Custom Steel Dive Boat 65ft, exclusively for sale with DBY Boat Sales.MV Unknown Pleasures Expedition Steel Liveaboard with Legendary Gardner PowerThere are boats that fit into categories and then there are vessels like MV Unknown Pleasures; a genuine commercial-grade steel ship, licenced for 28 persons and built for serious use, now re-imagined as a remarkably capable liveaboard cruiser and off-grid waterfront retreat.Originally constructed in the late 1970s at the Brisbane Lloyd's shipyard to naval architect John Lunds design, this 65-foot twin-screw steel vessel began life as MV Reef Explorer, a private build before later operating commercially as a dive boat out of Cairns. It is understood renowned Australian shark conservation pioneers Ron and Valerie Taylor were part owners, with photographs showing them aboard the dive platform during her North Queensland years. Photographs of her form part of the Valerie Taylor collection held at the Australian Maritime Museum.Today, Unknown Pleasures offers something exceptionally difficult to replicate in the modern market: a structurally robust, mechanically honest, long-range steel vessel with enormous volume, true commercial DNA, and genuine character.The current owners purchased her in Hobart in April 2023 and successfully cruised her to Pittwater later that year, where she has since served as a highly capable floating apartment and adventure platform amongst the spectacular waterways of Pittwater, Palm Beach and the Hawkesbury River.This boat is for technically minded buyers, long-range cruisers, project dreamers, liveaboards, expedition enthusiasts or anyone seeking a unique waterfront lifestyle asset, she represents extraordinary value and possibilityBuilt Like a Ship, Because She Is OneAt approximately 70 tonnes displacement, Unknown Pleasures feels every bit the serious steel vessel she was designed to be. The December 2025 out-of-water insurance survey described the hull and structure as presenting in notably sound condition for her age, with no issues discovered that would jeopardise structural integrity or operational performance.Highlights from the survey include: Steel plate hull construction in fair and solid condition No grounding or impact damage noted Robust welded keel structure Heavy-duty rubbing strakes Secure deck fittings and commercial-style construction throughout Dry exhaust systems renewed in stainless steel in 2023 Hydraulic steering and anchoring systems Functional commercial-grade systems and machinery accessUnlike many ageing fiberglass cruisers, this vessel was engineered for commercial realities, accessibility, durability and operational practicalityGardner 6LX Power Mechanical IconsPower comes from twin naturally aspirated Gardner 6LX six-cylinder diesels, legendary British industrial engines revered worldwide for longevity, fuel economy and simplicity. Counter Rotating crankshafts with 2UC and 3:1 Reduction Gearbox Estimated engine hours: approx. 15,000 Recent maintenance by Yachtech Cruise speed: approx. 9 knots Maximum speed: approx. 10.5 knots Idle displacement cruise: approx. 5 knots Fuel consumption: approx. 24L/hr total at cruise including one generatorThe 2025 survey described both main engines as: Excellent examples of the 6LXs, with good access, clean installations, secure plumbing and no operational concerns noted.For buyers who appreciate old-school mechanical engineering over complex modern electronics, this propulsion package alone will be enormously appealing.Proper Off-Grid CapabilityUnknown Pleasures has evolved into a very practical floating home with substantial independent electrical capability.The vessel currently operates primarily on a 240V liveaboard distribution system and includes: 1.3kW solar array 9.9kWh 48V LiFePO4 battery bank Full Victron electrical system with remote GPX monitoring Two three phase generators (Isuzu and Perkins) 3 Phase Hydraulic system for anchoring and deck operations and top level craneCombined with approximately 7,000L fuel capacity and 2,400L freshwater storage, she offers serious autonomy potential for extended cruising or remote living.Accommodation & Living SpacesInternally, the vessel is spacious, practical and unmistakably unique. Accommodation includes: Private aft owners cabin with ensuite Three forward bunk cabins Additional forward shower and head Large saloon with full galley Helm lounge and internal cruising area Massive covered aft deck with built in original collapsable table from the interior Expansive upper sun deck Outdoor thermostatic controlled hot-water shower Weber Q BBQ areaRather than pretending to be a modern production yacht, Unknown Pleasures embraces her industrial-commercial roots , and that authenticity is precisely what makes her so appealing. She would suit buyers looking for: Liveaboard lifestyle Expedition cruising Commercial conversion potential Creative waterfront accommodation Dive/adventure support vessel Film or event platform Unique Airbnb or retreat conceptImportant Notes NSW Registered to December 2026 Out of commercial survey since 2016 Operational and currently in regular private use Ancient but functional navigation equipment New autopilot fitted (requires re-calibration) LPG compliance certificate to be confirmed Buyers should undertake their own due diligence regarding intended operational use

