McConaghy KER 33 APHROS

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 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)
• Builder

BUILDER: McChonaghy

Designer: KER

DIMENSIONS

• LOA: 9.99 m
• Beam: 3.34 m
• Draft: 2 m
• Displacement: 3807 kg

ENGINE

• Engine: YANMAR 3TM 20
• Propeller: TWO FOLDER BRISKY
• Cruising Speed: 7.5 kn

TANKS

Fuel: 40 l

ACCOMMODATIONS

Berths number: 4 SINGLE

NAVIGATION INSTRUMENTS

• Electronics: B&G
• GPS: YES
• VHF: ICOM
• Compass: Precision 9
• Plotter: Zeus 2 7 Inch
• 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)
     

ELECTRICAL

• Batteries: 2 batteries
• Battery charger: 100-z40v AZ

SAILS, SPARS&RIGGING

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
• Rigging: ROD
• Mast: CARBON
• Boom: CARBON
• Vang: Yes
• Running Rigging: Dyneema
• Spinnaker pole: yes
• Tuff Luff: YES
• 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)

DECK EQUIPMENT

• Deck hardware: Harken
• Hatches: LEWMAR
• Winches: HARKEN
• Deck equipment notes

Replaced with a large round bow hatch (LEWMAR)
Special Harken Blocks in Each Section

Replace with Harken Performer Winches (4 pieces)

Upgrades to the traveler, main system, and jib coupler

SAFETY

• CE Registration: YES
• Fire-extinguishers: 2
• JCI ship inspection certified, complete coastal specification equipment set (10 inflatable life jackets ×)

CONSTRUCTION

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)
   

EXTRAS

• wimming ladder: YES

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)