trishlaplaca Adventure. Exploration. Discovery. Vibrant friendships – and so much much fun and laughter that we’re still giddy with the memories. All of this and more is the reason why Jeff and I have reveled in the boating life these past four years. It’s been an amazing journey. And to top it all off, we’ve accomplished all that we had originally sought to do: travel and enjoy the America’s Great Loop routes to their fullest.
If you delve back into our original posts, it’s crystal clear that Jeff and I were trawler boat newbies. Oyster was a gem from the beginning, solid and patient with us as we learned the ropes of managing her. Within no time at all, she had us venturing through remote waterways, stunning Great Lakes regions, and the beautiful ocean blue with ease. She is a truly comfortable home on the water, outfitted with all the essential equipment and amenities.
But alas, every sweet journey must end. Jeff and I are currently planning a next great adventure to explore the great treasures of this country and beyond. Oyster, therefore, is now in need of a new owner – one who hopefully will get as much joy and pleasure out of her as we have.
Oyster is presently being stored “on the hard” out of the water in Portland, Connecticut for the winter months. She will be back in the water in early spring, although it is still possible for anyone interested to board her to check her out personally if preferred.. The following is a listing of all her special features, along with a gallery of interior and exterior photos. Beautiful Oyster has been extremely well maintained and cared for – take a peek at all she has to offer!
OYSTER
1974 DEFEVER 40’ PASSAGEMAKER
⚓️ 🦪⚓️
OYSTER For Sale $98,000
Contact Jeff and Trish LaPlaca 954.218.0946 or jefflaplaca@protonmail.com
- Beam 14’ Height 21’6 Mast and bimini capable of folding down to 14’6” to meet bridge height requirements of America’s Great Loop routes
- US Coast Guard Documenation, Penobscot, Maine Homeport
INTERIOR
- Spacious Stateroom with queen bed & beautifully maintained teakwood throughout.
- V-berth for two. Additional freezer/refrigerator/storage space is built into a v-berth bunk for
- extended cruising such as in the Bahamas.
- 2 Heads, 1 full size shower. New Raritan Elegance electric toilet (7/26) in stateroom
- Classically upholstered salon w/ large dinette and built-in ottoman seat with storage.
- Custom fabrics and draperies.
- Oyster’s teakwood galley includes a Force 10 Marine three burner stove with oven, microwave, and Novacool refrigerator, all in fine working order. The galley was enhanced with additional custom cupboard & counter space & new Formica In 2025.
- All salon windows were replaced in 2025.
- Air conditioner & heating system: Two units: 1600 BTU unit in salon, 1400 BTU in stateroom
MECHANICAL
- 120 hp Ford Lehman diesel engine (currently 900+ hrs since total rebuild in 7/2025)
- New Cutlass Bearing and Drive Shaft ( September 2026 300 hrs +- )
- New dripless Shaft Seal
- Single Screw right hand rotating propellor
- 6.5 kw Phazor Generator (new 2022 ) 850 hrs
- 3000 watt Xantrex Freedom Pro Pure Sine Wave Inverter (new 2022 )
- 10 new AGM 6 volt batteries 6 at house, 4 at start
- Compressor in engine room available to run Windshield wipers, Horn, etc.
- Bow thruster & Stern thruster 7.5 hp with remote (new 2026) that has two 12 volt batteries tied for 24 volts total on charger.
- Engine has two alternators – new 105 amp + reconditioned 200 amp with Balmar 618 external Smart Regulator
- Spin-on secondary fuel filters on engine
- 280 gallon fresh water tank convenient for extended cruising
- 35 gallon black water tank +-
- Fresh and saltwater wash downs. Gray water goes overboard (kitchen and bathroom sinks). The shower goes to bilge and is pumped overboard.
- Engine Heat Exchanger new 2026
- Two 200 gallon fuel tanks
- Lewman Windlass Excellent plow type Anchor with 225 +- feet of chain
- Stainless steel mast with Stay Sail capable of lowering with the aid of installed electric winch
- Ample Lazarette for additional storage
TECHNOLOGY
Garmin GPS MAP 10SXV on upper and lower helms. Radar, depth, AIS, Autopilot with remote. Upper and lower helm VHF radios with additional hand held VHF.
ALSO INCLUDED
- Portland Pudgy dinghy 7’8” with ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus-L 3.5hp Electric Motor
- Flybridge furniture: Loveseat, teakwood table, canvas & teak folding chairs
- Magma Marine Grill, Two foldable West Marine bicycles, Smart LG TV, Eartec “Marriage Saver” wireless headset
- Nice tool box in engine room; other tools may be negotiable as part of purchase. Also many miscellaneous nuts, bolts, and spare parts etc. are included.
- 8 fenders and two inflatable fender balls, 8 dock lines
- Life jackets for 12 adults
- 12 volt jump battery pack. Fire extinguisher and flares expiring 2027
- Well kept Maintenance Log details all improvements, upgrades and maintenance since 2022
OYSTER is a highly cared for, excellent cruiser trawler as classic as its name. One of the first in the family of yachts by famed boat designer Arthur DeFever, she was built in 1974 at Jensen Marine of Costa Mesa, California. Oyster boasts sleek lines, an exceptionally sturdy fiberglass hull, stabilizing stay sail, immaculate deck and comfortable fly bridge, as well as beautifully preserved teakwood rails and interior.
Oyster is an especially homey live aboard with many upgrades designed for both comfort and dependability as listed below. She has traveled the America’s Great Loop journey twice, along with both the Triangle and Downeast Loops. With passages along the East Coast, extensively on the Chesapeake Bay, and also in the Bahamas, she performs well in all waters. An “oldie but a goody”, Oyster would make a wonderful new home on the water for anyone wishing to honor and maintain her wonderful spirit and pedigree.
