Lis G618 Dinghy Cruiser “Frieda”

Classic Gade dinghy cruiser from 1975—in my possession since 1980

A small, classic dinghy cruiser with history, substance, and character: a royal blue hull, a cream-colored deck, pastel yellow non-slip seats and footrests, a folding mast, a small cabin, and an elegant silhouette that has become rare these days.

The Lis Jollenkreuzer G618 was built in 1975 at the Gade shipyard and has been in my possession since 1980. For many years, the boat has been my companion on inland and sheltered waters: on the Dove Elbe, the tidal Norderelbe, the Schlei, Lake Müritz, and the Achterwasser near Usedom.

This page supplements the listing with background information, renovation records, details on the features, and honest information about the property’s current condition.

Brief Profile

Characteristics of the Boat

The Lis is a small, easy-to-handle, and yet surprisingly versatile boat. As a dinghy cruiser, it combines the maneuverability of a dinghy with the protection of a small cabin. This type of boat really shows its strengths in inland waters, shallow waters, rivers, and lakes: easy handling, shallow draft, a trailerable size, and a classic shape that still has its own charm today.

With its rounded cabin, bow pulpit, and royal blue hull, the G618 has a nostalgic, elegant silhouette. The boat doesn’t look like just any ordinary utility vessel, but rather like a well-preserved piece of boating history.

Under the same ownership since 1980

I have owned this dinghy cruiser since 1980. This makes it possible to trace the boat’s history over a very long period of time. It was not passed on anonymously, but has been used, maintained, renovated, and improved over the decades.

For me, this long history of ownership is an essential part of the boat: G618 was a family boat, a local boat, a cruising boat, and, time and again, a project in which technical improvements arose from practical experience.

Extensive revision in 2012/2013

In 2012 and 2013, I extensively refurbished the Lis Jollenkreuzer myself in the professionally equipped facilities of the Allermöhe shipyard in Hamburg. The work was not carried out by the shipyard, but it took place in a professional and technical environment that was very well suited to the task.

The goal was not only a cosmetic refresh but also a substantial repair and preventive maintenance of the underwater sections. The gelcoat was stripped to treat existing signs of osmosis and prevent further damage. The stripping and subsequent rebuilding of the hull were documented with photographs.

Pictures above: Close-ups of the underwater hull during the work.

During this renovation, two older, localized areas of damage to the hull were also discovered. These were caused by contact with rocks under the previous owner and had previously been repaired only superficially. As part of the renovation, these areas were exposed, carefully rebuilt, and permanently repaired.

After removing the gelcoat and making the necessary repairs, the hull and underwater section were rebuilt using up to five layers of blue epoxy. The surface was then smoothed with epoxy filler and prepared for the next stage of the coating process.

The mirror was also repaired: The frayed edge was repaired with fiberglass reinforcement and rounded off. The outer mirror was also reinforced with fiberglass and coated with epoxy resin.

As part of the same project, the originally ribbed seats were smoothed out with putty. This made sitting more comfortable and shifted weight more easily while sailing. This change is a deliberate practical adaptation: less historically accurate texture, but more comfort and better usability while sailing.

On May 13, 2013, the windows were replaced with new, original windows, including seals.

In August 2013, the Lis Jollenkreuzer was ready to sail again.

Further renovations in 2003 and 2013

The Plexiglas access hatch was replaced as early as July 2003. Also in 2003, a winch for the trailer was added or replaced.

These projects are not part of the major hull renovation carried out in 2012–2013, but they demonstrate that the boat has been continuously maintained and, in practical terms, further developed over the years.

Functional Improvements to the Drainage System in 2017

In 2017, the cockpit drainage system was significantly improved. The original drain hoses—which were somewhat undersized and ran from the cockpit through the lockers—were replaced with fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) pipes measuring 50 × 42 mm.

This change had two advantages: First, it made the area structurally more stable; second, the cockpit has been draining much faster ever since. The cockpit is now sealed using external bailer valve balls instead of plugs on the cockpit side. The previous solution with plugs was impractical for everyday sailing because they could be accidentally opened too easily with a foot.

The new solution is more robust, better suited for everyday use, and better adapted to how the boat is actually used.

Electrical Systems, Radio, and Lighting

In September 2015, the boat’s electrical equipment was significantly expanded and reorganized. As part of this process, the lighting system, radio, power supply, control panel, and battery box were integrated into a cohesive onboard electrical system.

The custom-built battery box with control panel is a homemade unit made of waterproof plywood and is installed amidships on the starboard side. The design is space-saving and accommodates two Panasonic 12-V AGM batteries, each with a capacity of 15 Ah. These are maintenance-free, deep-cycle lead-fiber batteries of the Panasonic LC-CA1215P1 type.

