Nor’-A-Lee is a distinctive 1985 Lancer 40 Pilothouse Motorsailer that seamlessly combines the capabilities of a sailboat with the power of twin diesel engines. This 40-foot motorsailer, crafted by Lancer Yacht Corp. and designed by Herb David, features a unique inside helm station, spacious living areas, ample tankage, and plenty of onboard storage, making it perfect for cruising whether under sail or power.
Ideal for those seeking a pilothouse motorsailer, diesel sailboat, or liveaboard cruiser, Nor’-A-Lee is one of only two Lancer 40 pilothouse motorsailers ever built. It boasts several unique design elements such as a transom arch for enhanced power performance, a boomless roller-furling mainsail, and primary controls that are conveniently located at the protected helm inside the pilothouse. With a maximum speed of around 11 knots, she has achieved 10 knots even with undersized props.
The pilothouse layout is one of Nor’-A-Lee’s standout features. With a raised salon, expansive windows, a sheltered interior helm, warm teak finishes, bar-style seating, and unobstructed sightlines, this living space feels more like a cozy home than a traditional sailboat interior. It’s especially suited for varying weather conditions, weekend getaways, ICW cruising, coastal adventures, or liveaboard lifestyles.
Inside, the boat showcases teak bulkheads, trim, doors, and a beautiful teak-and-holly cabin sole. The spacious main salon includes comfortable sofa seating and bar stools, while the forward owner's cabin features a walk-around berth accessible from both sides. The head compartment is generously sized, complete with a ceramic sink and a separate large enclosed shower. Storage options are plentiful, with cabinetry, lockers, and smartly utilized spaces to support longer journeys.
The galley is well-equipped for life on the water, featuring a solid-surface countertop, deep stainless steel sink with pressurized hot and cold water, electric induction cooktop, convection/air fryer oven, microwave, and a modern 10-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer that can run on both 12V and 120V. A Cruisair 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning system ensures comfort in any weather.
Recent enhancements include a revamped helm station for better gauge visibility, restored original gauges, updated 12V and 120V electrical systems, new LED lighting, resealed windows, and the replacement of all three bilge pumps. Additionally, the main salon features elegant mahogany wainscot paneling, Raptor epoxy non-skid deck coating, two-tone painted decks, newer sails, a Magma grill with propane tank, and a new bottom job completed in May 2026. Both running and standing rigging have been thoroughly inspected and replaced where necessary.
On deck, Nor’-A-Lee is outfitted for practical cruising with an aluminum mast, stainless standing rigging, Harken foresail and mainsail furling systems, roller-furling main, 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 washdown valves and pumps for both fresh and seawater at the bow and stern.
Powering the vessel are twin Perkins 75 HP inboard diesel engines with freshwater cooling, Racor fuel/water separators, and waterlift exhaust systems. Both engines have new starters, relays, alternators, and impellers, with the port transmission professionally rebuilt in 2024 and the starboard transmission serviced and oil changed at the same time. Replacement hour meters show about 14–15 hours at survey, while the original meters were reportedly removed at around 400 hours; the total hours are currently unknown.
Nor’-A-Lee features a modified shoal-draft wing keel with encapsulated lead-shot ballast. The onboard tankage is substantial, including 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 capacity offers the range and storage necessary for extended coastal cruising, ICW travel, summer adventures, and longer stays on board.
Gorgeous, capable, and truly one-of-a-kind, Nor’-A-Lee is not just another 40-foot cruiser. She is a rare Lancer 40 Pilothouse Motorsailer with twin diesel power, a protected helm, roller-furling sail handling, recent upgrades, liveaboard comfort, ample storage, and the versatility to embark on new adventures under sail or power.
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