CORDELL EXPLORER

After loving her for 28 years, the Cordell Explorer needs a new owner. I am unable to continue to maintain her in the safe and operational state necessary for her historic research and educational program. We used the Cordell Explorer for coastal research trips and for educational trips in the S.F. Bay, river, and delta estuary. The vessel is at home on dock K at the Berkeley Marina (behind the marina office). You can see the boat on my website www.cordell.org.

The Cordell Explorer is a documented vessel, built in Tillamook, Oregon, in 1966 as a longline trawler, converted to a diving/research platform. She is 42 ft. LOA, 15 ft. beam, 4-5 ft. draft. She has a single GM-671 engine (165 hp.), dual 200 gal. fuel tanks, 350 gal. freshwater tanks, head (with 50 gal. holding tank), large open stern deck, stern davit, dual stern deck holds, life jackets, ground tackle, foc's'l, galley with sink, microwave, coffee maker, cookware. Electronics include 2 fish finders, recording fathometer, GPS, VHF radios, AM/FM radio, and analog radar. The boat is relatively flat in the stern, providing an exceptionally stable platform, excellent for research, fishing, etc. Top speed in calm waters is around 9 knots.

Over the years, we maintained the vessel in good condition. She is fully operational, with about 250 gal. of fresh diesel in the tanks. The engine is very reliable. The hull (white oak frames and fir planking) is still strong, although I stopped taking her out in high seas some years ago. The external topsides could use some minor repair and painting to make her spiffy. She will make a great work, fishing, or project boat, and she has a great history. There is an exhibit in the Oakland Museum of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, part of the research done with the Cordell Explorer.

While the boat is easily valued in the $10-20k range, I am willing to accept any sensible offer of $5,000 or above. You can have the entire boat as it is right now, including all the electronics, ground tackle, spare parts, lifejackets, and miscellaneous stuff. Essentially, you can get onboard and drive her away as is, with everything.

Please contact me: Dr. Robert Schmieder, (925) 934-3735, schmieder@cordell.org. I will be happy to meet you on the boat and show her to you.