1997 Rodriquez Long Range Yacht Fish

Rodriquez ship builders are still in business and Argo was their 160th build and the 149th fishing boat they had built so you know they knew what they were doing. Rodriquez built  Argo for a client who wanted a  long range fishing and cruising yacht. 

Argo is capable of getting from the west coast to Hawaii and the south pacific or back to the Caribbean where she started. 

If you are looking for a yacht to ocean fish or explore the oceans Argo is a great platform. Lots of backup systems for safety from fire hoses to 3 gensets(one of which is air cooled). She has twin Luggers which are renowned for long life. 

Hull and topsides were painted in 2022 and bottom was completely redone in 2018. 

Only 4 owners since new and current owner has kept her up for offshore fishing and cruising. Wesmar stabilizers and bow thruster along with updated electronics including FLIR. 

THIS BOAT IS REGISTERED IN A WILMINGTON DE LLC as an American flagged vessel.

Steel construction using 5/16 and 1/4 inch plate LOA : 74.5’ (including anchor pulpit and swim step) LOD/LWL : 65’ (LWL includes a bulbous bow) Beam : 19.5’Draft : 5.5’ Cockpit area:  18’W x 13’L with just under 3' high gunnels Gross Tonnage : 76                   Net Tonnage : 61Tankage (all tanks are integral to the hull) : Fuel – 4,300 US Gal. in 3 tanks, Engine Room forward bulkhead (2 wing tanks 1,750 each & centre tank 800) Fresh water – 600 US Gal. in 2 tanks located in the lazarette (port and stbd aft) Black water – 250 US Gal. located in the engine room port aft (valved for direct discharge) Oil – 125 US Gal. each for fresh oil and waste oil, located in the ER stbd aft Range: Cruising speed - Nominal 8 knots @ 1,800RPM (3,440 nmi range at this speed) - This is the speed she is usually driven at. Cruising speed (economical) - 7 knots @ 1,600RPM (4,300 nmi range at this speed) - This is the speed of Albacore tuna fishing trolling, or want to conserve fuel on a long haul. Fuel capacity - 4,300 US Gal. in three tanks

Exterior:

When you walk up to Argo you will see she is designed for deep sea fishing. From the bowsprit for Swordfish fishing to the Tuna tower above the fly bridge and aft to the large cockpit with high gunnels,good sized swim platform and large opening door in the middle of the transom. Top this off with all the rod holders, outriggers, flood lights and aft steering station on the upper deck you know she was built for serious enjoyment.

For long range cruising the bowsprit is equipped with dual anchors and  2 anchor lockers in the foredeck. Below the waterline a bulbous bulb helps reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency . This was added after she was built and was designed by Bray Yacht Design. Argo has a raised bow and high welded steel safety rails to handle heavier seas and the bridge deck is located perfectly. She has secure side decks from bow to stern and ample scuppers to keep the decks clear. As you look aft you will see the step down in the hull as you approach the cockpit. You will also notice the large windows which provide excellent natural light and views from the salon.

COCKPIT:

 As you enter the cockpit you will notice the step up at the aft end of the trunk cabin so water entering the cockpit won't enter the salon area. You will see the retractable awning for the aft deck which provides shade for relaxing while enjoying the spacious aft deck at sea or anchor. You will also notice that all the deck hatches are Freeman commercial grade watertight 4 dog hatches. There is a Freeman hatch to access the steering room, 1 each for the refrigerated holds in the cockpit floor.

At the forward end of the cockpit you have an Aluminum Dutch door to enter the salon. You have just to starboard the steel hatch and door to access the engine room. Outboard of the engine room access are the stairs to the upper deck and fly bridge. To port of the Dutch door is the shell for the air cooled Aurora gen set. Outboard on both sides are wide secure side decks moving forward to the pilothouse doors. 

Overhead there are 4 large LED lights all aimed aft for night fishing. Also two underwater lights (for attracting baits) mounted on transom

The foredeck is easily accessed from the the cockpit and pilothouse with the port & starboard sliding Aluminum deck doors. As with the rest of the yacht’s decks, the side decks are a painted non-skid (the yacht was repainted in 2022) and are fairly flat, making moving about safe. 

 On the foredeck you will find excellent storage in 3 large built in lockers in front of the pilothouse. Moving forward from the lockers you have a fresh water wash down tap and hose to starboard along with a larger sea water hose for more capacity. Either side of the bow Maxwell Horizontal 3500 electric windlass you have a Freeman water tight 4 dog hatch to access each chain locker. 

There is 400’ chain rode on stbd gypsy with a 110 lb Bruce anchor and a 66 lb Bruce anchor with 60’ chain and 600’ 3/4” Polydyne rope rode on port roller. There are both up and down foot switches to control the windlass.

