KER 33 Aphros
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Name
KER 33 Aphros
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Model
KER 33
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Year
2016
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Hull material
GRP
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Color hull
BLACK
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Located
Japan
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Price
At Request
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VAT
Not Paid
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Flag
Japan
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Type
Cruiser-Racer
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Slogan
Ker 33 is an out and out racing machine optimised for competition under the IRC rating system.
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Description
The Ker 33 is an IRC cruiser/racer and sets a new benchmark for this popular division. The boats embody all the talents of Ker Design, along with McConaghy’s unrivaled build quality.
The philosophy behind the 33 was to highlight the design, build expertise and techniques that this duo has to offer.
Noting the success of the 30-35ft racer/cruisers currently on the market that have been performing on the IRC scene both inshore and offshore, we felt there was clearly the demand for another boat to fit within this category, particularly one with this much potential.
The McConaghy Ker 33 is an out and out racing machine optimised for competition under the IRC rating system, with the bonus of surprisingly civilised interior accommodation.
At first sight it’s immediately apparent that this boat has been designed for speed – even the stanchions, pushpit and pulpit are of an efficient aerofoil shape.
These are of composite construction and autoclaved in house. In addition, much thought has gone into producing an ergonomic deck layout in which friction is kept to an absolute minimum and running rigging led in straight lines, without turning corners, wherever possible.
The deck gear package is by Harken, with clutches by Spinlock.
Given the pure raceboat treatment on deck, many would expect to find a bare and stripped out interior. Instead, there’s a surprisingly spacious arrangement that’s also well lit, thanks to the trademark big windows and a mostly white finish.
The yacht can also be configured for conventional symmetrical spinnaker racing, which is often preferred for windward-leeward courses. This includes a short bowsprit, mast track, and all the associated hardware.
The history of KER 33 Aphros (Ex Acheron):
2016: Launched on UK COWES Island
2018: Replaced the new carbon mast (AXXON)
2020: Imported to Japan, suspended until 2021 due to COVID-19
Maintenance
- Hull, rigs, engine, electrical equipment (ongoing maintenance by professionals)
- Keel removal, keel bolt replacement (2020)
- Rudder removal, bearing refresh and replacement (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025)
- Mast-mount removal, rigin check, and repainting (2023)
- Forestay New Replacement (2023)
- Carbon Boom, Carbon Tiller Repainting (2023)
- New replacement of Haken Carb Foil (2024)
- Wind Sensor Replacement (2025)
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Builder
McChonaghy
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Designer
KER
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Designer
notes
The design follows a very similar style to its larger sisters, including the near plumb bow, long dynamic waterline and flared stern sections. There’s more rocker in the underwater sections than the Ker 40s have – this is more of a semi-displacement hull shape, and has the advantage of reduced wetted surface area in light airs.
The design has been optimised for performance under the IRC rating system, although with the growing popularity of the ORC rating system in many parts of mainland Europe, Jason Ker was also careful to ensure the boat will perform well in that environment. The first Ker 33 had an IRC rating of only 1.021, although with a single-spreader rig.
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LOA
9.99 m
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Beam
3.34 m
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Draft
2 m
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Displacement
3807 kg
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Engines
YANMAR 3TM 20
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Propeller
TWO FOLDER BRISKY
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Cruising Speed
7.5 kn
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Fuel
40 l
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Berths number
4 SINGLE
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Accommodations
notes
There are 4 single berths.
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Electronics
B&G
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GPS
YES
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VHF
ICOM
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Automatic pilot
NO
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Compass
Precision 9
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Plotter
Zeus 2 7 Inch
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Navigation
instruments notes
- Complete B&G System
- H5000 CPU Hercules
- Two H5000 Graphic Display
- Nemesis Mast Display
- Zeus2 Chart Plotter and Wi-Fi System
- Precision 9 Compass
- Rudder sensor
- Forestay load sensor and Wi-Fi system
- Two auto bilge pump
- VHF and AIS(icom)
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Batteries
2 batteries
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Battery charger
100–240V AC
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Sails
Racing Sail (Doyle Stratis)
- Two main (no reef 2022 / 6 and one reef 2024 / 3 ). Almost new.
