WINDIGO - Beneteau FOR SALE

WINDIGO is a meticulously cared-for 2003 Beneteau 50, a semi-custom, two-cabin sailing yacht and monohull sloop that has never been chartered and has remained privately owned. Celebrated for poise and comfort, she carries a swift, balanced hull from Farr Yacht Design, excelling as a bluewater cruiser and cruiser-racer for long passages and spirited competition.

Driven by a 100 hp Yanmar with bow thruster and generator, she delivers effortless handling and refined onboard living. The expansive teak cockpit with twin wheels promotes confident seamanship underway and relaxed entertaining at anchor.

Below, warm cherry joinery illuminates a welcoming interior with a generous owner’s cabin, two heads, and abundant storage, ideal for extended cruising or liveaboard life. Outfitted with in-mast furling, a spinnaker, and a comprehensive safety inventory, WINDIGO arrives ready for offshore sailing and passagemaking.

For sailors seeking a proven, ocean-capable performance cruiser with space to grow, this luxury sailing yacht stands apart.

Overview

WINDIGO is a 2003 Beneteau 50’ aft‑cockpit, two‑cabin, semi‑custom owner’s version, a fiberglass masthead‑rigged cruising sloop that has never been on charter and has been privately used only, the very definition of a perfect cruising sailboat recognized for its elegance, exceptional comfort, and excellent performance under sail. Designed by Bruce Farr of Farr Yacht Design, it marries a fast, stable hull with generous interior volumes—equally at ease on long‑distance passages, club racing circuits, and the easy rhythm of life aboard. Power comes from a 100 hp Yanmar engine, complemented by a bow thruster, generator, and reverse‑cycle air conditioning, so handling is straightforward and onboard living remains refined in every climate. A spacious teak cockpit with twin wheels delivers superb visibility and a secure, sociable place to steer under way or relax at anchor. On deck, the ergonomic cockpit inspires confidence with a layout that suits both a small crew and family sailing; practical amenities abound, including stainless davits that cradle the tender securely under way and make launching and recovery effortless, a Full Bimini‑Dodger with side screens enclosure, and a comprehensive safety inventory with life rafts. Below, a bright cherry interior welcomes you with generous headroom, excellent storage, and a layout conceived for extended stays: a large forward owner’s cabin, two heads compartments, and flexible guest accommodation make hosting family and friends a pleasure. Her sail wardrobe by Quantum includes an in‑mast furling main and furling genoa, joined by a spinnaker and storm jib to meet a wide range of wind conditions, while the teak cockpit and robust tankage are tailored for long passages. Deck maneuvers are cleanly organized, with most sheet lines led to the cockpit and a deck plan that promotes safe movement; grab rails and safety bars underscore her offshore‑cruising intent. At the navigation station, you will find the full suite of navigation and communication equipment required for confident passagemaking, while the galley offers a holding‑plate freezer and separate refrigerator compartment, together with abundant storage throughout—exactly what the serious sailor demands. WINDIGO represents a compelling opportunity for sailors seeking a proven, ocean‑capable vessel with room to grow, designed by Bruce Farr and widely regarded as one of the most capable and well‑balanced cruising yachts. Notable highlights include the rare two‑cabin layout, a shallow draft of only 5’11, private use only with no charter history, a Yanmar 100 hp diesel, a Lofrans heavy‑duty windlass, a Tropical Marine‑Air conditioning system, and a fully enclosed cockpit comprised of bimini, dodger, and side panels.