Fly bridge helm area:

The Fly bridge helm area offers a central helm station with  2 captains chairs. There is abundant storage under the helm console with sliding door access from both sides of the helm. To starboard there is a cut out for open storage with well thought out cutouts. These cutouts allow for lashing webbing which will keep items in the storage area while in heavy seas. Currently a 6-person life raft – needs to be re-certified is secured here. Just aft of here is the hatch to the pilothouse stairs. To port of the fly bridge you have another area for lashing gear against to port coaming. Aft on the port side are 2 decent size freezers. Overhead the owner removed the heavy steel hardtop and had it replaced with a lighter aluminum one. Like the lower decks this deck and the upper aft deck are painted with grey non skid and white uppers.

Fly bridge navigation:

15” Simrad DI display Icom radio Command Mike set Simrad AP28 autopilot controller Kobelt autopilot steering control Kobelt electronic engine shifters Simrad IS40 wind speed and direction indicator Jog Follow-up jog stick steering control Wesmar Bow thruster control Stereo speakers Aft facing LED floodlights off the hardtop

Upper deck:

The upper deck is just a few steps down from the bridge helm area and houses the yachts mast with Crow’s Nest. Once down the steps you will see built in lockers with 3 top opening hatches on both port and starboard wings.

The centre line Mast has a Crow's Nest reached via non slip rungs. The Nest has a custom canvas cover and there are 2 LED floodlights facing forward and one LED floodlight facing outboard to port and one to starboard attached around the Nest. Above the Nest are the FLIR camera, Simrad wind direction and speed transducer along with mast light and antennas.The mast is of steel construction and also has the following features and equipment:

 GPS and VHF antennas 10kw Open array Radar  on a lower strut  4G in dome on a smaller strut further up  Anchor and navigation lights at the top

On port aft of the lockers is an electric 1000lb. davit with deck chocks in the deck inboard. On the chocks sits the 14′ Porta-Bote tender (with 8hp Yamaha 2-stroke motor)

Aft on starboard just ahead of the stairs to the cockpit is the 3rd helm station with electronic Kobelt shifters, Wesmar thruster control and Simrad autopilot controller with Jog stick. The 3rd station has a canvas cover for it while not in use.  Solid welded railing surround the upper deck to the built in lockers for safety.  On the aft rail there are trolling & rod holders. The outriggers are attached to the cabin side port and starboard.

Of note, the steps on all ladders on deck are plastic for ease of walking on and are non skid.

Accommodations:

Main deck:

All windows in boat (expect aft facing cockpit ones) were replaced 2018.

Argo's main salon is accessed from the cockpit via an Aluminum Dutch style door. The salon is a combination of light grey padded panelling and teak cabinetry in a satin finish. The10 large windows bring in abundant natural light. Throughout Argo the carpeting is of excellent commercial quality with nice underlay so it is nice to walk on and you know it will last a long time as it doesn't show traffic.

As you enter you will find an open and airy salon due to the above mentioned 10 large windows that give you 270 degree viewing. To port there is a L shaped sofa to with wood grate style coffee table inboard. To starboard is the formal dining area also with an L shaped settee with large dining table that sits 8 inboard. Ahead on starboard is your galley. With an opening between the counter and overhead cabinets  people in galley are part of the group. Under both settees there is an abundance of storage. Lighting throughout is updated LED. Like the rest of Argo you have both air-con and hot water heat so no matter where you are the accommodations will be comfortable. 

Forward to port and across from the galley is the entertainment centre. Between the centre and galley are the steps to the pilothouse. The entertainment centre has a Samsung flat panel TV plus surround sound behind tabor doors which allows you to hide TV when not in use. There is storage above and below the TV.

All the windows have roller blinds that are mesh to allow light and the ability to see through them but help keep the heat out.

 Galley:

The U shaped galley is truly a chef’s delight, offering plenty of food preparation space, top quality cooking and food storage equipment. Corian solid surface counter tops, serving bar and as found in the rest of the yacht plenty of storage capacity. Outboard of the stainless steel sink the large window is opening as is the one directly across on the port side so you can get great cross ventilation. In addition you have 2 120V GFI plugs for convenience. There are 9 storage drawers, Overhead and under counter storage cabinet. You will find it is easy to feed the whole crew on a long voyage.

