TARA

TARA

1959 Vinnie Cavanaugh 35 • Classic Downeast Picnic Boat

Specifications

Length overall: 34’11”

Waterline length: 33’4”

Beam: 10’7”

Draft: 2’11”

Displacement: 11,000 lbs.

Built in Portland, Maine in 1959 by Vincent “Vinnie” Cavanaugh for Charlie MacDermott, TARA is a fine example of his low, clean-lined Maine bass boats. MacDermott specified twin Palmer engines, a departure from the single-engine arrangement Cavanaugh usually favored for this hull. Her low cabin, varnished mahogany, laid-teak cockpit, and canvas shelter give her the spare, purposeful character of a classic Maine boat.

TARA has remained in the same family for approximately thirty years. Six River Marine rebuilt her cockpit with new supporting framing and laid-teak decking. Two epoxy-coated aluminum fuel tanks were installed in 2000. She was displayed at the Maine Boatbuilders Show. Her cedar-planked hull, oak structure, and finishes have been carefully maintained.

TARA’s visible hull structure is sound, and her cabin and brightwork present well. The open cockpit is a pleasant place for an island lunch, an evening harbor run, or a day exploring the coast. Her modest draft and twin-screw arrangement make her practical for Maine’s varied harbors and coves.

Twin Palmer M345 V-8 gasoline engines, rated at approximately 225 hp each, drive four-bladed bronze propellers through Paragon reduction gears. Recent additions include Garmin navigation equipment and radar, two Odyssey Group 31 AGM batteries, and a Johnson 4,000 GPH bilge pump. Below, the cabin has a compact galley with an icebox, pressure fresh water, and a Wilcox-Crittenden manual marine toilet. 

Cruising speed 12-14 knots, top speed 20 knots

TARA is stored indoors in Scarborough, Maine, and offered at $85,000. Please contact Artisan Yachts to discuss the boat or arrange an inspection.

Construction

1” cedar carvel planking over 1” x 2” oak frames on approximately 9½” centers.

Oak stem, keel, floors, sheer clamps, and engine stringers.

Silicon bronze hull fastenings.

Dynel and epoxy over marine plywood decks.

Tongue-and-groove pine ceiling; opening portlights, hatches, and vents.

Bronze seacocks.

Engine / Mechanical

Engine-hour meter reading: 1,588.5 hours in June 2026; total engine hours unverified.

Fresh water cooling through keel-cooler heat exchangers.

Wet exhaust.

Propeller dimensions: 18” x 18”, outward turning.

1½” stainless steel propeller shafts with Razor rope cutters.

Single-station wheel steering; twin bronze rudders.

Two approximately 50-gallon epoxy-coated aluminum fuel tanks, installed in 2000.

Fuel/water separators and mechanical engine-space ventilation.

Fuel capacity: approximately 100 US gallons

Fresh water: approximately 14 US gallons

Holding tank: approximately 20 US gallons

Electrical / Plumbing

12-volt DC electrical system.

Labeled circuit-breaker and fused switch panels; battery disconnect switches.

Three additional electric bilge pumps (Rule, Atwood, and PAR); float-switch operation.

High-water bilge alarm.

Holding-tank Y-valve, deck pump-out, and Whale manual discharge pump.

Additional Equipment / Safety

Standard Horizon Eclipse VHF.

Danforth Constellation magnetic compass and deviation card.

Kahlenberg air horn, ship’s bell, and barometer.

Fireboy fixed engine-space fire-suppression system.

Two portable fire extinguishers.

Assorted lifejackets, life ring, distress-signal kit, and first-aid kit.

Danforth 13S anchor with ⅜” galvanized chain and ½” three-strand nylon rode.

Docklines, fenders, and boat hook.