Hinckley Yacht Brokerage
401-644-3005
Hinckley Yacht Brokerage
401-644-3005
VESPER represents a very special opportunity to acquire a Little Harbor WhisperJet 44 just out of a major refit and in need of nothing – every system was inspected and either replaced new or rebuilt to new spec. She is an impeccable example of Ted Hood’s finely crafted WhisperJet 44 Express Cruiser and ready to cruise now without any headaches or bugs to work out. Powered by twin 420 hp Yanmar diesels (removed and fully rebuilt in 2022 with less than 5 hours) paired to Hamilton Jets, she offers a rare degree of performance, seldom found in yachts of her size. Finish and detail are unsurpassed and her sleek lines are striking. She shares the finesse, detail and quality of a Hinckley Talaria Jetboat.
VESPER is a seaworthy yacht capable of serious cruising that can be run up a sandy beach thanks to her 2’1” draft without any underwater appendages. Available only due to a change in her knowledgeable owner’s plans, she is a rare find in any market.
2022 Refit Summary
The Ted Hood designed Little Harbor WhisperJet 44 features a modern deep-V hull form (designed specifically for jet drives) with an innovative twin chine configuration that minimizes waterline beam for performance and fuel economy and maximizes interior volume for accommodations. In addition, the twin chine eliminates annoying "wave slap" common to many boats while at rest. Dead rise angle is 17 degrees at the transom. She has a classic hull profile with an aggressive bow and low-profile deck configuration.
The large and comfortable Bridge deck features an L-shaped settee with casual seating for four and optional deck chairs that can be arranged to accommodate six for dining. The helm has been designed to position all instruments and controls at their optimal location in relation to the helmsman. The chart table is located across from the helm so traditional charts can be used and space has been provided for electronics repeaters of key navigational data. A removable backrest allows the forward end of the settee to serve as a comfortable companion seat.
The interior accommodations are both straightforward and commodious. The Owner's Stateroom forward includes a large U-berth (as opposed to the typical narrow V-berth) with two 36-inch wide berths that can be converted into a double with a filler piece. There are two large cedar lined hanging locker and numerous drawers and storage lockers. A private Owner's Head and shower is located port & starboard. Large Galley to port with cold-plate refrigerator and freezer, electric three burner stove with oven & broiler, microwave oven and abundant storage lockers for long term cruising.
The engines are surrounded by a carefully engineered, soundproofed compartment, making the bridge deck a comfortable, quiet place while underway, even at high speeds. Both the entire bridge deck and cockpit sole lift electrically at the touch of a button for extraordinary access for major maintenance. Main hatches are provided for routine engine checks. The water jet system is located well aft for easy access via hatches through the cockpit. Custom removable stowage bins are below the cockpit sole. The water jet configuration eliminates the need for external shafts, props, and rudders, thereby removing a substantial amount of running vibration and allowing one to virtually run right over floating hazards - such as trap buoys - without fouling. The resulting 25" shallow draft also allows one to safely gunkhole shallow waters off-limits to most boats of this size. As a final benefit, the water jet provides superior maneuverability in tight quarters and thanks to her new Joystick control system (2022) by Control Engineering – docking is always a breeze!
The hull lamination is further reinforced with a Kevlar hybrid to increase collision strength and add stiffness. All fuel tanks are welded aluminum. Structural bulkheads are cored fiberglass bonded to hull and deck. All deck hardware is polished stainless steel. The deck - hull joint features a low maintenance molded rail with teak cap. Hand laid teak decks bonded with epoxy are elegant and nonskid. The cabin tops are finished with contrasting Awlgrip nonskid (new, 2022). A molded rubrail with solid stainless striker makes docking against pilings easy.
The helm station with engine controls, navigation & communication electronics and Stidd chair (reupholstered, 2019) with Ultraleather are to starboard. Aft is a custom teak compartment with Norcold 12 VDC/110 VAC refrigerator and storage locker along with a useful drawer. The varnished teak top has fiddles that befit a proper yacht. To port is L-shaped Ultraleather settee (new cushions, 2019) with removable hi-lo dining table that converts to a double berth, as well as forward facing navigation area with chart table. A removable bolster acts as a companion seat back. In addition there are two round cocktail tables that can be used in lieu of the dinette dining table.
The bridge deck is protected by hardtop with removable side & rear curtains. Like below decks, the bridge deck is air-conditioned for the comfort of the crew on even the warmest days. There is a large man hatch in the solid laid teak sole for routine engine inspections and the entire bridge deck lifts electrically on rugged hinges for total unobstructed access to the engine compartment.
Master Stateroom
Master oversized U-shaped berths with a filler piece to convert to a double berth. Port and starboard hanging lockers lined with aromatic cedar planking provide ample storage for long term cruising. There is a bi-fold door for privacy.
Salon & Galley
To starboard, the saloon has a full length Sunbrella settee (new cushions, 2022) that converts to upper and lower berths. There is a removable folding dining table. Outboard are bookshelves and louvered lockers. There is an Alpine AM/FM/CD player with speakers. Thickly insulated top loading refrigerator and freezer with Grunert cold plates to minimize operating time. There is a Force 10 stainless steel electric three burner stove with oven & broiler, microwave, stainless steel sink with Grohe faucet and generous storage. The countertops are Corian.
Head & Shower
To port is the head compartment with Vacu-flush toilet (2019), Corian countertops, stainless sink and Grohe faucets along with louvered lockers for toiletries, linens and towels. Starboard shower compartment with its own stainless steel sink
Companionway
Stairs with broad treads and easily negotiated risers lead to the bridge deck. The treads are hinged for storage within. To port at eye level are recessed the AC & DC electrical panels, generator panel and recessed fire extinguisher compartment. To starboard is a hanging locker lined with cedar planks.