1963 Monk McQueen 46 Trawler - Classic Yacht Overview, Specs, and Restoration Guide

Purchase a certified survey before you consider buying the Monk McQueen 46 Trawler. A professional inspection will hear about hidden hull damage, test foam integrity under decks, and verify electric readiness. The report helps you decide whether to stage the project in the north yards or in canada, with a plan for the galley, main station, radar, and teak deck work, so you can make a confident purchase.

The 1963 Monk McQueen 46 Trawler presents a classic profile with a solid main hull and a practical interior. Its teak decks and joinery define the look, while a Detroit 6-71 engine type powers a reliable cruise for a perfect balance of form and function. You’ll find a well‑appointed galley, a comfortable forward cabin, a navigation station, and a radar display ready for an updated installation if you choose.

Restoration focus starts with the hull and interior. Check for damage around the stem and stern, inspect teak and deck joinery, and plan a controlled replacement of foam where needed. Align upgrades with the azzurra aesthetic while preserving authenticity, and use electric systems to meet modern safety standards. A thoughtful approach lets you display the boat’s character without overcapitalizing.

Practical tips for owners emphasize general planning and realistic milestones. Define a budget that makes sense for a scope that has been clarified by the survey. You need a staged plan to keep expenditures in check; track progress in milestones, starting with rudder, rigging, and radar installation, then tackle the galley and trim. If you’ve been researching classics, you’ll appreciate how this model sits in the market; it’s more than a display piece, and with proper care in a canada or north coast environment, it can be a dependable cruiser.

1963 Monk McQueen 46 Trawler: Plan and Overview

Begin by mapping the engine room and fuel system to set a solid restoration plan. Identify tank locations, fuel lines, valves, filters, and vent routes. Confirm how the 12-volt and 24-volt circuits interact with radar and nav gear to prevent voltage drops during operation.

Next, outline the mezzanine layout: many mcqueens 46 trawlers include a mezzanine to access deck gear and improve sightlines to the bow. Document ladder positions, handrails, and headroom.

Interior plan places the galley forward of the saloon, with a curtain to separate cooking from living space. Below deck map two cabins and a head; above deck, confirm the wheelhouse, chart table, and instrument bench.

Materials and fittings: bronze deck hardware and zinc anodes protect the hull. Wooden cabinetry and trim provide warmth under varnish, while fasteners should be checked for corrosion. The curtain may shield utilities in compact layouts, and bronze fittings are often used around the deck.

Canada links: the mcqueens tradition traces to canada, where boatworks heritage favors solid frames and practical joinery. You will see wooden planking, bronze hardware, and reliable fasteners that have been valued by owners for decades.

Most checks below deck: bilges, tankage, stringers, and the framing. This plan makes it easy to track tasks, and it really benefits owners who want to stay hands-on. You will need a detailed list of what to replace and what to restore by hand, with a clear handover for future maintenance.

Electrical and climate: ensure the novacool unit integrates with the 12-volt system and battery bank. Test radar power, navigation lights, and helm electronics. Above deck, wire controls with clear circuits and protective shielding; below, protect sensitive gear from moisture. This approach reduces volt drops and preserves performance.

Operational takeaway: to preserve the classic feel, focus on the galley layout, mezzanine access, and wooden joinery. The plan supports faithful restoration that makes the most of this hull, around mid-century design, and keeps the boat ready for coastal cruises with a practical, hands-on workflow.

Specifications: Key Dimensions, Displacement, and Performance

Verify the hull length and weight distribution before planning a refit to align with insurance, marina rules, and loading plans. A specific baseline supports safer handling at sea and smoother operations in marinas.

Key dimensions provide a clear frame: LOA 46 ft 0 in; LWL 39 ft 0 in; beam 14 ft 6 in; draft 5 ft 2 in. Lightship displacement runs about 36,000–38,000 lb (16,300–17,200 kg), with loaded displacement around 40,000–42,000 lb (18,100–19,100 kg) depending on fuel, water, and gear.

Propulsion and performance: twin diesel installation totaling roughly 380–420 hp yields a comfortable cruise in the 8–9 knot band and a top speed around 12–14 knots. At 8 knots the range typically falls between 650 and 900 nautical miles, depending on fuel capacity and sea conditions.

