1981 Formosa 51 Ketch ‘KUAN YIN’ | Classic Bluewater Cruiser with Extensive 2026 UpgradesKUAN YIN is a substantial 1981 Formosa 51, combining classic bluewater cruising credentials with significant recent investment. Her traditional ketch rig, long cast iron keel and keel-hung rudder create a robust setup for offshore cruising. New teak decks were laid in 2021, while 2026 has brought an extensive programme of maintenance, servicing and upgrades.Key works include completed osmosis treatment and a full overhaul of the Ford Lehman 120hp diesel engine. The 2026 programme also includes underwater hull preparation and antifouling. Meanwhile, numerous smaller improvements cover the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and tankage systems. Exterior woodwork and deck fittings have also benefited from extensive refurbishment. Her ketch rig features a 65ft wooden main mast from 2019 and a 45ft mizzen mast from 2024. A comprehensive North Sails inventory supports versatile cruising, while recent works include professional sail and rigging maintenance. Navigation equipment includes Simrad chartplotter and radar, AIS and a comprehensive range of sailing instruments.Below deck, the Formosa 51 provides accommodation for six across three cabins. The spacious aft master cabin complements two heads, a generous saloon and a practical galley. Traditional timber joinery and a wood/coal stove add warmth and character, while the layout provides the space required for extended cruising.With substantial recent investment and proven bluewater credentials, KUAN YIN presents an appealing opportunity. This Formosa 51 combines traditional character with the equipment and capability required for serious long-distance cruising.Currently lying in Fethiye, Turkey, Kuan Yin is available through Williams & Smithells International. Construction Owners versionWhite GRP hull with blue bootstrapOsmosis treatment completed in 2026Teak laid on GRP decksNew teak laid in 2021White GRP Centre cockpit superstructureLong cast iron keelKeel hung rudderWheel steeringUnderwater hull and running gear serviced, including epoxy treatment, priming, antifouling, renewed anodes and inspection of associated components (2026) Machinery Ford Lehman 120hp, 6-cyl diesel engineBorg Warner gearboxShaft drive to three-blade prop8.5kW Northern Lights generatorEngine fully overhauled (2026)Bowthruster (2016)Raw water pump overhauled (2026)Engine cooling system serviced (2026)V-belts replaced (2026)Steering system serviced and tested (2026) Electrics 12v and 220v onboard systems220v system rewired (2020)3 x 200Ah engine and service batteries200Ah generator start batteryVictron Energy 200A battery chargerFast cranking facility to main engine75A main engine alternatorManual regulator for automatic chargingElectrical systems serviced and upgraded, including additional USB/12v outlets, renewed VHF power supply and improvements to onboard wiring and lighting (2026) Tankage 800 liters Fuel capacity in GFK tank700 liters Water capacity in GFK tank2 x Holding tanksTankage systems inspected and serviced (2026)v Accommodation Accommodation for six in three cabins.Forward V-berth with twin bunk berths to starboardForward heads to port opposite twin cabinForward heads with shower and wash basinSaloon with L-shaped seating to starboardAdditional 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 roomServices/workshop belowLinear galley to portSecond access stairway to cockpit within centre-berthed double stern cabinAft double master cabinMaster cabin heads with shower and wash basinDouble berth is 6ft square with additional single berths on either side.Electric heads and macerators added front heads (2006), back (2010), all renewed in 2019 and maintained in 2024General interior cleaning, maintenance and joinery refinishing carried out (2026) Domestic Hot and cold pressurized water system to the galleyDeck wash supplied by a saltwater pressure systemDouble stainless-steel sinkFront opening fridge and top opening freezerFull-size electric oven with 2 electric hobs2 x Gas hobs renewed in 2016Electric kettle, Toaster, and Sandwich makerTV & audio systemsGenerator provides integrated battery charging, 220v refrigeration and hot water supply when requiredGeneral servicing and repairs to domestic water and refrigeration systems (2026) Deck 1500W 24V Lofrans Tigres horizontal Ø10mm windlass80lb (36kg) Delta anchor60lb (27kg) CQR anchor300' 3/8" (100m) Galvanized chainDeck lights on the main mastSpotlightsSwim ladderPasserelle3 x 3 Warps8 fendersMooring linesSun awnings, winter and summer cockpit coversDavits on sternExterior woodwork, deck fittings and associated hardware serviced and refurbished (2026) Navigation Tak Tik wind/speed/direction instruments2 x Depth sounders2 x Log/speed displaysCetrek autopilot connected to hydraulic steering rams, with alternative wheel steeringMagellan GPSSimrad Navi chartplotter, Touchscreen NSS8 (2014)Simrad Broadband Radar 3G (2014)Waeco Cold Machine Series 90 Type CUC.Plath Merkur Kompass No.Raymarine Speedlog (2016)Icom IV M23 marine transceiver (2016)AIS VM-WMX850 Vesper Marine WatchMateSteiner Admirals Cup with Compass and lightIcom VHF transceiverFixed full-size chart tableNavigation electronics integrated and tested (2026) Tenders GFK Tender boat (fiber), 3m, 2 oars, white with blue stripes (2024)4HP Suzuki outboard S/NInflatable boat 2.4m CN-HFUAdditional 2hp Suzuki outboard Safety Plastimo 8-person liferaft (2011), deck mountedMcMurdo GPS/EPIRB (2011)Lifejackets and safety harnesses for 6 persons2 x Horseshoe lifebuoysDan buoyFlares and lifelinesEmergency steering extension to rudder stock and tillerFire safety equipment serviced and upgraded, including 3 x certified fire extinguishers and engine room fire sensor (2026) Rig & Sails Ketch rigged ocean cruiserWhite 65ft wooden main mast (2019)White 45ft wooden mizzen mast (2024)Stainless steel standing rigging (2014)Standing rigging maintained by Northsails (2023)Sail, boom and associated rigging equipment serviced and refurbished, including mainsail and lazy bag systems (2026)Main mast spreader lighting serviced (2026)White Northsails main (2005)White Northsails mizzen (2005)White 150% Northsails genoaWhite high-cut YankeeWhite staysailClub-footed jibStorm JibRadial head spinnaker with snuffer2 x Winches XT402 x Winches XT