1981 Formosa 51

Beautifully maintained 1981 Formosa 51, a true ocean-going ketch

Well-loved 1981 Formosa 51, an ocean-going ketch that blends classic charm with thoughtful updates. The newly laid teak decks (2021) not only look great but also provide a solid, reassuring footing whether you're under sail or at anchor. With a fresh osmosis treatment completed in 2024, this yacht is ready for whatever adventures lie ahead. The long cast iron keel and keel-hung rudder give her the stability you need for smooth sailing, while the traditional wheel steering keeps you connected to the boat and the sea.

The heart of this yacht is a dependable Ford Lehman 120hp diesel engine, fully serviced in 2024, paired with an 8.5kW Northern Lights generator to keep everything running smoothly. The bowthruster, added in 2016, takes the stress out of docking and tight maneuvers. The ketch rig features a 65ft main mast (2019) and a 45ft mizzen mast (2024), along with a full set of Northsail sails.

Below deck, the Formosa 51 offers a comfortable space for six. The spacious aft master cabin and cozy forward cabins make it easy to relax after a day on the water. The interior is warm and inviting, with beautiful woodwork throughout and a saloon that features a wood/coal stove for those cooler nights. The galley is well-equipped for extended cruising, with a full-size electric oven, two gas hobs, and plenty of refrigeration. A welcoming home on the water, perfect for anyone who values both timeless style and modern comfort.

View full listings here: Formosa 51

Construction

• Owners version
• White GRP hull with blue bootstrap
• Osmosis treatment completed in 2024
• Teak laid on GRP decks
• New teak laid in 2021
• White GRP Centre cockpit superstructure
• Long cast iron keel
• Keel hung rudder
• Wheel steering

Machinery

• Ford Lehman 120hp, 6-cyl diesel engine
• Borg Warner gearbox
• Shaft drive to three-blade prop
• 8.5kW Northern Lights generator
• Machinery recently serviced in 2024
• Bowthruster (2016)

Electrics

• 12v and 220v onboard voltage
• 220v rewired 2020
• 3 x 200amp/h Engine and service batteries
• 200amp/h Generator start battery
• Victron Energy 200amp battery charger
• Fast cranking facility to main engine
• 75A alternator on the main engine
• Manual regulator for auto charging

Tankage

• 800 liters Fuel capacity in GFK tank
• 700 liters Water capacity in GFK tank
• 2 x Holding tanks

Rig and Sail

• Ketch rigged ocean cruiser
• White 65ft wooden main mast (2019)
• White 45ft wooden mizzen mast (2024)
• Stainless steel standing rigging (2014)
• Standing rigging maintained by Northsails (2023)

Sails

• White Northsails main (2005)
• White Northsails mizzen (2005)
• White 150% Northsails genoa
• White high-cut Yankee
• White staysail
• Club-footed jib
• Storm Jib
• Radial head spinnaker with snuffer

Winches

• 2 x Winches XT40
• 2 x Winches XT 44 (2016)

Accommodation

• Accommodation for six in three cabins
• Forward V-berth with twin bunk berths to starboard
• Forward heads to port opposite twin cabin
• Forward heads with shower and wash basin
• Saloon with L-shaped seating to starboard
• Additional seating to port, with TV unit behind
• Wood/coal free-standing, stainless steel stove with flue to deck
• Central companionway from cockpit
• Water, heater, engine, generator, and refrigeration systems housed in a separate engine room
• Linear galley to port
• Aft double master cabin
• Master cabin heads with shower and wash basin

Deck

• 1500W 24V Lofrans Tigres horizontal Ø10mm windlass
• 80lb (36kg) Delta anchor
• 60lb (27kg) CQR anchor
• 300' 3/8" (100m) Galvanized chain
• Deck lights on the main mast
• Spotlights
• Swim ladder
• Passerelle
• Mooring lines
• Sun awnings, winter and summer cockpit covers

Navigation

• Tak Tik wind/speed/direction instruments
• Simrad Navi chartplotter, Touchscreen NSS8 (2014)
• Simrad Broadband Radar 3G (2014)
• Raymarine Speedlog (2016)
• Icom IV M23 marine transceiver (2016)
• AIS VM-WMX850 Vesper Marine WatchMate 850 (2020)

Safety

• Plastimo 8-person liferaft (2011) mounted on deck
• GPS/EPIRB McMurdo (2011)
• Life jackets, harnesses for 6 persons
• 2 x Horseshoe life buoys
• Dan buoy
• Various flares and lifelines
• Fire extinguishers

Looking for a solid, ocean-capable cruiser? Contact Williams & Smithells International today for more details or to arrange a viewing.