Fuel and water: standard tanks hold about 420 gallons of diesel (1,590 L); fresh-water capacity around 150 gallons (570 L). Endurance shifts with loading, and you should plan for a contingency tank if you expect long passages away from port.

Spaces and layout: the salon serves as the central living space with wide sightlines to fore and aft. Mezzanine access sits above the wheelhouse, and the galley lies on the port side with a practical head and two cabins forward. A curtain or removable bulkhead helps manage heat and glare in sunny marina days; there is plenty of headroom and deep settees to stay comfortable during long passages.

Maintenance and safety: use foam insulation to maintain warmth and sound; check weatherproofing; ensure controls, throttles, and engine gauges respond within expected ranges. Your plan should include a spare key start sequence and a simple panel labeling scheme. A note labeled tiltrider1 documents the aft cockpit control arrangement.

Insurance and planning: keeping displacement within design limits stabilizes behavior in open water and supports preferred insurance terms. Maintain a steady schedule of checks, keep spare parts on board, and log changes as you go; this approach helps with maintenance cycles and marinas visits.

Final reminder: schedule regular checks around time intervals to keep the Monk McQueen 46 ready for weekend trips and longer passages. The combination of a spacious salon and mezzanine, solid displacement, and reliable propulsion makes this classic trawler an accessible project for maintaining your coastline adventures.

Hull and Deck: Construction, Material, and Condition

Start with a thorough hull and deck check before any restoration or buying; focus on the main structural areas, moisture, and deck hardware. Tap for softness around the keel and bulkheads to locate found issues, document them, and plan repairs before you commit.

Hull construction centers on the keel, frames, and planking. A 1963 Monk McQueen 46 trawler typically presents a wooden hull with carvel planking or a plank-on-frame skin, while steel variants exist but are less common. Inspect the hull-to-keel junction and plank seams for loose fasteners, gaps, or rot; note what you found and plan accordingly. If you find soft patches, plan to re-caulk or replace sections before a long voyage.

Material and deck details vary by era and build. Wood hulls often use cedar or oak planks with a teak or fir deck; deck beams and a weather deck define the surface. General guidance: probe for soft spots, worn caulking, and delamination around hatches and fittings. If a foam-core deck is present, check for intrusion; damp or collapsed foam indicates core failure and potential water ingress below the surface.

Condition and fittings require careful attention to interfaces. Inspect around doors, windlass bases, and stowage areas; ensure the door seals are intact and operate smoothly. Verify the place of through-hulls, hoses, and fastenings around the deck coamings, and look for signs of leakage around curtain tracks or canvas covers. Around the windlass and winch fittings, test movement and mounting security; around tanks, inspect for dampness, staining, or leaks that hint at a broader problem.

Interior indicators and plan call for a focused checklist. Tanks and bilge spaces reveal moisture, while curtain lines and bulkheads show signs of movement or prior repairs. Test stove ventilation and fuel-line routing for safety, and verify hatch and door closures in all cabins. When cataloging issues, use a clear reply from each yard or station and reference a simple formula for budgeting: material costs plus labor plus a 15% contingency to cover unexpected repairs, ensuring you protect the main hull and deck during restoration.

Buying approach and next steps require action. Map a route through yards and surveyors, call reputable stations, and gather multiple quotes. Name at least three references and request written scope with itemized tasks. If you track measurements, tag them with tiltrider1 to keep data coherent and shareable with your chosen yard for an informed, coordinated plan.

Navigation Electronics and Electrical: Equipment, Wiring, and System Checks

Start with a complete battery health test and a dedicated DC distribution panel at the nav station. Measure resting voltages, perform a 50% C20 load test, and verify that the monitor reply matches actual capacity. Keep spare batteries hand for quick swap and store them in a ventilated, dry area of the boathouse or yards for boating reliability.

Wire with marine-grade tin copper, 105C insulation, routed in protected conduit, and keep DC and AC runs separate. Use fuse blocks or circuit breakers close to the source, label every circuit, and group navigation, cockpit, galley, and bilge-pump loads on their own banks. Bond bronze through-hulls and fittings to the main grounding system; verify continuity around the hull, and ensure electric circuits are protected from chafe and moisture.

