Unter Elbe Motorsailer

Unter Elbe motorsailer 9.00 (1973) – steel bilge-keeler with Sole 44 hp and comfortable living space This 1973 Unter Elbe motorsailer, built and designed by Saaman, is a characterful 9-metre steel motorsailer that feels at home in a wide range of cruising areas. Thanks to the hard-chine hull, bilge keels and the limited draft of approx. 0.90 metres, this vessel is particularly suitable for inland waterways, lakes and rivers, but also for coastal waters and island crossings. The combination of engine power, sailing capability and a practical layout makes this an attractive choice for buyers looking for a stable and versatile boat for weekend trips and holidays. Unter Elbe motorsailer now in the online auction. Anyone can bid up to and including 18 May 2026. Hull, handling and suitability The steel hard-chine hull gives the Unter Elbe a solid, steady tracking base and contributes to a comfortable ride. The bilge-keel concept not only provides stability under sail, but also allows the boat to take the ground (dry out), expanding options in tidal areas and at shallow anchorages. With a beam of 3.00 metres and a displacement of around 6,000 kg, the boat feels substantial on the water, while the 9.00-metre length keeps manoeuvring in marinas and locks manageable. The air draft of approx. 11 metres and the relatively short mast also help on routes with bridges, making this type of motorsailer interesting for cruising canals and urban waterways. Engine, performance and technology On board is a Sole 44 Mini inboard diesel engine (year of manufacture 2009) with 44 hp, coupled to a TMC 60E 2:1 gearbox. With approx. 360 running hours, this engine is a major plus for those who like to cruise under power or combine power and sail efficiently. The stated cruising speed is around 10 km/h with a maximum of approx. 12 km/h, suitable for comfortable touring and efficient cruising on inland waters and sheltered coastal waters. The instrument panel includes, among other things, a tachometer, oil pressure and temperature gauge, and a fuel tank gauge, allowing the engine condition to be monitored while underway. The diesel tank has a capacity of about 200 litres, which can provide a pleasant range in practice for longer passages. Sails and rig: a motorsailer with real sailing capability This Unter Elbe is cutter-rigged and features a mainsail and a genoa. The genoa is fitted with a furling system (Profurl), which simplifies reefing and rolling away and makes sailing accessible for a small crew. The aluminium mast and the clear sail plan suit the character of a motorsailer: relaxed sailing when possible, motoring when necessary. For buyers who like to alternate between sailing and motoring, this boat offers a nice balance of control, stability and ease of use. Comfort and interior: headroom, berths and amenities Inside, the boat offers headroom of approx. 1.85 metres, making time on board comfortable for longer weekends and holidays. There are four fixed berths plus two additional berths possible, making the boat suitable for a family or for couples who like to take guests along. The accommodation includes a dinette and a galley with a cooker, oven, refrigerator and freezer, making life on board practical during longer trips. The fresh water tank of approx. 200 litres supports independent cruising, and an electric toilet is installed. Heating is provided by a stove, extending the season and making the boat attractive in spring and autumn as well. Navigation, electrics and deck equipment Navigation equipment includes GPS, depth sounder, compass, log/speedometer and VHF radio, contributing to safe and well-planned cruising. The electrical system is set up for both 12V and 220V, with shore power, battery charger, alternator, inverter and voltmeter. There are two batteries with a total capacity of approx. 200Ah, supplemented by a battery diode/isolator for separating start and domestic use, plus 12V and USB connections. On deck, the equipment is aimed at comfortable stays and practical use. Think of a cockpit tent for shelter, guardrails, pulpit and pushpit seats, a swim ladder and a self-draining cockpit. For anchoring, an electrically operated Vetus Alexander 2 windlass is fitted with chain. Extra details such as windscreen wipers on the front windows of the deckhouse, mast and deck lighting, and 12V connections at the bow and aft deck underline the well-thought-out character. Swivelling davits with ratchet winches and a large wooden bowsprit also give the boat a distinctive, classic look that suits a steel motorsailer well. Maintenance and documentation The boat was taken out of the water for maintenance in 2024, and antifouling was applied in the same year. Documentation is available, including engine and yard documentation. The seller is the second owner, and the boat has been used on both inland waters and at sea, including island trips as part of its cruising history. Anyone looking for a steel motorsailer with shallow draft, bilge keels for drying out, a modern diesel engine and a comfortable family-friendly layout will find this Unter Elbe 9.00 an interesting and versatile vessel for a wide range of cruising plans.