M/Y Independence

EX-ROYAL NAVY STEEL TRAWLER – 24M | UNIQUE FLOATING RESIDENCE & CHARTER BUSINESS | CARIBBEAN

A rare opportunity to acquire a truly distinctive vessel with history, character, and proven commercial potential.

Built in 1969 for military use and later converted into a fully equipped floating residence, this 24-meter steel trawler combines the robustness of a former naval vessel with the comfort of a boutique guesthouse. Currently operating in the Caribbean as a private charter and floating accommodation, she offers a unique lifestyle and turnkey business opportunity.

Her striking silhouette, enhanced by a custom finish, makes her instantly recognizable and highly marketable for experiential tourism.

KEY FEATURES

• Length: 24 meters (steel hull)
• Year: 1969 (ex-military vessel)
• Fully converted into a liveaboard & guesthouse
• Accommodates up to 6 guests
• 6 cabins (3 double, 2 twin configuration, 1 single configuration)
• 3 bathrooms (showers & toilets)
• Spacious indoor saloon with warm wood finishes
• Fully equipped galley
• Large outdoor deck with lounge & shaded seating area
• Upper deck ideal for relaxation / entertaining
• Engine room accessible and maintained

LIFESTYLE & COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL

This vessel is more than a boat — it is a platform for unique experiences.

Currently used for:
• Private charters
• Floating accommodation (Airbnb-style)
• Multi-day cruises

Her layout and character make her ideal for:
• Boutique charter operations
• Eco-lodge or floating hotel concept
• Liveaboard lifestyle with income potential
• Creative or hospitality projects

LOCATION

Based in Saint Martin, in the heart of the Caribbean, with access to world-class cruising grounds including Anguilla, St. Barths, and surrounding islands.

WHY THIS VESSEL STANDS OUT

Unlike modern production yachts, this former naval vessel offers:
• Exceptional build quality (steel construction)
• Unique historical background
• Strong visual identity (high marketing appeal)
• Proven use as a revenue-generating asset

General Information

• Type: Fleet Tender, Clovelly Class
• Builder: C.D. Holmes, Kingston upon Hull, U.K.
• Year Built: 1970 (keel laid 1969)
• Class: Lloyd’s 100A1 (UK Coasting Service)
• Construction: Steel
• Displacement: ~130 tons

Dimensions

• Length Overall: 22.9 m (75 ft)
• Beam: 6.4 m (21 ft)
• Draft: 3.0 m (9.8 ft)

Performance & Machinery

• Main Engine: Lister Blackstone ERS4 (4-cyl, 330 HP @ 750 RPM)
• Gearbox: Lister Blackstone 2:1
• Cruising Speed: 7.5 kn (22 L/h @ 510 RPM)
• Max Speed: 9–10 kn
• Fuel Capacity: 2 × 2,844 L + 764 L (day tank)
• Fresh Water: 3,750 L

Generators & Power

• Perkins 50 kVA (230/400 V)
• Kubota 17 kVA (rebuilt 2025)
• Victron 24 V 5 kW inverter/charger
• MPPT Victron 24 V 150/85 solar system (2,000 W)

Equipment & Systems

• Watermaker: 240 L/h
• Heating & hot water boiler, freshwater and bilge pumps
• Hydraulic anchor winch with ~170 m chain and 300 kg anchor
• Navigation: Raymarine radar, chart plotter, GPS, AIS, echo sounder, Simrad AP50 autopilot, Icom VHF
• Safety: EPIRB, lifejackets, life rafts (6 + 8 pax), extinguishers, flares

Accommodation & Domestic

• Cabins: 6