Built in 1995 to the Frank Pelin design, this 13.48m Crusader is a solid steel displacement cruiser with a reputation for handling open water confidently. With 4.19m of beam and a 1.0m draught, she sits steady at sea yet can still get into shallow anchorages, happy crossing Cook Strait one day and tucked into a quiet Marlborough Sounds bay the next. The two-cabin layout suits couples or a small family after proper liveaboard space, with the kind of stowage and practical fit-out needed for extended cruising rather than quick weekend runs.
Pelin launches are well known among New Zealand boat owners for their seaworthy hulls and low-maintenance steel construction, qualities that have kept the design in demand for years. Currently lying in Picton, the Crusader is well placed for owners keen to explore the Marlborough Sounds, Tasman Bay and the wider top of the South Island. The price has recently been reduced to NZD $245,000, putting this steel cruiser within reach for buyers after a dependable boat with real range.
