2000 Custom Ian Franklin 53 Deck Saloon Sloop

This 53-foot deck saloon sloop was built to a Rob Humphreys design as a serious offshore cruising platform. The hull is Kevlar composite with Airex closed-cell foam core, watertight collision bulkheads forward, and a bulk lead keel with internal stainless structure. A single 100-horsepower Yanmar diesel drives the boat, backed by a Nigel Calder-designed electrical system featuring a 900 amp-hour gel house bank, Heart Interface Freedom 25 inverter, and Balmar 180 amp alternator with Link 2000 monitoring.

The three-cabin interior balances performance with genuine liveability. The owner's cabin aft contains a centerline queen berth, settee, and vanity. Two guest cabins forward provide proper accommodation for cruising with others. The galley is properly equipped for sea use with Sea Frost refrigeration, Force 10 three-burner stove and oven, microwave, double stainless sink, and ample storage. The saloon is bright and open, with large Lexan windows, opening ports, and overhead hatches connecting the interior to the deck. A forward-facing nav station and well-positioned Hella fans throughout support comfortable passage-making. The interior employs teak joinery, blue upholstery, cream ultrasuede headliner, and Corian counters.

The rig reflects the boat's offshore purpose. A custom Sparcraft carbon mast carries a fully battened Doyle mainsail from 2014 on a Leisure-Furl carbon boom. Harken roller furling handles the jib, with a staysail, storm jib, trysail, and asymmetrical spinnaker completing the sail inventory. Electric cockpit winches with helm foot controls enable two-person handling. A custom carbon fiber spade rudder and carbon whisker pole finish the deck specification. Navigation systems include Raymarine Axiom and LC 70 plotters, ST60 displays, autopilot, and both SSB and VHF radios. Mechanical systems are configured for practical cruising: fuel transfer, oil change pump, Aqua Drive coupling, redundant freshwater pumps, and Tank Tender monitoring.