Saying Farewell to Takapu Two – A Chapter of My Life at Sea

[sleaper]

Saying Farewell to Takapu Two – A Chapter of My Life at Sea​

There are certain moments in life when you realise you're not just closing a chapter—you’re honouring everything it gave you.


For me, Takapu 2 is more than just a boat. She’s been a floating sanctuary, a silent confidant, and the backdrop to some of my most memorable adventures. Built in 1980 for the Royal New Zealand Navy, Takapu 2 was originally designed for resilience, precision, and strength. I like to think we had that in common.


Since becoming her caretaker, I’ve done my best to honour her legacy. We’ve spent countless nights on the water—sometimes with family, sometimes in solitude—anchored by the stars and carried by the hum of those powerful KT19 Cummins engines. Whether it was a quick escape to Waiheke, a quiet cup of coffee on deck at sunrise, or tinkering away in the engine room, every moment has left a mark.


Now, it’s time for someone else to write their own story with her.


Listing Takapu 2 for sale isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly. But life, as always, is moving forward. New commitments, new dreams, and a growing family mean it’s time to let her go to someone who will love her just as much as I have—someone who sees not just a 94-foot navy-built vessel, but the possibility of something extraordinary.


She’s seaworthy, strong, and full of potential for the right person with vision. And she deserves her next great adventure.


If you're interested—or know someone who might be—please reach out. I'd love to see her legacy continue with someone who respects where she’s been and is excited for where she could go next.

Listed at $545,950 USD as she floats and located in Auckland, New Zealand.

With gratitude,

Takapu Two – Technical Specifications & Overview​

Vessel Name: Takapu 2
Type: Ex-Royal New Zealand Navy Patrol Craft / Private Expedition Yacht
Builder: Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd, NZ
Year Built: 1980
Material: Corten Steel hull and Aluminium superstructure
Length Overall (LOA): 94 feet / 28.6 metres
Beam: 6.1 metres
Draft: 2.2 metres
Displacement: Approx. 110 tonnes

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Power & Propulsion​

• Engines:2 x Cummins KT19-M Diesels (19L inline-6)
  • Rated at approx. 340 HP each
  • Shaft-driven twin-screw propulsion
• Generator:Onan Cummins 27 kW Marine Generator + 60 KVA Cummins Backup Generator
  • Powers onboard systems with ample capacity for live-aboard or expedition configurations
• Cruising Speed: 9–11 knots
• Fuel Capacity: ~10,000 litres
• Range: Long-range cruising suitable (estimated over 2,500 nautical miles)

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Navigation & Electronics​

• Navigation Suite:
  • Radar
  • GPS
  • Depth sounder
  • Autopilot system
  • VHF & HF radio systems
• Electrical:
  • 24V DC and 240V AC systems
  • Shore power connection
  • Inverter and battery banks for silent overnight operation

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Accommodation & Fitout​

• Berths:
  • Sleeps up to 10+ persons in current configuration
  • Multiple cabins including crew quarters, master suite, and guest rooms
• Interior:
  • Fully refitted saloon with well used upholstery and modern comforts
  • Galley with full-size oven, gas hobs, fridge/freezer, pantry
  • 4 bathrooms with showers
• Laundry:
  • Washer/Dryer combo installed
• Interior finish: Practical naval layout with warm wooden accents and robust steel frames

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Deck & Exterior Features​

• Large aft deck for entertaining, fishing, or diving operations
• Crane & davit for tender or loading stores - Requires Service
• Wheelhouse with full visibility – original naval layout with modernised navigation
• Upper deck flybridge potential or observation platform
• Steel railings, strong points, and tie-downs
• Swim platform aft for easy water access

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Heritage & Certification​

• Originally commissioned by the Royal New Zealand Navy as a survey and support vessel
• Reclassified as a private vessel post-decommissioning
• Maintained to commercial standards – ideal for private use, charter conversion, or expedition vessel
• Currently registered and operational in New Zealand waters

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Opportunity​

Takapu 2 represents a rare opportunity to own a robust, character-filled naval vessel with decades of proven performance and reliability. Whether you're seeking a serious adventure platform, an offshore liveaboard, or a commercial charter opportunity—she offers unmatched capability at this price point.

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Asking Price​

NZD $895,000
Approx. USD $535,000 (based on current rates)

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Currently berthed in Auckland, New Zealand.
Enquiries and inspections welcomed by appointment. +64 21 67 00 63

 

[Bmarler]

Oh my god, I’m in love. There can’t be too many like that down there. Seems fairly priced to me. No pics of the machinery?

 

[Pprior]

Wow. If I had the experience to do it I'd be sailing from New Zealand! Beautiful capable boat.

 

[Mako]

Interested to know how many crew you need to maintain and operate her?

 

[sleaper]

Price has been reduced to $420,000 USD. Can arrange passage to USA.

Extremely capable vessel.

 

[sleaper]

Interested to know how many crew you need to maintain and operate her?

1 crew and 1 owner is sufficient for this vessel. She is very easy to maintain and built well for owner/couple operator or owner plus 1 crew member.

 

[sleaper]

Wow. If I had the experience to do it I'd be sailing from New Zealand! Beautiful capable boat.

Very capable. Fill and Float Away!