- J1S (almost new) 2024 / 8
- J2S (almost new) 2022 / 6
- J3S (good condition) 2021 / 4
- A1.5 (almost new) 2025 / 5
- A2 (good condition) 2023 / 6
- A2DEEP (almost new) 2026 / 5
- A3 (good condition) 2021 / 4
- Cableless A0 (with Carver Drum System, almost new) 2022 / 1
- Cableless A60 (with top swivel, almost new) 2024 / 6
- Jib Top (panel, good Condition) 2021 / 7
- Drifter (panel, good condition) 2021 / 4
- Storm Jib, Storm trysle (brand new)
- Additionally, some training sails
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Rigging
ROD
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Mast
CARBON
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Boom
CARBON
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Vang
Yes
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Running Rigging
Dyneema
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Spinnaker pole
yes
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Tuff Luff
YES
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Furling system
NO
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Spars and
rigging notes
- Bow Split Extended by 200mm
Maintenance
- Hull, rigs, engine, electrical equipment (ongoing maintenance by professionals)
- Mast-mount removal, rigin check, and repainting (2023)
- Forestay New Replacement (2023)
- Carbon Boom, Carbon Tiller Repainting (2023)
- New replacement of Haken Carb Foil (2024)
- Wind Sensor Replacement (2025)
- The yacht can also be configured for conventional symmetrical spinnaker racing, which is often preferred for windward-leeward courses. This includes a short bowsprit, mast track, and all the associated hardware.
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Deck hardware
Harken
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Hatches
LEWMAR
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Winches
HARKEN
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Deck
equipment notes
Replaced with a large round bow hatch (LEWMAR)
Special Harken Blocks in Each SectionReplace with Harken Performer Winches (4 pieces)
Upgrades to the traveler, main system, and jib coupler
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CE Registration
YES
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Safety
Equipment Notes
JCI ship inspection certified, complete coastal specification equipment set (10 inflatable life jackets ×)
Fire Extinguishers: 2
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Construction
notes
Upgrades and modifications (weight reduced by 80kg)
- Black paint on the upper hull and bottom (2020, Alexseal Premium Yacht Coating, Durepox Epoxy)
- Removed the ceiling and interior panels, painted white with epoxy, and installed mahogany trim.
- Carbon Cabin Table (McConaghy)
- Carbon sink, carbon washbasin, carbon toilet, carbon slide hatch, carbon washboard (McConaghy)
- Carbon bow floor board, carbon engine box board (Dome)
- Carbon Chart Table (Dome)
- Replaced with a large round bow hatch (LEWMAR)
- Racing Through Hull Valve Replacement
- Keel removal, keel bolt replacement (2020)
- Ladder removal, bearing refresh and replacement (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025)
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Swimming ladder
YES
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Extra
notes
One of the most succesful Ker33 currently racing under IRC in Asia, with multiple victories in major Japanese regattas.
- Two setttees in the saloon, ahead, a nav station, a galley, and stylish carbun table.
IRC Result
- 2022 NIPPON CUP SPRING / Division B Champion
- 2022 Kanto Middleboat / Class B Winner
- 2022 All Japan Middleboat / Class B 2nd Place
- 2022 Pearl Race (Offshore 150M) / 2nd overall, 1st place in Class C
- 2022 NIPPON CUP AUTUMN / Division B Champion
- 2023 NIPPON CUP SPRING / Division A Champion
- 2023 Kanto Middleboat / 3rd overall, 1st place in Class B
- 2023 All Japan Middleboat / Class B Champion
- 2023 Pearl Race / Class D Winner
- 2024 Kanto Middleboat / Overall Champion
- 2024 Pearl Race / Class D Winner
- 2025 Kanto Middleboat / Overall Champion
- 2025 All Japan Middleboat / CLSSS-B Winner
- 2025 Pearl Race / 3rd overall, Class C winner
Accessories
- JCI ship inspection certified, complete coastal specification equipment set (10 inflatable life jackets ×)
- Dedicated slipway
- Spinnaker Poles and Mast Track
- Short Carbon Bowssplit for Spinnaker
- Spare stantion
- Companion Way Bag
- seat bag
- tiller cover
- boom cover
- mainsail cover
- Full deck cover
- Cabin table cover
- Winch handles (4 pieces)
The yacht can also be configured for conventional symmetrical spinnaker racing, which is often preferred for windward-leeward courses. This includes a short bowsprit, mast track, and all the associated hardware.