Install radar, VHF with DSC, GPS/plotter, AIS, depth-sounder, and autopilot. Place the nav station within easy sightline from the cockpit; route antenna cables along a clean path to the mast, keeping RF and power cables separate. Include a weather box and emergency beacon as part of the electronics package.

Pre-departure checks include bilge pumps, navigation lights, radar standby power, and a test of electrical alarms. Record the plan in the words of your log to keep the crew aligned, and run a quick insulation resistance check on critical runs. Test shore power and the transformer, verify GFCI operation in the galley, and log any discrepancies so your hand can verify when you are away.

Canada-specific rules require GFCI for galley and head outlets and proper labeling of shore connections; keep a visible wiring diagram on board. Share the maintenance log with your insurer to avoid coverage gaps; many policies require documentation and spares lists. Document the location of controls and equipment; this helps anyone buying the boat, and your acquaintance at a west coast yard can verify installations.

Foam insulation around wire chases reduces vibration and protects runs near fuel lines and bronze fittings. When buying a used Monk McQueen, inspect the station and cockpit for signs of water ingress; keep the location of batteries, spare parts, and tools noted in the galley or workshop, and talk with an acquaintance in a west coast yard to verify installation with a Canada-based marine electrician if needed.

Accommodations: Cabin Layout, Berths, and Ventilation

Prioritize a forward V-berth with curtain privacy and a salon settee that converts to a double, keeping circulation clear from helm to galley.

• Cabin layout: In typical 46 Trawler builds, the forward cabin houses the V-berth with a curtain for privacy; the galley runs along the port side, the head sits to starboard, and the main saloon sits aft with dinette seating that can convert to an extra berth. You’ll often find a practical flow that keeps passagemaking easy, with plenty general storage around the hull’s centerline to minimize clutter. Where there were changes in the layout, the plan kept the main living area open for ventilation and ease of movement.
• Berths and sleeping: The setup accommodates two to four sleepers. Forward you get two, the dinette can yield a third, and an aft option may provide a fourth where space allowed. There is much headroom above berths, and you should specify foam density and cover material when buying replacements. Just verify curtain length and locker placement; specific details like curtain height and the storage layout are found in the year’s build notes.
• Ventilation: Rely on deck hatches, dorade or louvered vents, and quiet fans to move air through cabins. If the boat has been stored in a boathouse, confirm there is no musty odor and improve cross-ventilation with a small blower for warm nights. Position north-facing ports to catch cooler morning air and avoid direct afternoon sun where possible.
• Storage and interior: Stockroom includes overhead lockers, under-berth drawers, and dedicated lockers for pantry items and gear. Corrugated panels in select areas offer durable, easy-to-clean surfaces. Included storage should cover clothing, bedding, and spare parts, with a dedicated place for the stove and cooking gear near the galley. A compact, well-planned storage plan prevents clutter, keeps upholstery dry, and helps with insurance inspections.
• Equipment and inclusions: Verify the inventory–radar, navigation gear, and the stove type should be confirmed as included or not. If novacool refrigeration exists, test the unit for steady temperatures and plan for service if needed. When buying, document what remains on board and how improvements affect insurance coverage and resale value. For years of cruising, a reliable stove and solid electrical layout reduce surprises at sea.
• Materials and build notes: Expect aluminum hardware and trim in this era; check for corrosion at fittings and around limber holes. The interior may feature corrugated aluminum panels in utility zones; look for dry joinery and tight gaskets on hatches and lockers. Those details influence long-term durability and ease of care when returning the boat to water after storage.
• Boathouse and care: If the vessel lived in a boathouse, examine humidity indicators and confirm ventilation paths remain clear. Regular cleaning and a targeted moisture-control plan protect fabric, curtains, and foam cushions, which also helps with insurance valuations and resale value.
• Notes for restoration: tiltrider1

tiltrider1 note: them having that context helps track restoration choices over years, including curtain placements, storage upgrades, and ventilation improvements.

The Galley: Layout, Appliances, and Safety

Install a compact 12 volt refrigerator under the starboard counter to keep perishables secure and reduce motion risk. Run a dedicated 12 volt circuit with a suitable fuse to handle the fridge's draw, and choose a model with a small freezer compartment if space allows. There were years when owners favored larger fridges; this approach is still viable. This setup will serve for years, and that reduces the need for buying ice during long voyages.

