 were ever built, and Panacea II is one of the few still actively sailing—making her a rare and treasured find.
What truly sets Panacea II apart is her construction. Unlike her sister ships, which were typically planked in mahogany, this unique vessel boasts Port Orford cedar planking—a lightweight, rot-resistant wood prized for its durability and beauty. She carries a bright Sitka spruce box mast and solid spruce boom, adding to her striking presence on the water.
Lovingly cared for by her current owner for over 30 years, Panacea II has undergone numerous thoughtful refits to preserve her condition while respecting her heritage. She is turn-key ready for new adventures, and her recent May 2024 survey (insured with Navis) confirms she’s in excellent shape. A brand new winter cover was added in 2023.
Specifications:
LOA: 38'
Beam: 8'
Draft: 6'
Tiller steered
Powered by Yanmar 3-cylinder diesel engine
Port Orford cedar planks over oak frames
Sitka spruce bright mast, solid spruce boom
Sailing Panacea II through the sheltered waters of the Gulf Islands is a dream. Her classic lines turn heads in every anchorage, and her long keel and narrow beam deliver a responsive, seaworthy ride ideal for both spirited daysails and extended cruising. Whether you're moored in Tod Inlet or ghosting through the Trincomali Channel at sunset, this is sailing at its finest.
If you’re drawn to classic wooden yachts and appreciate heritage, craftsmanship, and beauty under sail, Panacea II is waiting.
“As Hull #4 of the legendary K‑38 class, Panacea II is one of the earliest examples built by Paul Kettenburg. Most K‑38s were built with fir or mahogany planking; Panacea II is believed to be the only one planked in Port Orford cedar—a material prized for its combination of strength, durability, and light weight. These boats earned their reputation in the 1950s not just for their beauty, but for real performance: class wins in Swiftsure, consistent racing success along the Pacific Coast, and a design that balances spirited sailing with cruising comfort.
Her recent work—new/renewed fastenings, gap‑sealing, restored bright work—means she carries that heritage forward in excellent condition, ready to deliver classic sailing in the Gulf Islands.”
Contact:
S. Townson
📧 sltownson@hotmail.com