Hull and deck

Built by Beneteau to a Bruce Farr design in 2003, WINDIGO presents a Deep Blue GRP hull with a white deck and superstructure, the hull molded in solid fiberglass with an external ballast keel. The underwater profile is a modified fin steel keel with bulb paired to a semi‑balanced fiberglass spade rudder, steered by dual wheels and backed up by an emergency tiller. The exterior main deck and superstructure are FRP composite using Baltek balsa core, mechanically fastened and secondary‑bonded to the hull at the deck edge, while the cabin top and weather decks are molded with non‑skid for secure footing. A teak cap rail crowns the low bulwark around the deck edge, and teak handrails are mounted outboard on the cabin top. Forward, a low trunk cabin profile carries eleven anodized Lewmar aluminum deck hatches with acrylic lenses and twelve portholes along the cabin sides, bathing the interior in light and air. A large deck locker in the starboard cockpit coaming accommodates the generator, and the overall deck plan favors safe, uncluttered movement. The modified fin steel keel with bulb and semi‑balanced spade rudder complete a hull‑and‑deck package that is as robust as it is refined.

Machinery

Engine access is intelligent and effortless: the molded fiberglass companionway ladder with wood‑faced treads is hinged for forward‑end service, and the engine itself sits below the cockpit with access via a removable cabinet door and panels on all four sides. Propulsion is by a single turbocharged, four‑cylinder in‑line Yanmar 4JH3‑TE diesel delivering 73.6 kW/100 hp at 3800 rpm, showing 1,333 hours on the gauge as of Feb 2026, breathing through a Racor RP24P fuel filter and water separator and turning a three‑blade bronze feathering Max‑Prop via a Kanzaki KBW21 transmission with a 2.62:1 ratio. Engine instrumentation is concentrated at the starboard steering position on a Yanmar panel for precise monitoring. Electrical generation offshore comes from a Westerbeke 8 kW generator with 1,845 hours as of Feb 2026, protected by a NAPA 3166 fuel filter located below the quarter berth. Ventilation and drivetrain details are equally robust, with a Jabsco 12 V blower supplementing natural airflow, a reliable shaft drive, and a QL 5 kW 12 V bow thruster mounted below the removable sole boards with its own dedicated battery securely boxed.

Electrical

The main electrical distribution panel is mounted on a hinged fascia outboard of the nav‑desk seat for easy service, while the house batteries reside below the cabin sole ahead of the companionway steps and forward of the engine, with the main switches grouped on the port quarter‑berth front. The system is comprehensive and modern: three house‑bank batteries (Quicksilver 8D AGN), a dedicated engine start battery (Mastervolt AGM 70 Ah), and a bow‑thruster battery (Lifeline 105 Ah), all overseen by a Xantrex battery‑monitoring panel. Both 12 V and 120 V systems are installed, with 120 V/30 A shore power via a stainless receptacle on the starboard side of the transom, shore‑power cables included, and 120 VAC twin receptacle outlets distributed where needed. Twelve‑volt outlets are provided at the main panel, and an inverter/charger Xantrex Freedom SW3000 handles conversion and charging duties. Domestic comforts are supported by a Raritan 12‑gallon/120 VAC water heater to ensure hot water under way and at the dock.

HVAC system

Climate control is thoughtfully divided for quiet, zoned comfort: the master stateroom is cooled and heated by a MarinAire self‑contained unit tucked below the berth; the saloon benefits from two MarineAire 9,000 BTU air handlers served by a split‑gas system with the compressor neatly installed in the starboard cockpit locker; and the aft cabin enjoys its own Marine Air self‑contained 7,000 BTU unit in the lazarette. Three digital temperature controllers provide precise adjustments across the cabins. For visibility and safety after dark, navigation lights are positioned on the pulpit, with the stern light mounted cleanly on the transom.

Tankage

Long‑range autonomy is assured by generous tankage: fuel is carried in two plastic tanks of 235 liters (62 gallons) each located below the starboard cockpit‑locker sole and beneath the quarter berth, for a total of 470 liters (124 gallons), with levels displayed on twin VDO gauges above the engine panel. Fresh water is stored in four integral fiberglass tanks totaling 364 gallons (1000 liters) below the cabin sole in the saloon and master stateroom, monitored by a Wema gauge system. Black water is handled by two plastic holding tanks of 16 gallons each for a total of 32 gallons (145 liters).

