1984 Custom Hubecky 45 Ketch | Dr. John

Dr. John is a beautifully maintained 1984 Custom Hubecky 45 Centre Cockpit Ketch, purpose-built in San Diego as a true bluewater cruising yacht. Constructed using cold-moulded mahogany with fibreglass sheathing, she combines the warmth and beauty of traditional timber craftsmanship with the strength and durability of modern composite construction. Designed from the outset for serious offshore passagemaking, Dr. John has spent her life doing exactly what she was built to do—safely carrying her owners across oceans and through some of the world’s most spectacular cruising destinations.

Purchased by her current owner directly from the original builder in 2002, Dr. John was selected specifically for her strength, reliability and offshore capability. She completed an unforgettable family voyage from San Francisco through Mexico, Central America and French Polynesia before returning via Hawaii, later spending almost two decades cruising the California coast before once again setting course for the South Pacific. Following a major refit completed in 2025, she successfully crossed the Pacific via the Galápagos and is now cruising French Polynesia.

The recent refit has transformed Dr. John into an exceptionally capable long-range cruiser. Major upgrades include a comprehensive overhaul of the reliable Ford Lehman diesel engine, new standing rigging, lithium battery bank, Victron inverter/charger, upgraded watermaker, modern Raymarine autopilot, radar, AIS transponder, VHF radio, electric windlass, new Manson M2 anchor, Takacat tender with 8hp outboard and numerous additional improvements that reflect decades of thoughtful ownership and self-sufficient cruising experience.

Below deck, the centre cockpit layout provides comfortable accommodation with three cabins, generous living spaces and practical systems designed for extended life aboard. Powered by renewable energy through twin 300W solar panels and supported by a 600Ah lithium battery bank, Dr. John offers the independence required for extended offshore adventures.

After more than twenty-five years of family ownership, Dr. John is offered for sale solely due to the owner’s changing health circumstances. She represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuinely proven offshore cruiser with an exceptional ownership history, extensive recent upgrades and a successful Pacific cruising pedigree.

Contact The Yacht Sales Co. team for more information or to arrange a viewing.