Steel Expedition Custom Dive Boat

DESCRIPTION

Custom Steel Dive Boat 65ft, exclusively for sale with DBY Boat Sales.

MV ‘Unknown Pleasures’ Expedition Steel Liveaboard with Legendary Gardner Power

There are boats that fit into categories… and then there are vessels like MV Unknown Pleasures; a genuine commercial-grade steel ship, licenced for 28 persons and built for serious use, now reimagined as a remarkably capable liveaboard cruiser and off-grid waterfront retreat.

Originally constructed in the late 1970’s at the Brisbane Lloyds shipyard to naval architect John Lund’s design, this 65-foot twin-screw steel vessel began life as MV ‘Reef Explorer’, a private build before later operating commercially as a dive boat out of Cairns. It is understood renowned Australian shark conservation pioneers Ron and Valerie Taylor were part owners, with photographs showing them aboard the dive platform during her North Queensland years. Photographs of her form part of the Valerie Taylor collection held at the Australian Maritime Museum.

Today, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ offers something exceptionally difficult to replicate in the modern market: a structurally robust, mechanically honest, long-range steel vessel with enormous volume, true commercial DNA, and genuine character.

The current owners purchased her in Hobart in April 2023 and successfully cruised her to Pittwater later that year, where she has since served as a highly capable floating apartment and adventure platform amongst the spectacular waterways of Pittwater, Palm Beach and the Hawkesbury River.

This boat is for technically minded buyers, long-range cruisers, project dreamers, liveaboards, expedition enthusiasts or anyone seeking a unique waterfront lifestyle asset, she represents extraordinary value and possibility

Built Like a Ship, Because She Is One

At approximately 70 tonnes displacement, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ feels every bit the serious steel vessel she was designed to be. The December 2025 out-of-water insurance survey described the hull and structure as presenting in notably sound condition for her age, with no issues discovered that would jeopardise structural integrity or operational performance.

Highlights from the survey include:

• Steel plate hull construction in fair and solid condition
• No grounding or impact damage noted
• Robust welded keel structure
• Heavy-duty rubbing strakes
• Secure deck fittings and commercial-style construction throughout
• Dry exhaust systems renewed in stainless steel in 2023
• Hydraulic steering and anchoring systems
• Functional commercial-grade systems and machinery access

Unlike many ageing fiberglass cruisers, this vessel was engineered for commercial realities, accessibility, durability and operational practicality

Gardner 6LX Power – Mechanical Icons

Power comes from twin naturally aspirated Gardner 6LX six-cylinder diesels, legendary British industrial engines revered worldwide for longevity, fuel economy and simplicity.

• Counter Rotating crankshafts with 2UC and 3:1 Reduction Gearbox
• Estimated engine hours: approx. 15,000
• Recent maintenance by Yachtech
• Cruise speed: approx. 9 knots
• Maximum speed: approx. 10.5 knots
• Idle displacement cruise: approx. 5 knots
• Fuel consumption: approx. 24L/hr total at cruise including one generator

The 2025 survey described both main engines as: “Excellent examples of the 6LX’s”, with good access, clean installations, secure plumbing and no operational concerns noted.

For buyers who appreciate old-school mechanical engineering over complex modern electronics, this propulsion package alone will be enormously appealing.

Proper Off-Grid Capability

“Unknown Pleasures” has evolved into a very practical floating home with substantial independent electrical capability.

The vessel currently operates primarily on a 240V liveaboard distribution system and includes:

• 1.3kW solar array
• 9.9kWh 48V LiFePO4 battery bank
• Full Victron electrical system with remote GPX monitoring
• Two three phase generators (Isuzu and Perkins)
• 3 Phase Hydraulic system for anchoring and deck operations and top level crane

Combined with approximately 7,000L fuel capacity and 2,400L freshwater storage, she offers serious autonomy potential for extended cruising or remote living.

Accommodation & Living Spaces

Internally, the vessel is spacious, practical and unmistakably unique. Accommodation includes:

• Private aft owner’s cabin with ensuite
• Three forward bunk cabins
• Additional forward shower and head
• Large saloon with full galley
• Helm lounge and internal cruising area
• Massive covered aft deck with built in original collapsable table from the interior
• Expansive upper sun deck
• Outdoor thermostatic controlled hot-water shower
• Weber Q BBQ area

Rather than pretending to be a modern production yacht, ‘Unknown Pleasures’ embraces her industrial-commercial roots , and that authenticity is precisely what makes her so appealing. She would suit buyers looking for:

• Liveaboard lifestyle
• Expedition cruising
• Commercial conversion potential
• Creative waterfront accommodation
• Dive/adventure support vessel
• Film or event platform
• Unique Airbnb or retreat concept

Important Notes

• NSW Registered to December 2026
• Out of commercial survey since 2016
• Operational and currently in regular private use
• Ancient but functional navigation equipment
• New autopilot fitted (requires recalibration)
• LPG compliance certificate to be confirmed
• Buyers should undertake their own due diligence regarding intended operational use

For sale with DBY Boat Sales Pittwater Office in Newport. Please call +61 2 9999 3311 for an inspection. For additional high-resolution photos and detailed inventory, please email [email protected]