2002 Najad 490

The Najad 490 is a 49-foot centre cockpit cruising yacht built in 2002 by the respected design house Judel/Vrolijk & Co. Constructed from fiberglass with a modern seaworthy hull, she was originally commissioned as a safe, comfortable world-cruiser for a husband-and-wife crew. The boat features a cutter-rigged sloop configuration with in-boom furling for the mainsail and Furlex furlers for the genoa and staysail, complemented by North Spectra sails and twin spinnaker poles. Power comes from a Yanmar 96hp diesel engine with shaft drive and Flex-o-fold propeller, supplemented by a Max Power tunnel bowthruster.

The two-stateroom interior prioritizes storage and functionality with a custom forward cabin offering substantially increased stowage over standard layouts. The saloon features a convertible table with hydraulic pedestal that can form an occasional double berth. Two heads are installed, with electric Jabsco in the owner's cabin and manual fixtures in the guest cabin. The galley is equipped with a GN Espace stove, Bosch combination microwave, and three fridge/freezers. A washing machine and full salon with drop-down table complete the living spaces, with approximately 730 litres of fresh water capacity and 800 litres of fuel capacity.

This yacht was extensively upgraded over two major refits. A comprehensive 2-year refit beginning in 2012 was followed by continuous improvements from 2016 onwards, including standing rigging replacement (2026), new anchor chain (2026), LED deck lighting, full internal reupholstery (2022), new perspex hatches and ports (2022), and a combined bimini and tent system with standing headroom. Seacocks and valves were inspected and two replaced in 2025.

Systems throughout reflect blue-water capability: 24vDC and 220vAC/110vAC electrical circuits with dual inverters, dual alternators, AGM service batteries replaced 2023, Fischer Panda 8kw generator, Rutland wind generator, and 440w solar panel array. Navigation and safety equipment includes new Raymarine electronics (2023), dual-channel SSB radio with insulated backstay, and comprehensive instrumentation. Additional systems include a Spectra 24vDC watermaker, Eberspacher diesel-fired heating, Climma reverse-cycle air conditioning, and KVH Tracvision satellite television. Retractable davits, infrared camera systems, and extensive safety gear support cruising operations. The boat accommodates eight for gathering, six for dining, and four to sleep comfortably.