Appliances include:

GE Profile Convection oven 4-burner electric cooktop with a griddle Kenmore Elite 1500w Microwave 28 cu ft LG stainless steel 36” three door Refrigerator (18.8 cu ft)/freezer(9.1 cu ft) Freezer has ice maker as well Kenmore Elite Dishwasher Deep stainless steel sink with single lever faucet with built in garburator Coffee maker

Pilothouse:

Leaving the salon you go up to the pilot house. At the top of the stairs there is a door to divide the living area from the pilothouse for night time travelling. To port of the pilothouse you have the sliding door to the outer deck. Just aft of the door is the day head in easy reach of the driver when short crewed. The head has a large window, freshwater Tecma electric toilet, vanity with sink and mirror.

Forward of the head are the stairs to the lower deck and cabins. Inboard of the head you have the helm position with built in captains chair. Behind the helm is excellent space for moving from port to starboard even with crew in the pilothouse. Aft of the helm chair is a raised bench with seating for 4. Above and behind is a sea berth for off watch crewman. You will find a nice window here that allows natural light in. There is ample storage under the bench seat and also the raised floor. There is also a dedicated chart drawer here. 

To starboard, just before the opening door to the side deck, are the steps to the fly bridge.

The pilothouse helm station has 5 large windows looking forward and 2 to starboard and 1 to port. If the weather is nice you can also slide both exterior doors open for amazing sight lines. There are also custom sun panels for the interiors of the forward windows to keep the heat out. There are heater vents across the dash to keep the windows clear and the pilothouse warm. There is an air-con unit for this area as well.

Of note:  There are two separate backup power systems with charger/battery pairings, independently powering communication and navigation systems. The back up system runs electronics and radios so you can still communicate if in danger and have lost power.

Pilothouse helm area equipment: 

Port and Starboard Lugger engine monitoring gauge set Kobelt electronic controls  Buell Duplex Air Horn with compressor Wesmar bow thruster control Wesmar Stabilizer controls      Murphy electronics – vessel systems monitoring panel     Fireboy engine room fire suppression system  Twin side by side Simrad 16" MFD NSO evo2 suite (2019) MFD's will display radar images from both the 10Kw and the 4G, charts,depth,camera's FLIR,sonar etc ICOM M506 VHF ICOM  M412 VHF ICOM M710 SSB radio FLIR system Wesmar Scanning Sonar with a dedicated monitor which also shows feed from engine room and cockpit cameras This monitor also doubles for a video feed from engine room and cockpit camera Engine room and cockpit monitoring video feed (to the MFDs) Simrad OP40, IS40, OP10 with wind gauge  Digital satellite compass 12v electrical panel with fused breakers 120v electrical panel with fused breakers All electronics were renewed in 2014 refit (except otherwise noted)

LOWER DECK:

Throughout the lower deck you have the same carpeting and wall panels as the main deck as well as the air-con and hot water heating system. All woodwork including doors and their frames are teak. You will also find many floor access hatches to inspect the hull. All cabins and heads have 110V GFI plugs.

All mattresses were replaced in 2022

As you come down the stairs you will find a louvred set of teak doors across from you. The Bosch washer and Bosch dryer are located here. There are 4 cabins on the lower deck.Turning left towards the bow you have the guest head to port, 2nd guest stateroom to starboard and forward is the 3rd stateroom. 

If you turn right at the base of the stairwell you have the 1st guest stateroom on port and the owners suite is to starboard.

Owner’s suite

The starboard owner’s suite has a starboard side queen pullman bed with 3 large drawers under. LED reading lights on bulkhead. There is ample space between the berth and the fore aft bulkhead inboard. Cabinetry in beautiful teak with abundant drawers and hanging locker storage at the aft end of the cabin. There is also a large seating area at the end of the berth. Outboard is an opening port with screen. inboard across from the berth is a built in teak seat with upholstered cushion. There is storage under this cushion. There is shelving for the wall above the seat, over the headboard and on outer wall, but they have not been installed. Centre line aft is the door for the en suite.

Owner’s suite head

As you enter the en suite the freshwater Tecma electric head is located to your left. Moving into the head you have a fibreglass shower stall with glass door to your right. Straight ahead you have the beautiful teak vanity and abundant cabinet storage. The vanity has a Ceramic sink with mirror and lighting. The faucet is a single lever Kohler. There are a total of 6 drawers and 1 cabinet in this en suite. There is also an opening port with screen beside the vanity.

Port stateroom

The port guest stateroom is across from the owners suite and just aft of the stairwell. It has a larger lower bunk and shorter upper bunk both with custom mattresses. Each has a reading light and the upper bunk has an opening port with screen. There is storage under the lower bunk and at the aft end of the cabin you have ample drawers and hanging lockers. 

