1995 Benford Custom Pilothouse Cutter

A 1995 Benford Custom Pilothouse Cutter designed by naval architect Jay Benford, this 63-foot steel yacht was built for serious offshore and high-latitude cruising. Constructed by Custom Steel Boats in North Carolina and launched in 2003, she combines steel construction with a raised pilothouse for weather protection and visibility. The boat features a protected center cockpit, dual helm stations, hydraulic steering, bow and stern thrusters, and redundant systems throughout—all configured for handling by a couple on extended passages.

The single-cabin interior offers comfortable accommodations with excellent livability for a full-time cruising lifestyle. The design prioritizes mechanical access and incorporates substantial fuel and storage capacity for global range. A Yanmar 140-horsepower diesel engine powers the yacht, with cruising speeds around 8 knots.

From 2014 onward, the current owners undertook a major modernization covering standing and running rigging, a Schaefer in-boom furling system, updated sails, a comprehensive Raymarine electronics suite with dual NMEA networks, Mastervolt charging systems and lithium battery bank, a Spectra watermaker, and dual Maxwell windlasses. Interior spaces received updated finishes and customized upholstery.

The engine room is clean and well-maintained, with an Awlgrip finish on the hull. Extensive service records and receipts document the yacht's upkeep and upgrades over her ownership history.