1984 Shannon Aegan 51 "Conmara" For Sale

1984 Shannon Aegan 51 for Sale: Classic Center Cockpit Ketch in Annapolis, Maryland

A Timeless Blend of Performance and Comfort
The 1984 Shannon Aegan 51, known as "Conmara", is a classic center cockpit ketch designed for sailors who appreciate both performance and comfort. With a robust Yanmar engine delivering 110 HP, this vessel is built for both coastal cruising and offshore adventures. The Aegan 51 is well-regarded for its seaworthiness and elegant lines, making it a standout choice for those looking to explore the open waters or enjoy leisurely days at anchor.

Spacious and Functional Interior
Below deck, the Aegan 51 features a thoughtfully designed layout that accommodates up to 4 guests. With 2 double beds and 2 heads, the interior offers ample space for relaxation and privacy. The saloon is bright and inviting, perfect for socializing or unwinding after a day of sailing. The galley is equipped with essential appliances, including a microwave and BBQ, ensuring you can prepare meals with ease while enjoying the journey.

Specifications - 1984 Shannon Aegan 51
Builder: Shannon Yachts
Model: Aegan 51
Year: 1984
Location: Annapolis, Maryland, United States
Length: 56 feet
Beam: 14.25 feet
Draft: Standard 5.75 feet, Optional 9.75 feet
Displacement: 39,000 lbs
Engine: Yanmar 4JH4-HTE1, 110 HP
Accommodation: 2 cabins, 2 heads, sleeps 4 overnight
Electronics: VHF, Garmin, Autopilot, Radar, Premium Sound System, Starlink
Comfort Features: Air Conditioning, Outdoor shower, Electric anchor, Water maker, Fire extinguisher
Deck Features: Teak exterior flooring, BBQ, ample storage for gear and supplies

The Shannon 51 Aegean ketch exemplifies designer Walter Schulz’s meticulous focus and the Shannon Boat Company’s renowned craftsmanship, creating one of the ultimate bluewater passagemakers. Conmara is exceptionally strong and designed for world cruising or comfortable liveaboard life, combining safety, seaworthiness, and speed.

Key design highlights include a forward pilothouse with hydraulic helm, a second independent hydraulic drive for the Garmin autopilot, an aft cable helm, and a sea-kindly hull with a shoal-draft 5'9" keel/centerboard configuration. The full skeg protects the rudder, and the 4-blade propeller is enclosed in an aperture between skeg and rudder. All sails can be handled from the deep, secure cockpit, including the self-tending club staysail, electric furling genoa, mizzen, spinnaker, and electric stowaway mainsail. The versatile ketch rig (64' mast height) makes Conmara ICW-friendly and ideal for shorthanded sailing.

Inside, Conmara’s luxurious interior is finished in light oak with teak trim and solid varnished teak-and-holly soles. The layout is practical for offshore passages and comfortable for extended living. The galley is thoughtfully positioned by the companionway for safe, efficient use underway.

The current owner has carefully maintained and continually upgraded Conmara over the past 12 years. The hull and deck have been freshly Awlgrip-painted, and the exterior gleams like new. After completing a long list of improvements, the owner admits the only reason for selling is simply having achieved every project and cruising goal. The next owner will benefit from this remarkable diligence and investment.

Given current yard labor rates exceeding $150/hour, upgrading another 50' quality cruising yacht (such as a Hinckley, Alden, or Swan) to Conmara’s condition would cost more than twice her asking price.

Conmara is one of the most desirable Shannon Aegean 51 center-cockpit models, featuring a forward pilothouse and generous interior layout. The craftsmanship reflects Shannon’s devotion to tradition and quality. Bulkheads are finished in light oak with varnished teak trim, while the ceilings are hand-selected mahogany. Eighteen bronze opening ports, multiple dorades, and five deck hatches flood the cabin with natural light and ventilation.

Aft Stateroom

The aft owner's stateroom includes a centerline queen berth, ensuite head with separate shower, bureau, lockers, and a private companionway to the cockpit.

A walkway forward of the master offers excellent access to the engine, electrical systems, and mechanical components, as well as additional freezer space and a work counter with vise mount.

Galley

The Galley, to starboard of the main companionway, is equipped for serious cruising: double stainless sinks, refrigeration and freezer, three-burner LPG stove with oven, microwave, and ample storage.

Navigation Center

To port, the navigation center features a wide chart table, electronics console, and cabinetry.

Main Salon

The main salon includes two comfortable settees and a folding dining table.

Guest stateroom

Forward, the guest stateroom offers a large V-berth with excellent ventilation, and access to the second head with a separate stall shower.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Finish: Hull, deck, and masts Awlgrip painted.

Heads: Both forward and aft heads include stainless vanities, separate stall showers with teak grates, Raritan toilets (aft standard, forward with ElectroScan system), and 110V outlets.

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

• Dual 110V/12V systems with thermal breaker control panel
• Starlink internet with dedicated Victron DC–AC inverter
• Xantrex 3000W inverter/charger
• (10) Trojan AGM 221AH house batteries + (1) Duracell AGM start battery
• 190W solar panel with Victron controller
• Four 30A shore cords (port & starboard)
• Full Garmin suite: autopilot (Reactor 40), Fantom 24 radar, AIS 600, two chartplotters, depth/sounder, gWind mast transducer, and NMEA2000 network
• ICOM M802 SSB & M602 VHF (dual stations)
• FUSION stereo (Bluetooth/NMEA2K/SiriusXM)
• Insignia 24" FireTV
• Dual Ritchie compasses
• Barometer and clock

MECHANICAL & SYSTEMS

• Yanmar 110HP Turbo Diesel (2,347 hrs)
• MaxProp 4-blade auto-feathering prop
• Dual Racor filters (engine & genset)
• Sea-Frost refrigeration/freezer
• SidePower bow thruster
• Fireboy Halon system
• Cruise RO 6 GPM watermaker
• Hot water heater (engine/shore)
• (4) Aluminum fuel tanks (150 gal total)
• (4) Stainless steel water tanks (250 gal total)

DECK & COCKPIT

• Hard pilothouse enclosure with dual helm stations
• Shannon dual bow platform with twin anchor rollers
• Maxwell 3500 electric windlass
• Rocna 87 lb. primary anchor with 225' chain
• Fortress FX55 secondary anchor with 200' rode
• Teak rubrail with stainless cap
• Stainless davits with AB 8.6' dinghy and 8HP Yamaha
• Dual swim ladders
• Pressure washdowns (fore & aft)
• Teak cockpit grates and table
• Hot/cold cockpit shower
• Dual LPG tanks in vented locker

RIGGING & SAILS

• Aluminum masts (Awlgrip repainted) – 64’ ICW clearance
• Ketch rig: electric furling main and mizzen
• Electric Selden Furlex headsail furler
• Furling self-tacking staysail
• Asymmetrical spinnaker with Balmar top-down furler
• All standing and running rigging new (2021/22)
• Harken travelers
• Full set of Mack Sails (main, mizzen, staysail, genoa, spinnaker)

OWNER UPGRADES (Highlights)

2013–2014:

• New A/C systems, lifelines, Garmin electronics suite, canvas enclosure, upholstery, Yanmar engine, MaxProp, waterrmaker, chainplates, and custom helm seating.

2020:

• New Raritan ElectroScan, water heater, grill, KISS-SSB, and upgraded batteries.

2021–2022:

• New Selden rigging, furlers, solar system, radar, life raft, LED lighting, mast rewiring, and Awlgrip refinishing.

2023–2024:

• Full replumb with PEX, new galvanic isolator, Victron chargers, Starlink system, and additional Garmin chartplotter