2022 Radford 15.2

The Radford 15.2 is a 50-foot aluminum expedition yacht launched in June 2022, designed by Graham Radford and built to his first design (plan #80). Constructed from 5083 marine-grade alloy plate with welded hull, the boat is configured for shorthanded, long-distance ocean sailing to all latitudes. The masthead cutter-rigged sloop carries a fully battened Leisure Furl mainsail (57 sqm), overlapping genoa (71 sqm), and staysail, all with Reefit furlers leading to the central cockpit for single-handed operation. Doyle sails and rigging date from September/November 2022. Nine Anderson stainless steel winches (including one electric) handle deck operations, while a Vetus hydraulic bow thruster and Hydrive hydraulic steering with spade rudder provide maneuvering control. A Coursemaster autopilot and 9-inch Raymarine plotter at the helm are complemented by depth, wind, and log instruments mounted on the cabintop.

The yacht is powered by a 90hp Steyr diesel engine (457 hours, serviced February 2025) driving a ZF 25 hydraulic transmission and Autoprop propeller with rope cutter. Three fuel tanks hold 700 liters total. Power generation comes from eight 100Ah Whisper Power lithium batteries (12-volt house system), supplemented by 900 watts of solar panels, 400 watts of wind power, and the Steyr's integrated flywheel generator producing 300 amps at 12 volts. A 3000-watt inverter supplies 240-volt power throughout. Freshwater capacity is 600 liters, plus 100 liters for drinking water stored separately, with a Spectra Cape Horn water maker ensuring supply at sea. A Muir VRC2500 hydraulic anchor winch handles a 40kg Sarca Excell anchor and 100 meters of 10mm chain.

The interior prioritizes warmth and insulation for high-latitude work: the hull received 300 liters of Mascoat DTM insulation paint and 120 liters of noise paint before fit-out, with 50mm of closed-cell foam covering the main, forward, and aft cabins. Victorian Blackwood timber finishes the interior throughout. Two independent heating systems provide comfort—a Wallas Spartan air heater serving the main cabin and aft spaces, plus an Eberspacher D12 hydronic system with fan-assisted heating and heated towel rails in forward and aft cabins. Two queen-bed ensuite cabins have Sanimarin macerator toilets (each with 60-liter blackwater tanks), while greywater collects in a central 90-liter tank. Galley features include a diesel Wallas stove and oven, OzeFridge chest fridge/freezer, microwave, and no gas appliances. Navigation station has a 12-inch Raymarine plotter, VHF radio, and full chart