1985 Lancer 40 Motorsailer

Nor'-A-Lee is a rare 1985 Lancer 40 Pilothouse Motorsailer offering a unique blend of sailboat capability, diesel-powered practicality, and comfortable pilothouse living. Designed by Herb David and built by Lancer Yacht Corp., this 40-foot motorsailer stands out as a distinctive and capable cruising boat with an inside helm station, generous living space, large tankage, and the flexibility to travel comfortably under sail or power.

For buyers searching for a pilothouse motorsailer, diesel sailboat, liveaboard cruiser, or coastal cruising sailboat, Nor'-A-Lee deserves attention. According to owner-provided information, only two of these Lancer 40 pilothouse motorsailers were built, incorporating unique design ideas including a transom arch intended to improve performance under power, a boomless roller-furling mainsail concept, and primary controls led to the protected helm inside the pilothouse.

The layout is one of this boat's strongest features. The raised salon and protected interior helm make Nor'-A-Lee appealing for changing weather, extended weekends, ICW cruising, coastal travel, or liveaboard-style use. The interior features teak bulkheads and trim, teak doors, a teak-and-holly cabin sole, forward V-berth accommodations, a starboard-side head with ceramic sink and stand-up fully enclosed shower, and a comfortable main salon with sofa seating and bar stools.

The galley is well equipped for time aboard, with a solid-surface countertop, deep stainless steel sink, pressurized hot and cold water, electric induction cooktop, convection/air fryer oven, microwave, and a newer 10-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer capable of operating on both 12V and 120V power. A Cruisair 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning system provides both cooling and heat.

Recent owner-reported upgrades completed within the last two years include a redesigned helm station for improved gauge visibility, rebuilt original gauges, replaced 12V and 120V electrical systems and panels, new LED lighting throughout, resealed windows, replacement of all three bilge pumps, mahogany wainscot paneling in the main salon, Raptor epoxy non-skid deck coating, two-tone epoxy-painted decks, newer used sails, Magma grill with propane tank, and a new bottom job completed May 1, 2026.

On deck, Nor'-A-Lee is equipped for practical cruising with an aluminum mast, stainless standing rigging, Harken foresail furler, Harken mainsail furling system, roller-furling main, running rigging led aft, traveler, and a Barient #28 electric winch. Additional features include a Maxwell Nilsson windlass, stainless bow rail and stanchions, double lifelines, cockpit bimini, molded swim platform, stainless boarding ladder, large sunroof ventilation, and fresh and seawater washdown valves and pumps at both the bow and stern.

Power is provided by 2 Perkins 75 HP inboard diesel with freshwater/heat-exchanger cooling, Racor fuel/water separator, and waterlift exhaust system. The replacement hour meters showed approximately 14-15 hours at survey, with original meters reportedly removed around 400 hours; actual total hours are unknown.

Onboard tankage, includes a 140-gallon stainless freshwater tank, two 100-gallon fuel saddle tanks, one 60-gallon center fuel tank, and a 30-gallon blackwater tank. This gives Nor'-A-Lee the kind of range and onboard practicality that makes her especially attractive for extended coastal cruising and longer stays aboard.

Beautiful, capable, and genuinely unique, Nor'-A-Lee is not just another 40-foot cruiser. She is a rare Lancer 40 Motorsailer with protected helm operation, diesel reliability, liveaboard comfort, and the versatility to take her next owner on a new adventure under sail or power with confidence.