Rig and sails

Her sloop rig is all about easy power and fingertip control: a keel‑stepped Z‑Spars anodized‑aluminum double‑spreader rig with furling foresail and in‑mast furling mainsail, with aluminum genoa T‑tracks mounted on deck close to the house sides and a mid‑boom mainsheet secured to the traveler forward of the dodger. Halyards, reefing, and sail‑control lines are led efficiently to the cockpit. The inventory includes a Quantum in‑mast furling main, a Quantum 150% furling genoa on a Proful furler, a spinnaker for downwind work, a storm jib for heavy weather, and dependable standing rigging in 1x19 swaged stainless steel, with running rigging in synthetic braided lines finished with stainless shackles. Rope management is assured by five port‑side and four starboard rope clutches. All winches are Lewmar with a chrome finish, including twin ST66 primaries, an electric Lewmar ST40 for halyards, and an additional Lewmar ST40 on the starboard cabin top. For weather protection and shade, the connected Blue Sunbrella bimini and dodger are complemented by two enclosure panels with clear vinyl windows.

Accommodation

Entry is via a traditional companionway with acrylic washboards and a smooth acrylic sliding hatch, leading into a saloon finished in richly toned teak with a C‑shaped dinette to port and a centerline bench/cabinet facing to port; a pair of air handlers resides beneath the seating with more storage cleverly integrated. The large saloon table is flanked by built‑in seating and two movable teak captain’s chairs, with the tabletop lowering to create a generous lounge or an additional berth as needed. Immediately forward of the galley a pair of armchairs invites conversation, while aft of the dinette an aft‑facing nav‑desk stands ready for passage planning; a built‑in bar cabinet graces the forward bulkhead. To port, two upholstered seats are surrounded by built‑in lockers with further stowage below, and the aft quarter berth to port closes off with a framed door for privacy. The day head lies to port aft of the nav station, fitted with a fresh‑water marine toilet, a molded‑fiberglass vanity with washbasin, and a wet‑stall shower. Forward of the main bulkhead, the owner’s stateroom centers on a queen berth with hanging locker to port and a short settee to starboard; ventilation flows through portlights, a cabin fan, and four deck hatches above the berth that flood the space with light and air. Immediately aft to port, the ensuite head features an electric toilet, vanity, and a large separate shower stall, providing ensuite head and shower convenience. Approximate headroom is 1.85 m / 6.07 feet throughout, and layout options can be viewed in the photos section. Finishes elevate the experience: bulkheads are faced with Cherry‑stained Douka veneer; cabinetry is Cherry with a satin‑varnish finish; galley counters are off‑white solid‑surface; heads are molded fiberglass; joinerwork features inset cabinet doors with solid‑wood fiddles and moldings; overheads are vinyl‑wrapped panels with wood accent trim; hull ceilings are in vinyl or veneer; the cabin sole is veneer‑faced faux‑teak decking plywood; lighting is recessed‑mount LED overhead with focused reading lamps; soft goods are upholstered in dark blue fabric, with matching fabric on the mattresses.

Galley

The galley occupies the aft starboard corner with a durable beige solid‑surface countertop that invites real cooking. Outboard, a gimballed stainless‑steel Force 10 three‑burner stove with oven and broiler stands ready for passage meals, flanked by a pair of deep stainless sinks on the outboard counter with pressurized hot and cold water. Refrigeration is air‑cooled by Isothem, with both refrigerator and freezer served by a 12 V sump pump for the cold box; access is smartly arranged from the forward countertop and via a front door to the fridge. Storage runs along the hull side and under the deckhead, with a handy small locker high on the aft bulkhead and a built‑in microwave oven by GE outboard. Practical touches abound, from a waste chute leading to the cockpit‑locker trash can to a rail‑mounted Magma kettle grill in the cockpit, complemented by ample lockers and an assortment of cooking equipment, crockery, and cutlery. Propane is supplied by two bottles in a top‑loading, self‑draining locker.

