43' Hout Bay - Custom Dudley Dix 43

FOR SALE: STARRY NIGHT A TRUE BLUE‑WATER DIX 43 CUTTER READY FOR ANY OCEAN

Performance Cruising Cutter, Long Fin Keel, Fully Skegged Rudder. Email for Complete Specs!

For sailors who value strength, simplicity, and ocean‑crossing capability above all else, Starry Night stands apart as a rare opportunity. Professionally built in 1991 by renowned South African craftsman Brian Alcock and designed by legendary naval architect Dudley Dix, this vessel is Hull #1 of the Dix 43 line the boat that launched one of the most respected steel cruising designs in the world. As the document notes, This vessel was designed and constructed to be a true-blue water cruiser.

Currently cruising the Pacific Northwest and dry‑stored off‑season, Starry Night has been lovingly maintained, thoughtfully upgraded, and prepared for self‑reliant voyaging anywhere. Her owners describe her as a great and safe vessel for the Pacific NW or any place on the planet.

BUILT FOR OCEAN PASSAGES READY FOR REMOTE CRUISING
The Dix 43 is celebrated for its rugged steel construction, balanced sailing characteristics, and offshore pedigree. Starry Night features a semi‑round bilge (radius chine) hull, fin keel, and skeg‑hung rudder with a massive Orca-proof rudder shaft a level of structural confidence few modern production boats can match.

Her hull integrity has been consistently verified, including a full ultrasonic inspection prior to the current ownership, with only minor items noted. Because she is stored out of the water most of the year, a fresh survey is easy to arrange.

️ SYSTEMS DESIGNED FOR SIMPLICITY, RELIABILITY & MAINTAINABILITY
One of the defining philosophies behind Starry Night is ease of maintenance at sea. The owners highlight the designs focus on simplicity and maintainability, including:
Exceptional engine access, Internal tankage forming a double hull,
Deep bilge with multiple pumps
Manual freshwater pumps to prevent accidental tank depletion.
These choices reflect the priorities of serious offshore sailor.

MECHANICAL CONFIDENCE YANMAR POWER, RIGGING 2020, QUALITY GEAR
Powered by a Yanmar 4JH3‑TE turbo diesel (installed new in 2002, 2000 hours), she cruises efficiently at 0.8 GPH. Fuel capacity totals 138 gallons between the main and reserve tanks, giving excellent range.

Recent mechanical highlights include:

New cutlass bearing (2023)
PYI PSS dripless shaft seal (2019)
Racor 500 FGSS filtration with spares
Drive Saver driveline isolator
Windpilot Pacific Plus windvane

Her standing rigging was completely replaced in 2020 by Northwest Rigging in Anacortes, and most running rigging has been renewed since 2020.

SAIL PLAN & DECK GEAR FOR SERIOUS PASSAGES
As a cutter‑rigged sloop with double spreaders, Starry Night carries a versatile and powerful sail plan:

North mainsail with full battens & 3 reef points
Heavy cruising roller‑furling headsail
Hank‑on staysail
Multiple storm sails
Asymmetric spinnaker
Additional genoa & working jib in storage.
Deck equipment includes:
Lofrans Tigres windlass
Steel dual‑roller bow platform
Stainless radar arch with davits
Sugar‑scoop swim platform
Full offshore‑rated lifelines (2019)
Anchoring options are exceptional, with five anchors, including a 60‑lb CQR with 300 of chain.

MODERN NAVIGATION & REDUNDANT ELECTRONICS
Navigation and safety systems are robust and thoughtfully duplicated:

Raymarine eS78 MFD with integrated wind, depth, and speed
Two Raymarine i70 cockpit displays
Independent autopilot system
Vesper XB8000 AIS with dedicated GPS
Furuno radar
Garmin GPS 128
ICOM M718 VHF with DSC
EPIRB, smoke/CO detectors, propane alarms
Solar charging (2 Siemens SP75) supports off‑grid cruising without reliance on shore power.

WARM, CRAFTED INTERIOR AFRICAN IROKO JOINERY
The interior is a standout feature: the entire interior is constructed of cabinet grade hardwood joinery (African Iroko). Storage is abundant, access to systems is excellent, and the layout is ideal for passagemaking.

Galley highlights:

Shipmate 3‑burner propane stove with oven
Highly insulated top‑loading fridge/freezer (2019)
Expansive counter space and custom storage
Comfort features include LED lighting, cockpit cushions, removable screens, stereo system, and a Shipmate kerosene heater.

SAFETY, SECURITY & SPARES FOR GLOBAL CRUISING
Starry Night comes with an extensive inventory of safety gear, tools, spares, manuals, charts, and offshore equipment from jacklines and storm drogues to a sextant and ditch bag. Security upgrades include stainless steel window and companionway bars.

A RARE OPPORTUNITY
Starry Night is more than a sailboat she is a proven, capable, beautifully crafted blue‑water cruiser with the pedigree, upgrades, and equipment to take her next owners anywhere they dream of going.

If you are seeking a vessel with soul, strength, and true ocean‑crossing ability, Starry Night deserves your attention.