The control panel was replaced after the capsizing in 2024. It now features five switches, a main battery switch (or emergency shut-off safety switch), and a 12-V onboard power outlet in the cigarette lighter format. Parts of the wiring were also replaced or rerouted as part of this process.

In 2026, the previous radio system was replaced with a new ICOM IC-M423GE. The VHF radio features DSC, ATIS, a built-in GPS receiver with a separate GPS antenna, and VDES-compliant channel programming. The existing ICOM HM-195W CommandMic is intended for operation from the cockpit. During a functional test, it was discovered that the connection cable between the radio and the CommandMic is defective. This cable will be replaced; afterward, the remote control from the cockpit will be thoroughly tested again. The VHF antenna system includes a deck splitter, RG-213 coaxial cable, and matching PL connectors.

The lighting system was installed using Aquasignal Series 34 LED lights. The system includes a green navigation light for the starboard side, a red navigation light for the port side, a white stern light, a white anchor light, and a removable masthead light. This masthead light can be mounted either on the mast for ocean use or on the bow pulpit for inland waterways. The lights have white housings.

Engines and Energy

The boat is equipped with a Honda BF 4.5 outboard motor, built in 2003, that is registered for use on Lake Constance. Until it capsized in 2024, the motor had been reliable for many years and provided the boat with sufficient thrust, even in areas affected by strong currents, such as the Elbe River.

The battery system is charged while the engine is running. This ensures that the radio, lights, and onboard electrical system remain powered even during longer trips when the engine is running.

Lis G618 “Frieda” Dinghy Cruiser – Excerpt from a 30-minute test run of the engine on May 26, 2026

Folding mast and suitability for local waters

The folding mast allows for sailing in areas with low bridges, such as on the Dove Elbe. An experienced sailor can lower the mast to pass under bridges and then raise it again afterward.

This feature was particularly valuable for use in a variety of inland waters. It allows the boat to remain versatile: river areas, lakes, sheltered coastal waters, and trailering to different locations are all easily compatible.

Sail

These are the original sails. Any damage has been repaired over time. After the capsizing in 2024, localized damage to the headsail and mainsail was repaired.

The condition of the sails should be assessed together during an inspection. They are part of the boat’s historical character, but at the same time, they are subject to wear and tear due to age and use.

Jib, mainsail, sail battens, mainsheet and block, jib sheet, jib furler – July 10, 2026

Life jackets

The boat comes with two automatic life jackets:

• 2 × Secumar Ultra 170 Plus Automatic Life Jacket, 165 N
• with a life belt
• light blue-gray
• Date of purchase: September 17, 2023
• Inspected and serviced by the manufacturer following the capsizing incident on November 6, 2024

Precisely because the life jackets were actually used during the capsizing, the subsequent manufacturer inspection and maintenance are an important part of transparent documentation.

Trailer

The boat comes with a trailer, which has also been maintained and upgraded over the years.

The Knott shaft was replaced in 1988. The lighting system was replaced in August 2013. The light bar, including the cables, can be removed before launching the boat. This prevents typical malfunctions caused by moisture in the cables, connectors, and lights.

The 100 km/h certification was also granted in August 2013.

• Gross vehicle weight: 350 kg
• 100-km/h certification
• Inspection valid through 09/2027
• Two new complete wheels for 2026
• Tire size 4.00 × 10
• removable light bar

Lis G618 “Frieda” Dinghy Cruiser – on the trailer

Habitats and Use

After the renovation, we first took some trips on the Dove Elbe. Later, we passed through the Tatenberg Lock onto the Northern Elbe, sailing along the Bunthäuser Spitze to Zollenspieker. This stretch of water is charming but challenging, because the Elbe is still subject to tidal influences as far downstream as Geesthacht.

To ensure safe sailing in these waters and to be able to communicate when necessary, the boat was equipped with a combined GPS/marine/inland radio with a control panel located in the aft section of the cockpit. In addition, an LED lighting system for marine and inland use was installed.

The Honda BF 4.5 outboard motor generated enough thrust for the boat to make headway against the current on the Elbe.

One particularly memorable experience was a sailing trip during which we encountered a seal near Stover Beach. Other areas we explored included the Schlei, the Müritz, and the Achterwasser near Usedom.

Lis G618 “Frieda” Dinghy Cruiser: Launching and Sailing

More about the Müritz Tour:
Sunrise over the Müritz

Condition after capsizing in 2024

Following a capsizing in late September 2024, the resulting damage and necessary repairs were addressed transparently. The boat was hauled out of the water, cleaned, and repaired.

The control panel was replaced and equipped with five switches, a main battery switch (also serving as an emergency-stop safety switch), and a 12-V onboard power outlet in the cigarette lighter format. Parts of the wiring were also reworked or replaced.

