Timeless Design Meets Meticulous Craftsmanship On The Chesapeake Bay
Step aboard Scrimshaw IV and experience what the editor of Cruising World Magazine privately called the single best cruising vessel ever built for a cruising couple. This 1998 Gozzard 44 Custom Center Cockpit cutter-rigged sloop represents the pinnacle of thoughtful yacht design, combining striking aesthetics with robust, seaworthy construction that has earned the Gozzard name legendary status among serious cruisers. ? Owned by her original custodian since launch, Scrimshaw IV showcases countless custom specifications developed through countless collaborative hours between owner, designer, and builder—a level of attention to detail that simply cannot be replicated in production vessels. The moment you lay eyes on Scrimshaw IV, you understand why she commands such admiration. Her hull wears a sophisticated Corinthia Blue with Oyster White topsides and elegant stripes, while polished bronze dolphins grace the toerail transition. The solid teak octagon skylight above the forward cabin catches light beautifully, and smaller touches—from the teak cap rail to the varnished coach roof—create a vessel that stands tall above all others.

This is not merely a boat; it is a floating work of maritime art that refuses to fade from memory once seen. What truly sets Scrimshaw IV apart extends far beyond her striking appearance. The Gozzard design philosophy embraces clever, intentional engineering that maximizes usable space and functionality. The convertible forward cabin, hidden storage lockers positioned where most boats waste space, and ingenious stern access solutions demonstrate the kind of thinking that separates exceptional cruising vessels from ordinary ones. Every system, every feature, every detail serves a purpose—nothing is superfluous, yet nothing is compromised.

Mechanically, Scrimshaw IV has been meticulously maintained and recently upgraded with significant investments in reliability and longevity. The Westerbeke 82 B4 diesel engine runs approximately 3,800 hours total and benefits from oil and filter changes every 100 hours and prior to winter layup. Recent 2025 upgrades include new engine sound proofing, a new exhaust mixing riser elbow, new riser-to-muffler exhaust hose, a new propeller shaft in 322 stainless steel, new cutlass bearing, and a new dripless shaft seal. The 6 KW Northern Lights generator received new sound proofing in 2023 and a new stainless steel exhaust mixing elbow at 960 hours. A 7 HP Sidepower bow thruster with upgraded five-blade propeller and zinc configuration (2023) ensures effortless maneuvering in tight quarters. The electrical infrastructure reflects modern cruising demands. A 2025 Magnum Charger/Inverter works alongside a Heart 2000S three-stage programmable regulator, 150-amp alternator, and three-bank alternator battery isolator. Eight 6-volt AGM house batteries, one 12-volt AGM start battery, and one 12-volt AGM bow thruster assist battery provide abundant power. Two 30-amp shore power inlets, ten 120-volt GFI-supported outlets, and a USB multi-port outlet at the helm pod ensure modern conveniences. Reverse-cycle air conditioning—16 KW in the main cabin and 9 KW in the aft master—keeps crew comfortable in any climate.

Tankage is generous for extended cruising: two 125-gallon fresh water tanks with Hart freshwater tank tender, 75-gallon main and 50-gallon auxiliary diesel fuel tanks, 40-gallon holding tank, and an 11-gallon water heater (new in 2020). Navigation and communication systems include a Horizon VHF with RAM microphone in the cockpit, Class A AIS, Simrad Zeus 3 chart-plotter (to be installed June 2026), Northstar autopilot, Simrad 3G radar, Simrad wind indicator, Simrad MFD, 2022 new cockpit compass, and Interphase forward-scanning sonar. Below decks, Scrimshaw IV offers sophisticated accommodations designed for extended voyaging. The interior showcases solid or veneer North American cherry throughout, except in the shower. A 2023 teak and holly sole restoration maintains the classic aesthetic, while 16 port lights re-bedded in 2026 ensure weather-tight integrity. Two solar-powered vent fans and two Dorades provide positive ventilation alongside opening port lights with removable screens. Many hanging lockers feature illumination when opened, adding practical elegance to daily life aboard.