Specifications:Designer : John LundBuilder : Lloyds Shipyard, BrisbaneWater (Potable) Capacity (l) : 2400 litres forward tank plus rear tank (decommissioned) for potential further 2,000 litresHull Construction Material : SteelHull Type : MonohullDeck Construction Material : Steel decks with non skid paint. Full deck repaint (February 2026)Country Origin : AustraliaLength (feet) : 65 feetLength (m) : 19.65 mBeam/Width (m) : 5.5 mDraft (m) : 1.9 mKeel/Ballast : Steel keel in welded plate, incorporated in the hull build.Number of Helms : OneEngine Notes : Gardner - 6 LX 6-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engines. Keel cooled with dry exhausts. The drive and auxillary engines have good access for service and repairs. Fuel tank gauges.Number Of Engines : 2Stroke : 2Engine Hours : Unknown - estimated 15,000Horse Power (hp) : 130 eachDrive Type : Shaft drivesEngine Room : Mid ShipsGenerator : 4 cylinder diesel Perkins 4kVa 3 phase generator plus smaller Isuzu 3 cylinder cruising diesel 4kVa 3 phase generator.Number of Batteries : 4 x 200NH House and Starter. New 2 x 12v (series for 24v) Lead Acid starter batteries 200 nh (March 2026) New 2 x 12v (series for 24V) AGM House batteries 160 nh (January 2026). 1300 W solar panel array in three roof mounted commercial panels and Victron solar controller (March 2025).Fuel Type : DieselNumber of Fuel Tanks : 4 steel tanksFuel Tank Capacity (L) : 7000Propeller : Handed four blade bronze propellers securely attached with pinned castellated nuts.Steering System : Hydraulic manual steering system with electric hydraulic pump assist driven by coursemaster auto pilot.Accommodation Notes : Queen size bed and built in storage in owners suite. External grade sofa in salon. Leather lounge recolour and various varnish work has been undertaken throughout. There is carpet in the upper helm lounge, front lounge, aft and forward cabins and stairs. Full internal paint has been carried out since mid 2025.Number of Showers : 3Shower Type : Owners Cabin, aft and shower in the forward plus thermostatically controlled hot water deck shower.Toilet Type : Jabsco Deluxe Electric Toilet system in each Head with valve controlled discharge into forward and aft blackwater tanks with pipework including deck mounted tank extractor. point and separate overboard pump for when offshore.Number of TVs : 43cm smart TV in salon on swivel wall bracket.Galley Notes : Main Salon includes full kitchen. New water pump. LPG boiler including an electric hot water booster pump. All kitchen cutlery and crockery is included.Stove : Weber Q BBQ (LPG)Refrigeration : 108 litres Domestic bar fridge in salon galley and 100 litre box freezer and 650 litre stand up fridge in aft utility room/tool store (all 240V).Entertainment and Appliances Notes : 43cm smart TV in salon on swivel wall bracket. Playstation 3 and Monitor in helm lounge.Anchor / Winch : 50kg Galvanised Bruce anchor plus separate back up anchor in the rear lazarette. Three phase electric hydraulic pump system that drives a hydraulic winch and windlass at the bow. The chain runs through the chain gypsy into a dedicated self-flaking anchor locker accessed from the front deck. It is lever operated at the bow externally.Bilge Pump : New electric bilge system (3 x new bilges 3,400 gph).Deck Gear : Full rigging replacement for jib crane supports and mounting shackles plus hydraulic winch cable replaced with 4 tonne dyneema rope. New stainless steel swim platform ladder, rubber swim platform pad and swim ladder.Mast/Rigging : Full rigging replacement for jib crane supports and mounting shackles plus hydraulic winch cable replaced with 4 tonne dyneema rope.Electrics : 24V House power operating internal lights, toilets, bilge and navigation systems and 48V off grid Victron system managing the 240 V distribution. 3 Phase Generator system powers engine room air and hydraulic systems and electrical generation input to the 48 V system with parallel 48 V solar array input via the Victron Multiplus II. Off Grid rewire was carried out in Sept 2023 with the solar array added in June/July 2025.Ground Tackle : Approximately 50m of 16mm galvanised chain (1 cubic metre chain locker could accommodate significantly more.Has Navigation Lights : YesRadio : GME G-COM VHFNumber of Life Jackets : 16 x type 100NCruising speed : 9 knots

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.