1972 Rhodes 53 Motorsailor

This 1972 Rhodes 53 Motorsailer represents a significant piece of sailing history, designed by the renowned naval architect Phillip Rhodes and built by Steel Yachts in New Zealand. The steel hull combines classic design with modern performance capability—a center cockpit motorsailer rigged as a sloop with a manual centerboard that draws just 6 feet when raised, making her well suited to shallow-draft cruising. Power comes from a Lugger diesel engine producing 135 horsepower, with a cruising speed around 9.5 knots and maximum speed of 12 knots.

The yacht accommodates five cabins and two heads across her 52-foot length and 16-foot beam. A 2016 comprehensive refit addressed all primary systems: new Northern Lights generator, completely rewired electrical systems, new Garmin electronics suite, new carbon fiber mast and in-boom furling, new teak decks and Imron paint, new stainless steel standing rigging, and new leather interior. Hydraulic controls manage the backstay, boom vang, and headsail furling.

Recent additions through 2025 include a new bottom paint, Sunbrella dodger, AIS system, Starlink satellite internet, IRIDIUM communicator, bow thruster, new safety equipment such as an EPIRB and six-person life raft, macerator toilets with oversized holding tank, industrial ice maker, and air conditioning. A 10-foot dinghy with 9.9-horsepower outboard rounds out the gear package. Deck brightwork is being refurbished as of listing.