Meet Darryl and Carol Henry and 'Scoots'

When it comes to the perfect boat name, Scoots has to be up there; short and sharp for any radio communication, visually recognisable, and one that suits the boat. Proud owners Darryl and Carol Henry have a fine example of an Able Apogee 50, designed by American Chuck Pain and hull #2 of only 9, built in Maine USA, and launched 1993.

The Able Apogee 50, with her purposeful design and stellar offshore performance, has the unique distinction of earning the highest honour bestowed in yachting not once, but twice. The Apogee 50 first won Cruising World’s coveted Boat Of The Year award in 1994. Following a successful production run of just 9 vessels, the Apogee moulds were purchased by Tom Morris of Morris Yachts who was looking to add a fast, blue water cruiser with long legs to the Morris line-up. The Apogee was then dubbed the Morris 51 and went on to win Boat Of The Year again in 2003, cementing the legendary status of this boat design in cruising circles the world over.

Scoots has circumnavigated the world twice and has her own a proven track record.

The Henrys previous boat was a Moody 42 with a centre cockpit that they owned for 25 years, but then it was time to consider a bigger boat that would be more suitable for off-shore cruising. “When Scoots came on the market we were not actively looking, however we knew what we wanted in a boat and this boat had everything” says Darryl. The boat was in the Whangārei town basin during COVID and the American owners were keen to sell as the border restrictions didn’t suit their plans. The boat market was hot at the time and they had to move quickly to secure this well-respected boat design.

Like many boat purchases, the condition appeared to be good however there was plenty to do and Darryl, who is very particular, has worked hard over the last couple of years to bring Scoots up to an impressive standard. “You never know a boat until you have owned it, but the bones were good” says Darryl, adding “there are very few things we have come across that needed changing, in that the boat design is exceptional throughout.”

One of the boat’s build characteristics is its strength. “When the boat is under stress in robust conditions, it feels solid. There is no creaking or groaning sounds you can often get from a production boat. There is simply more glue and fastenings used, especially within the superstructure, and it is therefore a quiet boat, and that gives you confidence” says Carol.