M/Y Mariana Catharina

M/Y Mariana Catharina is one of Sweden’s most iconic motor cruisers, built in 1911 and with a long and proud history. This elegant ship has been owned by, among others, Gustaf LM Ericsson, the founder of Ericsson, and is a living piece of Swedish maritime history.

Today, “Alba”, now M/Y Mariana Catharina, has been restored to 85% of its original condition after a careful renovation that has been ongoing since the 1980s and in which over 1.3 million SEK (around 125.000 EUR) has been invested. Every detail has been carefully restored to preserve the ship’s classic charm and elegance.

A substantial amount of structural and restoration work has already been carried out, although some finishing work remains before she is ready to be launched again.

With its rich history and exquisite craftsmanship, M/Y Mariana Catharina is a unique chance to own one of Sweden’s most beautiful motor cruisers. The boat was built by Knut Ljungberg at Hästholmsvarvet on Lidingö.

Location:

The boat is privately owned and documented, and stored indoors near Helsingborg in southern Sweden.

Technical data:

• Engine: Volvo Penta 110 hp 6 cyl diesel (we are investigating engine hours)
• Length 15.5 m (50.9 ft)
• Width 3.4 m (11.2 ft)
• Draft 1.3 m (4.3 ft)
• Weight 12 tons
• Hull: Wood, Mahogany

The vessel has undergone an extensive restoration under the direction of highly regarded Swedish boatbuilder Jan Bengtsson, who was entrusted with restoring her character and elegance with exceptional freedom and craftsmanship.

The following is an overview of the principal works undertaken, rather than an exhaustive list of all restoration and finishing work completed.

Part 1 – Principal restoration work completed

Hull, deck and structure

• Extensive restoration of the wooden hull and structural elements.
• Complete replacement of the stern/transom.
• Extensive renovation of the aft peak, including new frames and planking.
• A completely new deck in Oregon pine and mahogany, executed with exceptional attention to detail and finish.
• Renewal of the forward deck section ahead of the engine room.
• Construction of a removable engine hatch adjacent to the wheelhouse, providing practical access for future engine maintenance.

Wheelhouse and historic character

• The open wheelhouse has been developed to recapture the elegant lines and proportions shown in the original drawings.
• Significant alterations made during the 1950s have been reversed to a considerable extent, including changes to the wheelhouse and bulwarks.
• A new ladder providing access to the saloon has been made.
• The saloon roof has been renewed and fully completed.

Tanks and interior

• A new holding tank has been installed aft.
• A separate freshwater tank has been installed forward.
• The galley’s basic structure has been completed, providing the foundation for its final fit-out.

The restoration has involved considerably more work than can be captured in a summary of this kind. Throughout the project, the emphasis has been on traditional materials, skilled craftsmanship and preserving the vessel’s historic identity.

Part 2 – Remaining completion work

The principal restoration work is substantially advanced. The remaining tasks provide the next owner with the opportunity to complete the vessel and tailor selected details to their own preferences.

• Engine and controls: The engine was functioning before the vessel was taken ashore. A general inspection and service should be carried out before relaunching. The steering wheel, throttle control and forward/reverse gear linkage remain to be installed.
• Electrical installation: Completion of the remaining electrical work, primarily lighting and a number of power outlets.
• Interior and galley: Completion of the galley fit-out, including the remaining service installations, and selected finishing details.
• Final preparations: General checks and finishing work ahead of relaunching.

As part of the completion process, selected structural details may also benefit from further assessment.

An opportunity to make her your own

M/Y Mariana Catharina offers a rare opportunity to become the custodian of a distinctive piece of Swedish maritime history. Her extensive restoration, beautifully executed new Oregon pine and mahogany deck, and carefully reimagined open wheelhouse provide a remarkable foundation for her next chapter.

With the major restoration work substantially advanced, the next owner can complete the remaining details and select technical equipment to suit their intended use and personal preferences.

The result will be a distinctive classic cruiser, combining the craftsmanship and character of 1911 with the individual vision of her next owner.

The boat is sold in cooperation with Yachtbroker Sweden.

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.

The Broker is not a dealer or part of the trade but a facilitator of the process, and no claims can be directed to the Broker. A sale between private buyer and seller is in Norway regulated by “Kjøpsloven” (“The Sale of Goods Act”).

The broker assists with pictures and video of the boat, viewings, obtaining information from the seller about the condition of the boat, can assist with engaging an inspector to examine the condition of the boat, can assist with arranging contact with the carrier if necessary, and assists with establishing a purchase contract and receiving and forwarding payment for the boat via the broker’s client account. In addition, the broker gives advice to or assist Seller and Buyer in relation to re-registration or deletion of the vessel in the relevant register, if applicable.