Welcome to the practical side of the Monk McQueen 46 galley, a linear layout with sink, stove, and fridge along one bench that keeps the workflow efficient and minimizes spill paths. Having the work surface continuous across the length really helps clean up quickly and gives a place to lay out gear from the voyage hours. To avoid clutter, reserve a dedicated drawer for utensils and a fixed cover that can be closed during rough seas.

Appliances and materials: choose a stove type that suits the electrical system–either a gimbaled propane stove or a safe induction unit powered from the house bank. Below the counters, cover walls with gres tile or a textured, non-slip surface to resist heat and spills. For insulation, install novacool foam panels behind the cabinetry to reduce heat transfer and noise, while relying on plywood for cabinet shells. Down below, seal edges with marine-grade sealant and tape to minimize moisture pickup over the years.

Keep radar gear and other electronics away from the galley heat sources to avoid interference and heat damage. Safety and ventilation: install a proper vent hood over the stove and a gas shut-off valve to prevent leaks. Secure every bottle and rack with positive latches to avoid damage during rough seas. Use a CO detector and a smoke alarm, and position them within easy reach but away from heat sources. If you hear an unusual hiss or smell, shut off the gas and call the crew.

Maintenance and repairs: keep surfaces easy to clean, with a plywood base and a resilient cover; below the counter use a moisture barrier and non-slip floor mat. Having a plan for quick resealing and drying after spills really helps maintaining the galley in good shape over long offshore trips. When damage occurs, address it promptly; replace affected plywood sections and reapply fibreglass or resin as needed to prevent further deterioration.

Buying and planning: for canada-based voyages along the pacific coast, check parts availability locally; the network around canada stores offers guidance for older hulls and practical backup options. Owners who plan extended trips should consider a larger freezer if they store a lot of fresh food. If you need specific details, reply with your preferred layout and I will call you back with a tailored checklist that covers wiring, ventilation, and material choices that suit your passagem. That approach keeps the galley ready for years of comfortable cruising.

Mechanical: Engine, Propulsion, and Servicing Schedule

Change engine oil every 200 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first, and replace the oil filter at the same time. Use 15W-40 marine diesel oil and fill coolant to the marked level. Log the service in the maintenance book and note time on the engine room display to keep the joined records visible for quick checks.

The mcqueens 46 features a single diesel setup typical for its size, delivering roughly 180–210 hp to a bronze fixed-pitch prop via a 1.75-inch shaft. The engine bed sits on a wooden and plywood framework, with a keel cooler and a raw-water heat exchange fed through corrugated hoses. Expect a deep, quiet idle when cruising and a measured load response when you push into a larger hull speed in calm pacific marinas along the coast.

Electrical and fuel systems sit side by side in the engine space: two 6V batteries joined in series create a reliable 12V starting circuit, with a separate house bank for electronics and navigation gear. Maintain the batteries in a ventilated space, check voltage monthly, and top electrolyte as needed. Fuel is stored in two tanks, with vents and pickups checked for corrosion and leaks; keep the area clean and free of wood scraps that could ignite in spaces near the engine. Canada and nearby marinas often require tight hose runs and well-sealed fittings, so inspect corrugated hose segments and clamps at every season switch. This setup supports a larger electrical load when running the windlass, radar display, and heated spaces on cold nights away from shore power.

Protection and drive alignment stay simple: inspect the shaft seal, check the cutlass bearing alignment, and look for any bronze wear on the prop and stuffing box. The windlass, an essential boating accessory, benefits from quarterly checks of the gypsy, chain, and electrical switch. Keep an eye on hose routings and space around the transmission to avoid chafing in tight engine spaces and engine room spaces that ride close to the side decks.

Included maintenance tasks emphasize practical, hands-on care you can perform between marina hops. In the deep sections of a trip, the arrangement of wood, tanks, and storage compartments should be checked for vibration or moisture intrusion, particularly after long legs away from shore. Monitor the electrical panel for corroded connections, secure mounting of gauges, and the bronze display plate on the helm for any signs of wear. Track hours and time on a simple log so you can anticipate service before the next cold snap or heat wave, ensuring the boat remains reliable from the Pacific to the Gulf and back to Canada’s coast.