Flying Whale — Alajuela 48 Bluewater Ketch with Heavy Ballast and Long-Range Systems

Flyin' Whale, an Alajuela 48 built by Alajuela Yacht Corp. до Lloyd's standards, presents a hand-laid GRP hull, fin keel with substantial lead ballast and a skeg-hung/partial-skeg rudder; the deck paint requires renewal while the hull was last anti-fouled in August 2025. Designed by Raymond Richards, the ketch rig and moderate displacement deliver a steady motion for extended offshore passages.

Vessel Overview at a Glance

The Alajuela 48 is popular amongst cruisers planning extended ocean voyages because of its centre cockpit layout, generous tankage and storage, and conservative build choices aimed at safety and redundancy. Flying Whale combines traditional teak trim with modern refits—rigging renewed in 2024 and several service items refreshed through 2025.

Key Specifications

Basic data

Accommodation & Layout

The interior is a practical two-cabin, two-head arrangement offering up to eight berths and approximately 6’ 7" headroom. Ventilation is good throughout, with functional separation between living and navigation spaces.

• Forward cabin: storage/workroom for sails and ground tackle, with top-opening hatch.
• Forward heads: Shower to port; Lavac toilet and basin to starboard.
• Owner's cabin (starboard): double Pullman berth, vanity unit and hanging locker.
• Port cabin: double Pullman berth convertible to two sea berths.
• Galley: U-shaped midships to port with s/s sink, 4-burner hob and oven; primary fridge requires compressor replacement; Dometic CFX 100 portable unit in saloon.
• Saloon: Aft horseshoe dining converts to double berth, bookshelf storage with stained glass panels.
• Nav station: starboard, chart table and electrical panels.

Mechanical & Electrical Systems

Propulsion

У "The Beta Marine 85hp diesel from 2020 drives through a PRM transmission to a shaft and 3-blade propeller—well-suited for long-range motoring and heavy-displacement passages.

Electrical

1. Leisure batteries: 2 x Victron Smart Lithium 24V/200Ah (new 2024)
2. Starter & auxiliary batteries: NorthStar Group 27 (2022), Group 31s and Group 24 for windlass and generator
3. Solar: 4 x SunPower Cell Flex 130W panels
4. Wind: Electric Energy D400 24V wind generator (not installed)
5. Power management: Victron Quattro II 24V/3000/120, Victron Phoenix inverter, Victron Lynx Smart BMS
6. Comms & entertainment: Starlink (2022), Peplink Max Transit, Samsung 24" TV

Sails, Rigging and Deck Equipment

Rigging renewed in 2024; running rigging replaced 2022. Slab reef mainsail with Mack Pack refurbished 2025 and roller furling headsail serviced in 2025. Winches by Barlow and Maxwell.

1. Mainsail — serviced 2025
2. 2 x Genoa — serviced 2025
3. Staysail, Spinnaker, Mizzen — mizzen serviced 2025

Anchoring and deck gear includes a Lofrans Falkon windlass, Mantus 85lb and Fortress FX 55 anchors, 300 ft chain and rode, bimini, sail cover, Magma BBQ, swim ladder and standard docklines and fenders.

Navigation & Safety

Comprehensive modern electronics upgrade provides comfortable offshore navigation:

• B&G Zeus 3S 9″ chartplotter (2022) and Halo 20+ radar (2022)
• B&G NAC-3 autopilot, B&G WS310 wind instruments
• Garmin GPS 19x on NMEA 2000, Garmin/Vesper Cortex VHF & AIS (2023)
• Airmar DST810 depth/speed sensors
• Hydrovane emergency steering

Safety gear includes Orion flares (2025), multiple lifejackets and Lifeslings, manual and electric bilge pumps, fire extinguishers, gas alarm, smoke detector, emergency tiller and a first aid kit; some items may require servicing.

Auxiliary & Comfort Items

1. Highfield CL310 dinghy (2019) with Suzuki 20hp 4-stroke outboard (2020)
2. Seawater Pro 24V 40gph watermaker (2023)
3. Sailrite sewing machine, paddle board, tools and spare parts

Suitability for Tourism and Charter

As an ocean-capable ketch with ample tankage and redundancy, Flying Whale is suited for private long-range cruising, boutique expedition charters or small-group bluewater voyages. The robust build and modern comms (Starlink, Peplink) make her a candidate for luxury adventure travel experiences such as exclusive yacht charters for events, small cruise packages, and eco-friendly wildlife safaris where reliable systems and comfortable accommodation matter.

Booking, Inspections and Practical Notes

Interested parties should note decks need repainting and the galley fridge compressor requires replacement. Routine checks of lifejackets, fire extinguishers and gas alarms are recommended before any charter or extended cruise. For tailored booking options, vessel inspections or arranging a delivery passage, GetExperience offers secure payments with voucher confirmation and the option to submit requests so providers can tailor offers to your travel preferences.

This overview highlights the most interesting and important aspects of Flying Whale: sturdy construction, recent electrical and rig upgrades, comprehensive navigation gear and a range of auxiliary systems that suit both extended voyaging and small-scale chartering. Still, nothing replaces firsthand time aboard; the best reviews and most honest feedback can’t compare to personal experience. On GetExperience, you book verified providers at reasonable prices, benefiting from convenience, transparent payments and a wide range of additional options—perfect for planning cruise packages, safari tours or exclusive yacht charters. Book your Trip GetExperience.com

In summary, the Alajuela 48 Flying Whale combines traditional seaworthy design with selective modernisation: heavy ballast, skeg protection, upgraded electrics and communications, and practical accommodation make her a compelling option for long-distance cruising, luxury adventure travel experiences, yacht parties and small cruise packages. For travellers seeking diverse travel experiences – from museum tours with live guides to interactive online cultural workshops or adventure rafting trips for beginners – this kind of reliable platform expands the possibilities for unique itineraries and safe, comfortable exploration.