- Cruising Speed: 8.3 kn
- Maximum Speed: 8.5 kn
- Beam: 16' 9''
- Hull Material: Steel
- Max Draft: 6' 6''
- Displacement: 85,000 lb
- Fuel Tank: 1 x 190|gallon
- Fresh Water: 1 x 170|gallon
- Max Passengers: 12
- Cabins: 1
- Heads: 1
Ocean Stars is a rare and exceptionally capable custom steel pilothouse cutter designed by world-renowned naval architect Jay Benford and purpose-built for serious offshore and high-latitude cruising. Conceived as a true liveaboard passagemaker with global range, immense storage, and outstanding mechanical access, she combines the ruggedness and safety of a steel expedition yacht with the comfort and practicality required for extended cruising.
Originally constructed by Custom Steel Boats, Inc. in Merritt, North Carolina, the hull, deck, and superstructure were completed in 1995, with the vessel fully commissioned and launched in 2003. Since then, Ocean Stars has benefited from extensive refits, continual upgrades, and knowledgeable ownership from just two owners over her lifetime.
Designed to comfortably circumnavigate while remaining easily handled by a couple, Ocean Stars features a fully protected center cockpit, dual helm stations, hydraulic steering, powerful bow and stern thrusters, redundant systems throughout, and impressive fuel and storage capacity. Her raised pilothouse provides outstanding visibility and protection in all weather conditions, while her thoughtfully designed interior offers comfortable accommodations and excellent livability.
From 2014 onward, the current owners undertook a substantial modernization and systems refit that transformed Ocean Stars into a highly refined and exceptionally capable bluewater cruising yacht. Upgrades include new standing and running rigging, Schaefer in-boom furling system, updated sails, comprehensive Raymarine electronics suite with redundant NMEA networks, Mastervolt charging systems and lithium battery bank, Spectra watermaker, dual Maxwell windlasses, bow and stern thrusters, updated interior spaces, customized upholstery, and numerous additional improvements.
In 2024, Ocean Stars underwent a detailed marine survey which highlighted the vessel’s overall exceptional condition, updated systems, extensive equipment inventory, and high standard of maintenance. The surveyor specifically noted the impressive Awlgrip finish, clean and well-maintained engine room, extensive records and receipts, and overall condition of the yacht. The vessel was assigned a market value of $657,250 at that time.
Today, Ocean Stars presents as a rare opportunity to acquire a heavily upgraded, thoughtfully engineered, ocean-capable steel cruising yacht that is truly prepared for serious offshore passagemaking or comfortable full-time liveaboard cruising.
Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by The Multihull Company.
Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.
Original Construction & Commissioning
The hull, deck, and superstructure were built in 1995 by Custom Steel Boats, Inc. in Merritt, North Carolina. Between 1995 and 1999, the engine and generator were installed, the exterior was painted, and the staterooms and heads were completed. The interior fit-out and operating systems were completed between 1995 and 2003.
The vessel was then moved to Fort Pierce, Florida where Mack Sails installed the heavy-duty aluminum mast, sails, and standing/running rigging.
The original owner lived aboard and cruised extensively, including multiple extended Bahamas voyages.
2014–2016 Major Systems & Rigging Refit
Following purchase by the current owners in 2014, Ocean Stars underwent significant modernization including:
2016–2019 Comprehensive Refit
The vessel was sailed to Massachusetts where she underwent an extensive multi-year systems refit including:
Recent Upgrades
Ocean Stars offers a warm, practical, and highly livable interior designed for long-term cruising and offshore passagemaking.
The vessel is entered through the large protected center cockpit into the raised pilothouse level featuring panoramic visibility, helm station, navigation systems, and excellent watchstanding comfort in all weather conditions.
Stepping down from the pilothouse leads into the spacious owner’s stateroom featuring a centerline island queen berth, abundant cabinetry, ensuite head with separate shower, and excellent natural ventilation.
Forward of the owner’s cabin is the impressive engine room access area with true stand-up access and workshop space — a rare and highly desirable feature for serious offshore cruising.
The main salon incorporates a large U-shaped settee with custom S&S Fabric cushions, reading chairs, extensive storage, and convertible dining arrangements. The salon table lowers to create an additional king-sized guest berth.
The galley is exceptionally well equipped for offshore cooking and long-term living aboard, featuring upgraded refrigeration systems, Force 10 stove and oven, deep freezer, microwave, extensive storage, and generous countertop space.
Throughout the vessel, Ocean Stars offers impressive storage volume including dedicated provisioning spaces designed to support extended world cruising.
Interior Features
Galley Equipment
Ocean Stars features a heavily protected raised center cockpit that allows the vessel to be fully sailed and maneuvered from a secure and comfortable helm position.
The cockpit sits approximately 10 feet above the waterline, providing excellent visibility while remaining exceptionally protected from weather and sea conditions. All sail handling lines are led aft into the cockpit for short-handed sailing.
The large U-shaped seating arrangement comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests and includes thick custom cushions, refrigeration, sink, and excellent entertaining space.
Wide side decks, high bulwarks, abundant handholds, and welded steel construction provide outstanding security underway.
Exterior Features
Ocean Stars is cutter rigged with a heavy-duty offshore sail plan specifically configured for passagemaking and short-handed sailing.
The vessel features a keel-stepped mast, internal chainplates welded to the hull structure, heavy-duty standing rigging, and Schaefer in-boom furling for safe and efficient sail handling.
Sail Inventory & Rigging
Rig Dimensions
One of Ocean Stars’ most impressive features is her dedicated stand-up engine room with exceptional access, lighting, organization, and workshop capability.
The vessel is powered by a reliable Yanmar 140hp turbo diesel engine coupled to a Kanzaki transmission and custom H&H propeller.
The surveyor specifically noted the cleanliness and maintenance standard of the engine room and mechanical systems.
Engine & Mechanical
Fuel & Tankage
Generator
Ocean Stars has undergone a major modernization of her electrical systems and charging infrastructure.
The vessel now features a substantial lithium house bank, modern Mastervolt charging systems, extensive inverter capability, and renewable energy systems designed to support extended off-grid cruising.
Electrical & Charging
Renewable Energy
Ocean Stars features a comprehensive and redundant Raymarine navigation suite installed during her major refit.
The system was professionally integrated with dual helm stations, dual autopilots, and redundant NMEA networks designed specifically for offshore reliability.
Navigation Electronics
Ocean Stars is exceptionally well equipped for both tropical and cold-weather cruising.
Climate Control
Water Systems
Ocean Stars carries an exceptionally serious anchoring package designed for offshore and high-latitude cruising.
Anchoring Equipment
Ocean Stars is extensively outfitted with offshore safety equipment suitable for serious passagemaking.
Ocean Stars represents a rare opportunity to acquire a truly capable custom offshore cruising yacht that has benefited from experienced ownership, extensive upgrades, and continual refinement.
Her steel construction, raised pilothouse configuration, enormous storage capacity, redundant systems, and fully protected cockpit make her exceptionally well suited for bluewater passagemaking, high-latitude exploration, or comfortable long-term liveaboard cruising.
Unlike many custom vessels, Ocean Stars reflects decades of thoughtful development and practical offshore experience. The result is a yacht that feels purposeful, refined, and genuinely ready for extended cruising.
From her exceptional engine room access and serious ground tackle systems to her upgraded sail handling, modernized electrical infrastructure, and comfortable interior accommodations, Ocean Stars stands apart as a highly capable expedition-ready cruising yacht.
She is currently located in Brunswick, Georgia and available for inspection by appointment.
Contact our team to schedule a private showing.
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