Guest head

Forward of the stairwell on port is the lower deck head. As you enter you have a fresh water Tecma electric toilet . Ahead of you is the vanity with ceramic sink and Kohler faucet. The vanity has cabinet storage , mirror and lighting. Above the vanity is an opening port with screen. Aft outboard of the vanity is the fibreglass shower with glass door. Like the other heads aboard there is vinyl flooring for easy cleaning.

Starboard stateroom

Across from the head you have the starboard guest stateroom with upper and lower bunk beds with custom mattresses. Just inside the door are drawer and cabinet storage to your left. Both berths have reading lights and the upper berth has an opening port with screen.     

Forward stateroom

The forward stateroom offers large bunk beds port and starboard with custom mattresses. Above each bunk is a storage shelf. Midships overhead is a Lewmar opening hatch. Under each bunk are 2 opening cupboards and there are 2 more opening cupboard forward where the bunks meet.  

MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING:

Mechanical

Engine Room and Mechanical Equipment

The engine room is accessed through a door in the starboard side of the cockpit. There is about 5' of headroom and plenty of room to work on the equipment housed in the engine room.  Propulsion power is provided by twin Lugger 6108A 300HP diesels. ZF Marine gears with 2.91:1 ratio Kobelt engine controls beside each engine Shafts are 2 3/4" Aquamet 19 Dual arm struts Propellers are 34 x 24 4 Blade New turbos on both engines in 2022 Starboard engine runs the stbd hydraulic PTO which was new 2024 Port Transmission replaced in 2020 There are 4 stations for running engines: Fly, Pilothouse, Aft deck and engine room Electronic shifters are Kobelt electronic  Racor crossover fuel/water separation filter system – main engines Racor fuel/water separation filters for the generators Racor fuel filters for fuel transfer Bauer Dive compressor (currently not operating) Wesmar 13” electric bow thruster Steering rams replaced 2019 Wesmar stabilizer system with active fins Engine alarms  Oil from the generators & Lugger engines can be pumped into the vessels waste oil tank directly for changes while underway. Fuel tanks were opened and polished in the last few years Fuel tanks have sight gauges Craftsman tool chests and tools and a Vise Triple redundancy on hydraulic systems

 Electrical

Electrical power for ARGO is 240V/120VAC/24V/12VDC with lots of upgrades and redundancy. 

Shore Power is 240/120VAC Single 240/120VAC shore power inlet – located on the starboard side of the cockpit. Single 240/120V/50AMP shore power inlets

Engine room Port side 20Kw Northern Lights M844LW3G with 2,380 hrs in sound shield new 2017 Engine room Starboard side 20Kw Northern Lights M844LW3G with 2,370 hrs in sound shield new 2017 Aft deck 15 Kw Aurora with low hours in sound shield new 2023 Victron 12/50  inverter/charger systems and the yachts DC battery system. All power is managed through the AC/DC power distributions panels. Charles 12KVA inverters Isolation transformer Each Lugger has an 8D AGM Engine start battery which were new 2023 2X AGM  Each engine room Generator has AGM 4D start battery which were new 2023 Electronics/communications and electronic shifter emergency back up Victron AGM 12v 220 Ah battery which was new 2023 – located in the pilothouse helm console cabinet with dedicated Victron Centaur 24V 30 Amp charger House/Inverter battery bank (6X 8D AGM batteries) which were new 2023 Cruisair Marine air-conditioning system AC/DC cabin, engine room & bilge lighting

Plumbing

Village Marine water maker Auto bilge pumps with high water bilge alarmIn-deck built refrigeration – located in the forward port & starboard cockpit deck Fire hose system – raw water pump system Cockpit shower (hot and cold fresh water) Sea-water and fresh water wash down Water tanks have been inspected Rheem 20 Gallon hot water tank of engine  3 Rule 1500 bilge pumps in engine room 1 Rule 1500  bilge pump in Lazarette 1 Rule 1500 bilge pump forward Beckett hot water boilerOther gear Fishing rod holders in the gunnel (11) and many rocket launchers, and outriggers Retractable awning (with corner supports, 15’ x 15’) Fishing tackle centre with SCUBA air tank charging port In-deck Freeman hatches for the refrigerated holds and lazarette Insulated and chilled lockers under aft deck 105,000 BTU Olympia Diesel Hydronic Furnace with Beckett Firing head and Honeywell controls

ARGO is an LRYF (long-range yacht-fisher).  She's a cruising trawler (with a strong work-boat lineage - Gulf Coast commercial fishing boat.  She was built by Rodriguez Boat Builders, La Batre, AL, USA).  Under the cockpit, there are two 2.5 tonne refrigerated fish holds. Used one of them regularly when owner went fishing for an extended period (the other was used as a storage for extra ground tackles and empty coolers).