1981 Formosa 51 Ketch ‘KUAN YIN’ | Classic Bluewater Cruiser with Extensive 2026 Upgrades
KUAN 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.

Available through Williams & Smithells International.

Construction
Owners version
White GRP hull with blue bootstrap
Osmosis treatment completed in 2026
Teak laid on GRP decks
New teak laid in 2021
White GRP Centre cockpit superstructure
Long cast iron keel
Keel hung rudder
Wheel steering
Underwater 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 engine
Borg Warner gearbox
Shaft drive to three-blade prop
8.5kW Northern Lights generator
Engine 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 systems
220v system rewired (2020)
3 x 200Ah engine and service batteries
200Ah generator start battery
Victron Energy 200A battery charger
Fast cranking facility to main engine
75A main engine alternator
Manual regulator for automatic charging
Electrical 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 tank
700 liters Water capacity in GFK tank
2 x Holding tanks
Tankage systems inspected and serviced (2026)

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)
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 genoa
White high-cut Yankee
White staysail
Club-footed jib
Storm Jib
Radial head spinnaker with snuffer
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
Services/workshop below
Linear galley to port
Second access stairway to cockpit within center-berthed double stern cabin
Aft double master cabin
Master cabin heads with shower and wash basin
Double 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 2024
General interior cleaning, maintenance and joinery refinishing carried out (2026)

Domestic
Hot and cold pressurized water system to the galley
Deck wash supplied by a saltwater pressure system
Double stainless-steel sink
Front opening fridge and top opening freezer
Full-size electric oven with 2 electric hobs
2 x Gas hobs renewed in 2016
Electric kettle, Toaster, and Sandwich maker
TV & audio systems
Generator provides integrated battery charging, 220v refrigeration and hot water supply when required
General servicing and repairs to domestic water and refrigeration systems (2026)

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
3 x 3 Warps
8 fenders
Mooring lines
Sun awnings, winter and summer cockpit covers
Davits on stern
Exterior woodwork, deck fittings and associated hardware serviced and refurbished (2026)

Navigation
Tak Tik wind/speed/direction instruments
2 x Depth sounders
2 x Log/speed displays
Cetrek autopilot connected to hydraulic steering rams, with alternative wheel steering
Magellan GPS
Simrad Navi chartplotter, Touchscreen NSS8 (2014)
Simrad Broadband Radar 3G (2014)
Waeco Cold Machine Series 90 Type CU-96 (2014)
C.Plath Merkur Kompass No. 33345 (2015)
Raymarine Speedlog (2016)
Icom IV M23 marine transceiver (2016)
AIS VM-WMX850 Vesper Marine WatchMate 850 (2020)
Steiner Admirals Cup with Compass and light
Icom VHF transceiver
Fixed full-size chart table
Navigation electronics integrated and tested (2026)

Tender
GFK Tender boat (fiber), 3m, 2 oars, white with blue stripes (2024)
4HP Suzuki outboard S/N 910685 (2018)
Inflatable boat 2.4m CN-HFU656215616
Additional 2hp Suzuki outboard

Safety
Plastimo 8-person liferaft (2011), deck mounted
McMurdo GPS/EPIRB (2011)
Lifejackets and safety harnesses for 6 persons
2 x Horseshoe lifebuoys
Dan buoy
Flares and lifelines
Emergency steering extension to rudder stock and tiller
Fire safety equipment serviced and upgraded, including 3 x certified fire extinguishers and engine room fire sensor (2026)

The condition or level of safety equipment on board is not to be negotiated on following survey. It is likely to be listed by most surveyors but is not structural or an integral working part of the vessel and is not to be used to further negotiate the price down after survey. We strongly suggest that for your own personal safety that when purchasing a yacht you provide new safety equipment rather than relying on second hand gear.

Should you become the new owner of this yacht then the responsibility to re-register or update official bodies for items such as EPIRB, VHF, MMSI or AIS becomes yours.