The previous ICOM IC-M423G had taken on water during the capsizing. A subsequent inspection revealed signs of corrosion on the circuit board and components. As a result, the device was not turned back on and was replaced in 2026 with a new ICOM IC-M423GE, including a GPS antenna.

[Image placeholder: new control panel with five switches, a battery main switch/emergency shut-off switch, and a 12-V onboard power outlet.]

Scratches were removed from the mirror, and the affected areas were repainted. Localized damage to the headsail and mainsail was repaired.

The Honda BF 4.5 outboard motor, including the fuel tank, was submerged when the boat capsized. The engine was immediately drained, refueled with fresh fuel, and then test-run. No visible damage was detected during the test run.

Since this is an outboard motor manufactured in 2003 and it has been in contact with water, hidden damage cannot be ruled out. Until this incident, the motor had been very reliable for many years.

This information has been deliberately presented in a transparent manner. When it comes to a classic boat of this age, I believe it is important to clearly outline not only its positive aspects, but also the repairs that have been carried out and any known limitations.

Underwater Hull and Antifouling

The hull is currently coated with epoxy primer. A new antifouling coating can be applied to suit the future cruising area.

On the Elbe, I had used a non-toxic chalk-based antifouling. For the next owner, it makes sense to choose the antifouling based on the future mooring location, sailing area, and usage profile.

Visual Impression

Despite being over 50 years old, the Lis Jollenkreuzer still has a fresh and elegant appearance. The high-gloss royal blue hull, the cream-colored deck, and the pastel yellow non-slip seats and footrests give the boat a distinctive character.

The rounded cabin and bow pulpit emphasize the classic shape. The G618 doesn’t look new—and it’s not meant to. Its appeal lies precisely in the combination of well-maintained condition, visible history, and timeless boat lines.

Who This Boat Might Be Suitable For

This Lis dinghy cruiser is perfect for someone looking for a small, classic boat with a history who enjoys hands-on, immediate sailing.

It is particularly well-suited for inland waters, rivers, lakes, and sheltered coastal areas. Thanks to its folding mast, it can also handle areas with bridges. The cabin provides shelter and convenient storage space; yet it retains the character of a small, responsive sailboat.

The G618 is not just another anonymous mass-produced boat with no history. It is a boat for someone who appreciates classic designs, wants to understand the technical work involved, and is willing to take on an older boat with full knowledge of what it entails.

Documentation

There are photos and documents from various phases:

• Renovation and Removal of the Gelcoat in 2012/2013
• Work on the hull
• Repair of the older stone contact points
• Construction with up to five layers of blue epoxy
• Epoxy Filling Work
• Work on the Mirror
• Replacement of the original windows, including seals
• First rigging after the renovation
• Technical details and future improvements
• Installation of the radio system, lighting, and onboard electrical system
• Photos from cruises on the Elbe, Müritz, Schlei, and Achterwasser
• Repairs Following the Capsizing in 2024
• Maintenance and Inspection Records for Secumar Life Jackets After Use
  

Invoices and detailed specifications for individual components of the radio, antenna, LED lighting, and onboard electrical systems are available and can be viewed upon serious inquiry.

The trailer has a gross vehicle weight rating of 350 kg, is certified for 100 km/h, and has a general inspection valid through September 2027. In 2026, both 10-inch complete wheels—including tires and rims—were replaced. The new tires are size 4.00 × 10, with a load index of 71 and a speed rating of N. The removable light bar continues to make launching easier without unnecessarily exposing cables, plugs, and lights to water.

For the documentation, add or replace the following:

• Replacement of the radio system damaged by water ingress with a new ICOM IC-M423GE in 2026
• Invoice and documentation for the new radio and GPS antenna
• VDES-compliant programming, as well as stored DSC and ATIS identifiers
• Replacement of the connection cable for the ICOM HM-195W CommandMic and final functional test
• Replacement of both trailer complete wheels in 2026
• Proof of 100-km/h certification and general inspection valid through September 2027

Tour and Sale

This page is not intended to replace the sales listing, but rather to supplement it. The most important organizational details, pricing information, and contact information can be found in the respective sales listing. Here, the focus is on the boat’s history, renovation, features, and condition.

We strongly encourage you to come take a look. Especially with a classic boat from 1975, it’s important to inspect the boat’s condition, sails, engine, hull, trailer, and equipment in person.

Location: 31812 Bad Pyrmont, private listing, viewings by appointment only
Asking price: 4,950 € (negotiable)

Contact:
Please contact us via the respective sales listing or, by arrangement, directly through the contact information provided there.
Email: manfred@hohlweg.de
Cell: 0151 65196869