The galley, located fore and aft on the starboard side, features a gimbaled combination microwave/convection oven, three-burner propane stove with oven and two propane bottles, Seafrost top-loading 12-volt separate refrigerator and freezer, Corian countertops, triple stainless steel sink with multi-function sprayer faucet, and Seagull water filter with separate faucet. Numerous cabinets and drawers provide abundant storage, while a combination dinette/expanding-top chart table seats three and connects to the aft master cabin via a solid door. The main salon functions as a three-zone entertaining and living space. Two settees with storage underneath and book shelves above with fiddles, two adjustable cushioned barrel chairs, and a coffee table with internal storage create a comfortable gathering area. Hanging clothes lockers, a linen closet, and storage cabinets with pull-out desktop maximize functionality. An AM/FM radio with 12-disc player, four halogen lights, one overhead day/night ceiling light, two adjustable fans, and an overhead opening hexagon teak six-light hatch with tinted port light panels (replaced 2023) complete the salon. The dining configuration transforms the space: a folded table top stored behind the starboard settee places atop the opened coffee table to provide supporting legs, seating eight guests. The guest cabin converts the settee bases into a queen-sized berth with privacy established via solid bi-fold door and panel stowed at the mast. Forward port-side mid-ship includes an AC panel, convertible settee pilot berth with lee cloth, hanging locker, and abundant storage. The aft port-side mid-ship houses the head with Corian countertop and fiddles, sink, two mirrors, 120V outlet, soundproofed generator cabinet, doors to aft stateroom and shower, storage cabinet and drawers with medicine cabinet, separate shower with bench featuring teak trim and grate, wet locker, and vanity lights.

The aft master cabin represents the ultimate private retreat. A center-line California King berth with three-side access and lee clothes, dresser, two hanging lockers, two clothing cabinets with shelves, two bench seats with storage underneath, two reading lights, book shelves flanking the bed head, four additional lights, four 120V outlets, and utility storage under the berth create a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation. Topside, Scrimshaw IV presents a masterclass in functional elegance. The Oyster White hull with varnished teak cap rail, coach roof brow, hatches, cockpit trim, and helm showcases 2018 replacement life lines. The bow features a teak-planked bow pulpit with dual anchor rollers, 175 feet of 5/8-inch anchor chain (primary), Mantus 65-pound anchor, Fortress collapsible anchor in storage bag, secondary anchor rode with 15 feet chain and 100 feet rope, and Maxwell windlass with foot pedal and cockpit control. A deck locker houses propane storage container, anchor wash-down pump with hose, primary and secondary chain and rode storage compartments, plus miscellaneous fender storage. Two shore power receptacles and one cable TV receptacle complete the bow infrastructure. Mid-ship showcases bronze dolphins on the cap rail, deck-stepped white mast and boom, 2026 all-standing rigging replacement, Forespar rigid vang, two Dorades, two solar-powered fan mushroom vents, external chain plates for clutter-free deck, spreader and foredeck lights, three flag/burgee halyards, and 2018 Quantum sails with tan sacrificial panels matching the cockpit. The cockpit represents the command center of this exceptional vessel. A teak helm, coaming box with storage, and all control lines mounted on the coach roof with Spinlock rope clutches create an intuitive, efficient workspace. Number 46 Lewmar mainsheet winch, number 46 Lewmar auxiliary winch, number 46 Lewmar power winch for furling and outhaul, two number 64 Lewmar primary winches, five winch handles, instrument pod in front of helm, foredeck/cockpit dodger light control, partial-height solid dodger windshield, and tan Sunbrella canvas with Eisenglass complete the setup. A fold-away self-storing companion door, hatch, and screens, plus sun shade curtains that attach to side and rear of cockpit awning cover, provide weather protection and privacy. The aft deck extends entertaining and working space beautifully. Two teak butterfly hatches over the aft master, traveler with control lines to cockpit, stainless steel grab rails, outboard motor crane with rail storage mount, dinghy davits with triple blocks, rail-mounted Magma grill, rail-mounted Magma work station, two rod holders, flag holder with varnished flag staff and US flag, two deck lockers, fold-down transom with swim ladder and extension, and hot and cold freshwater shower round out the aft platform. The hull itself embodies Gozzard engineering excellence. Multi-layered foam core above the waterline, cut-away profile full keel with skeg-hung rudder and propeller aperture, 2025 three-blade bronze propeller tuned to specification, 2026 shaft, hull, and bow thruster zincs, 2025 prop guard, and 2026 Petit Odyssey HD bottom paint (new June 2026) ensure longevity and performance. The hull was repainted May 2026, and port lights were re-bedded June 2026. Scrimshaw IV measures 44 feet in length with a 13.5-foot beam and 5.5-foot draft, displacing 28,000 pounds. Her Westerbeke 82 B4 diesel delivers 82 horsepower, enabling a cruising speed of 7 knots and maximum speed of 8 knots—perfect for thoughtful, fuel-efficient voyaging. This is a vessel built for couples who value seamanship, comfort, and the freedom to explore distant horizons without compromise. Yacht Brokers of Annapolis is proud to present Scrimshaw IV to discerning cruisers seeking the finest in pre-loved sailing excellence. ? Contact Tim Wilbricht at 410-507-4359 or tim@yachtbrokersofannapolis.com to arrange a private showing. Discover why this extraordinary Gozzard 44 has captured the hearts of everyone who has seen her—and why she could become your perfect cruising home. ?
This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.
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