Heads compartment

There are two compartments in total, with the forward head featuring a dedicated shower stall enclosed by an acrylic door. Vanity arrangements include a surface‑mount stainless‑steel washbasin set into a molded‑fiberglass counter, with shower drainage handled by 12 V sump pumps below the vanity. Raw‑water intakes are secured by in‑line ball valves, and ventilation is assured by natural airflow through portholes and deck hatches, assisted by air conditioning as needed.

Master cabin

The master cabin is fully separated from the saloon by a door and enjoys an ensuite head compartment for true privacy. A centerline queen berth with mattress sits over generous drawer stowage, complemented by a starboard settee, hanging lockers, and additional drawers, with water tanks located below the sole and the air handler neatly installed beneath the berth. Ventilation is excellent via a deck hatch, portholes, cabin fans, and dedicated air conditioning.

Guest cabin

The guest space is a cozy portside quarter‑berth with a split mattress, offering a hanging locker and drawers, direct access to the engine compartment for maintenance convenience, and fuel tanks located below the berth. Ventilation is provided by portlights, a deck hatch, and dedicated air conditioning.

Deck equipment

At the bow, a stainless‑steel stem‑head fitting with a single Delrin‑type roller leads the ground tackle managed by a powerful 12 V 1700 W Lofrans Falkon windlass with reversing gypsy and capstan, controlled by twin footswitches forward and a wireless remote at the helm, with the circuit breaker conveniently located on the quarter‑berth bunk front. Washdowns are handled by a 12 V Shurflo DC pump mounted below the forward berth. The primary anchor is a 60 # CQR with the shackle pin secured by safety wire, backed up by a Fortress Danforth‑type secondary anchor stowed in the lazarette. The primary chain and rode comprise a stainless‑steel swivel to galvanized 3/8" G4 chain, with the secondary tackle led from chain to rode. Davits are a robust stainless‑steel frame with block and tackle, complemented by a dedicated outboard‑engine davit. Up the mast, antennas are fitted for VHF, GPS, Radar, AID, AWI, and TV. Comfort at rest is assured by Blue Sunbrella cockpit cushions, with various warps and lines and a full set of ten fenders rounding out the deck gear.

Navigation and auxiliary equipment

All communications equipment is neatly installed outboard of the half‑chart‑sized nav desk, forming a cohesive command center. The suite includes VHF 1: Icom M424 at the nav station and VHF 2: Icom HM‑195SW command mic at the starboard helm, supplemented by handheld VHFs; GPS 1 is a Raymarine Hybridtouch, with GPS 2 also by Raymarine; a Raymarine closed‑array radar, Raymarine AIS, Raymarine AWI, and a full Raymarine depth/knot/log package; and a Raymarine autopilot for confident course‑keeping. Night operations are supported by a FLIR M‑618DS night‑vision system and a handheld searchlight, with an air‑canister horn for sound signals. Traditional touches include a brass clock and barometer on the aft bulkhead and two Plastimo Olympic 135 compasses. For water independence, a SeaWater Pro 20 GPH watermaker is installed (requires service). Entertainment is provided by a Fusion MS AV 700 tuner with Bluetooth driving two interior speakers and two Poly Planer 200 W cockpit speakers, with screens in every cabin: a Jensen LCD in the master stateroom, a Toshiba LCD in the saloon, and an LCD with DVD in the aft cabin.

Tenders

A capable AB 9.5 alloy‑hull RIB accompanies the mothership (requires service), powered by a reliable 20 hp Honda outboard for swift shore runs and exploration.

Safety

Safety readiness is comprehensive and current, including a Switlik six‑person life raft (due for inspection), twelve personal flotation vests, three portable fire extinguishers, and a fixed engine‑room extinguisher. Emergency signaling is covered by an ACR GlobalFix EPIRB stowed in the ditch bag, with an additional ACR GlobalFix unit in the galley, ensuring redundancy when it matters most.