1966 Custom 66'
20.12 m
1966 Custom 66' 66
- 20.12 m
- Diesel
- Power
- Motor Yachts
1966 Custom 66
66' (20.12 m) The Impossible Machine
A truly unique, strongly built vessel with an amazing history. This boat would be a great fit for crew/sail training, charters, expeditions or even just private cruising.
Flag of Registry: South Africa
Port of Registry: Samana, Dominican Republic
| FEATURES: |
|---|
| Mahogony and Iroko Construction. |
| New rod rigging 2021. |
| New engine 2021. |
| All new through hull fittings 2021. |
| Income producing. |
| Tenders: Dinghy Info: 12 foot Achillies Dinghy, with small outboard. |
1966 Custom 66' 66
- 20.12 m
- Diesel
- Power
- Motor Yachts
$ 250,000 USD
$ 343,793 CAD*€ 213,469 Euros*£ 184,014 GBP*
Description
Welcome aboard The Impossible Machine.
Originally launched in 1966, this classic wooden sailing vessel was designed by Kurt Oehlman built by the at the Louw & Halvorsen shipyard in Cape Town SA to be used as a training vessel for the South African Navy.
In 2020, her current owner commissioned a major refit, transforming her into the proud ocean voyager she is today. Upgrades included the installation of a brand-new 225hp John Deere diesel engine with a new turbo and gearbox oil cooler, all-new through-hull fittings, a fully replaced rudder and hydraulic system, and the removal and servicing of both masts with new stainless-steel rod rigging. In 2022, her topsides and antifoul were renewed, completing her rejuvenation.
This extensive refit prepared her for the adventure of a lifetime — sailing from South Africa to Brazil to compete in the 2023 Cape to Rio Race. At the helm was her owner, Ard Matthews — renowned South African musician, songwriter, and lead vocalist of the band Just Jinjer — who then continued his voyage north to the Caribbean.
In recent years, The Impossible Machine has also served as a sailing and yacht-training platform for the Paper Boat Academy, offering aspiring mariners the skills and experience to launch careers in the yachting industry.
LOA66'
LOA20.12''
LOD66'
Beam19'
Beam Inch5''
Draft Max Feet9'
Draft Max Inch7''
Draft Min Feet9'
Draft Min Inch7''
Head Room Feet7'
Bridge Clearance Feet73'
Bridge Clearance Inch8''
Fuel Tank (Gallons)951.02
Fuel Tank (Liters)3600
Fresh Water (Gallons)528.34
Fresh Water (Liters)2000
TypePower
ConditionUsed
Specifications
The Impossible Machine
PL-PL100SRHJ023
Power-Used
1966
19'5"
9'7"
9'7"
4
15
2
10 Knots
6 Knots
Diesel
Wood
Yes
73'8"
951.02 Gallons (3600 Liters)
528.34 Gallons (2000 Liters)
53.63
Engines
Engine 1
- Engine Make: John Deer
- ModelEngine Model: 6 Cylinder
- YearEngine Year: 2020
- Engine TypeEngine Type: Inboard
- Drive TypeDrive Type: Direct
- Power HPPower HP: 225.00
- Power KWPower KW: 167.78
- Feul TypeFeul Type: Diesel
- HoursHours: 500.00
- Engine LocationEngine Location: Middle
- Serial NumberSerial Number: CD6068C090480
Generators
Generator 1
- Generator Make: Portable
- Generator KW: 2000.00
Full Details
Additional Information
Accommodation
- Seating Capacity: 15
- Total Cabins: 4
- Total Sleeps: 15
- Total Heads: 2
- Bunk Length: Average 6 ft
- Headroom: 7 ft
Interior Comforts and Amenities
- Refrigeration: Snowmaster 12V
- Freezer: Same as fridge
- Stove/Oven: Force 10, 3-burner propane
- Propane Shut-off Valve: Yes
- Vented Propane Locker: Yes
- Propane Tanks: Steel
- Air Conditioner: Yes, (2) units (1 portable, RV/household type)
- Heater: No
- First Aid Kit: Yes
Electronics and Navigation
- Radar: Yes, condition unknown
- Depth Sounder: (2) units (Raymarine analog + newer B&G)
- Primary VHF Radio: Yes
- AIS: Receiving & transmitting
- EPIRB: Yes
- Chart Plotters: B&G Vulcan, old analog Raymarine
- Autopilot: CPT analog
- Navigation: Lots of paper charts and sextant
Electrical Systems
- Primary Anchor: CQR 55, 120 lbs, 100 m galvanized 13 mm chain
- Secondary Anchor: CQR, same as primary
- Full Deck Awning: Canvas over mizzen boom
- Cockpit Cushions: Waterproof plastic
- Life Raft: 12-person, needs service
- Dinghy Davits: Yes
- Navigation Lights: Yes
- Deck Washdown System: Yes
Deck and Hull Equipment
- Primary Anchor: CQR 55, 120 lbs, 100 m galvanized 13 mm chain
- Secondary Anchor: CQR, same as primary
- Full Deck Awning: Canvas over mizzen boom
- Cockpit Cushions: Waterproof plastic
- Life Raft: 12-person, needs service
- Dinghy Davits: Yes
- Navigation Lights: Yes
- Deck Washdown System: Yes
Sails and Rigging
- Main Mast: Aluminum
- Mizzen Mast: Aluminum
- Roller Furling for Main: Yes
- Spinnaker: Yes, torn
- Sail Area: 200 m²
- Standing Rigging: Rod rigging (New 2020)
- Chain Plates: Stainless (Approx. 5 years old)
- Mast Winches: Lewmar, not self-tailing
- Cockpit Winches: Self-tailing for mainsheet + (2) for jib sheets
- Lifelines: Dyneema
- Mainsail: Ulman (2023)
- Staysail: North Sails (2022)
- Mizzen: Original (Good condition)
- Genoa: Original with new UV cover from North
Mechanical Equipment
- Engine: John Deere, 215 HP, inboard, direct drive (March 2020)
- Propeller Type: Pitched, bronze
- Engine Hours: 300–400 (Port)
- Manual Bilge Pump: Yes
- Electric Bilge Pump: Yes
- Steering: Hydraulic, new oil and pipes (8 months ago)
- Emergency Tiller: Yes
- Bilge Blowers: Engine only
Engine Info
- Engine: John Deere, 215 HP, inboard, direct drive (March 2020)
- Propeller Type: Pitched, bronze
- Engine Hours: 300–400 (Port)
Tankage
- Diesel Capacity: 3,600 liters (Dual steel tanks)
- Fresh Water Capacity: 2,000 liters (1) aluminum (1) plastic)
- Holding Tank: (1) plastic, capacity unknown
Owners Comments and Boat History
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The Impossible Machine, formerly known as Howard Davies, was built in 1966 by the Louw and Halvorsen shipyard to be used as a training vessel for the South African Navy. The boat was designed by Kurt Oehlmann, who designed numerous wooden yachts between 1958 and 1980.
She was more recently purchased by Ard Mathews, a South African musician and captain, who commissioned a major refit from 2020–2023. During that time, he changed the name to The Impossible Machine and went on to cross the Atlantic while competing in the Cape to Rio Race of 2023. He then cruised the Caribbean and has left her in the Dominican Republic, where she is now for sale.
Mechanical Disclaimer
Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
