Dnieper Tropic 1200 – rugged, liveaboard expedition boat - like Ovni or Garcia

Description

Expedition-Ready Steel Cruiser – Dnieper Tropic 1200

SV Nova is a professionally yard-built 1992 Dnieper Tropic 1200 - the original hull of a rare French-designed, rugged expedition cruiser. Built in galvanized steel with a retractable rudder and hydraulic centerboard, this boat was made for true shallow-draft exploration, off-grid cruising, and liveaboard life. As a cousin to the Ovni or Garcia, the Tropic 1200 is truly go-anywhere.

SV Nova is currently on the hard in a DIY- and liveaboard-friendly yard in South Florida. Showings available July 29-31. Coast Guard Documented - no outstanding debts or liens. Tax paid.

• First Ever Tropic 1200 hull – includes yard blueprints and magazine coverage of this very boat - extra features not found on other hulls

• Galvanized steel construction – rare, corrosion-resistant, strong, and insulated

• Solent Rigged– Perfect cruising configuration of 2 roller headsails for wing on wing

• Hydraulic centerboard and mechanical lifting rudder – NOT CABLE! true shoal draft (3.9' to 7.5')

• Flush decks with custom stainless bowsprit and stern platform– All other Tropics were mild steel

• Fully insulated hull – 2" thick - cool, quiet, and condensation-free

• Extensive refit completed – new systems, structure, and usability upgrades throughout

• Interior – Brazilian cherry, mahogany, teak, Corian counters, commercial-grade galley

• Brand new head compartment – with new OGO brand desiccating toilet (prior traditional electric head available too)

• 115HP Deutz MWM diesel – slow-speed torque beast with full engine access

• 600Ah SLA house bank + 400Ah new Battle Born lithium (included)

• Victron Multiplus 3000W + SmartShunt (included, ready to install)

• Rigging surveyed 2022

Specs & Systems

• 42' LOA | 13.5' Beam | 3.9' – 7.5' Draft

• Hydraulic steering + Raymarine hydraulic autopilot

• Center cockpit | two queen berths + convertible salon/nav berths

• Village Marine watermaker (needs rebuild)

• 550L diesel in 4 tanks (2 stainless, 2 mild steel)

• 360W solar + wind gen + engine-driven 5kW SeaPower generator

• Vesper AIS | Iridium Go! + external | ST40 instruments | Furuno radar

Recent Work & Included Gear

• New rudder bushings + lifting screw drive (Nov 2024)

• Brand new custom head compartment w/ OGO desiccating toilet

• Rebuilt helm, rudder, and steering pump

• New Mantus Vulcan 73 anchor (unused)

• Rebuilt windlass system

• Upgraded Victron + Battle Born system ready to install

• New cabinetry, LED lighting, cockpit seating, custom hatches

• Industrial sewing machine, full tool suite, hundreds (thousands?) of pounds of spares (seriously...)

Remaining Work (Cosmetic & Optional)

• External paint touch-up (2-part paint included)

• New bottom paint

• Replace vinyl in soft dodger panels

• Optional install of included Victron/Lithium upgrades

• Mesh replacement on retractable bug screens

• General cosmetic polishing and trims

Showings & Contact Showings in person July 29, 30, and 31 in South Florida. Boat is accessible, show-ready, and located in a supportive DIY yard.

Buy It Now: $66,900
Reserve Price Active
Deposit Required: $5,000 (due within 24 hours)

This boat is cross-listed and I reserve the right to end the listing early if sold elsewhere.

Learn More:

• Boat history + photos: @nova_at_sea

• Sister ship SV Odd sold for $250K: @expedition_karambak

Request the full PDF spec sheet for detailed systems, 2019 survey, upgrades, and original drawings. Message me if you want to chat, always happy to talk about Nova.

NOTE: this boat is also listed with Pop Yachts - do NOT sign up for Pop Yachts and inquire about this boat. If you sign up with Pop Yachts and inquire about this boat, you will have to pay a seller commission of 10% on top of the final sale price even though they didn't sell the boat... their rules, not mine...