Bluewater Cruising Yachts Bluewater 400RS

Location: The Anchorage

1994 Bluewater 400 RS | Moana

A Proven Australian Bluewater Cruiser with Major Mechanical & Rigging Upgrades

Bluewater Cruising Yachts have earned a reputation as some of Australia's finest offshore cruising yachts. Designed by renowned naval architect Joe Adams, these vessels are highly regarded for their exceptional sea-keeping ability, robust construction and comfortable liveaboard layouts, making them a favourite among sailors planning coastal passages or serious offshore adventures.

Moana is an early Bluewater 400 RS (Raised Saloon) model, built during an era when these yachts were renowned for their uncompromising construction. The raised saloon design provides excellent visibility from the interior, allowing panoramic views while maintaining easy forward vision from the cockpit and preserving the yacht's timeless profile.

The spacious teak-laid cockpit has been designed for safe short-handed sailing, with all Barient stainless steel winches within easy reach, including an electric cabin-top winch. A folding cockpit table, generous storage and practical deck layout make life onboard comfortable whether at anchor or underway.

Stepping below, the semi-raised saloon is light, airy and exceptionally functional. The raised dinette to port enjoys elevated views, while the inline galley to starboard is well equipped for extended cruising with twin stainless steel sinks, eutectic refrigeration and a four-burner gas stove with oven.

Accommodation is ideal for family cruising or extended liveaboard use, featuring:

* Spacious forward owner's cabin with offset double berth and private ensuite.
* Aft starboard double guest cabin with ensuite.
* Port aft single cabin with adjacent navigation station.
* Ample storage throughout, thoughtfully designed for extended cruising.

One of Moana's greatest strengths is the significant investment made in her major systems.

In 2022, the mast was removed and professionally refurbished by Riggtech on Pittwater, with no expense spared. Works included:

* Complete new standing rigging.
* New sheaves and spreaders.
* New boom vang.
* New headsail furler.
* Complete mast rewiring including navigation lighting.
* Replacement of all running rigging.
* Deck hardware upgrades and Spinlock jammer updates.

Mechanical reliability has also been substantially improved with the installation of a Yanmar 4JH5E 54HP shaft-drive diesel and new gearbox in 2019. With fewer than 150 engine hours, this modern drivetrain provides dependable, economical cruising and excellent peace of mind.

While Moana would benefit from cosmetic attention in some areas, the expensive structural and mechanical components have already been addressed. For buyers prepared to refresh her presentation, this represents an outstanding opportunity to secure one of Australia's most respected bluewater cruising yachts with major capital upgrades already completed.

Highlights

* Joe Adams designed Bluewater 400 RS
* Solid GRP construction with integral lead fin keel and skeg-hung rudder
* Raised saloon configuration
* 2019 Yanmar 4JH5E 54HP diesel with new gearbox (approx. 140 hours)
* Comprehensive mast and rigging refit completed in 2022 by Riggtech
* Teak-laid decks and cockpit
* Three-cabin, two-ensuite layout
* 1,100L freshwater capacity
* 450L fuel capacity
* Solar panels
* Muir electric anchor winch
* Garmin GPS, Autohelm ST7000 autopilot and GME VHF
* Ready to cruise with outstanding foundations for her next owner