60' 1939 Custom Danish Hajkutter Gaff Ketch For Sale

S/V Labora was built in 1939 in Esbjerg, Denmark, as a traditional Danish Hajkutter—one of the famously tough North Sea cutters built to work year-round in the roughest seas on earth. In the 1980s, she was completely rebuilt at Randers Shipyard at a cost exceeding €800,000, converting her from a commercial fishing vessel into a capable and beautifully finished private yacht while preserving her solid oak-on-oak hull, copper-sheathed bottom, and teak decks and interior. At 75 feet LOA with a substantial 100,000-lb displacement and an 8-foot draft, Labora is a true working North Sea vessel.

Since then, Labora has lived an active life as both home and passage-making vessel. Structurally, she remains extremely sound—her hull, engine, and major systems are all solid—but she now needs immediate attention and fresh capital to bring her back to her proper standard. A two-month refit will be required to make her fully ready for ocean service again: pulling both masts for minor woodwork and varnish, hauling out for recaulking and inspection under the copper, renewing zincs, batteries, and pumps, servicing hydraulics and paintwork, and recommissioning several electrical and plumbing systems. The estimated work budget is $50,000–$75,000, which will return her to a strong, safe, and reliable condition for long-distance voyaging.

Once completed, Labora becomes an exceptional platform—part yacht, part small ship. Her gaff ketch rig with square sail, staysails, and jibs is traditional and efficient; her engine and hydraulics make her powerful and maneuverable; and her pilothouse, heating, and tankage make her ideal for extended independent operation.

Comparable Hajkutters that have been fully restored or converted for charter and training consistently command mid–six-figure values in Europe and the U.S. For the right buyer willing to invest the time and capital, Labora represents a rare chance to own and complete a vessel whose quality and heritage are far beyond her current price.

She is a true North Sea ship—built to work, ready to travel anywhere in the world once recommissioned, and unmatched in character, strength, and potential.