Overview
About this vessel
This Beneteau 32S5 has an interesting and well-known history among members of the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA) and represents a unique opportunity to secure a proven performance cruiser with a rare and practical custom build. One of the earlier 32S5 models produced from 1988, this yacht features an interior layout that blends elements from the previous Beneteau "First" configuration--such as the galley and navigation station--along with additions that later became standard on the 32S5, including the saloon table and bench seating.
In 2000-2001, the yacht was unfortunately moored next to a vessel fire which permanently damaged the deck and resulted in the boat being declared a write-off at the time. It was subsequently purchased by a well-known local carpenter (with close ties to the club) who undertook a comprehensive rebuild of the entire cabin top using marine ply and fibreglass, retaining the original layout while adding extra height and width, creating an interior with noticeably improved comfort and headroom.
Originally designed with limited rear access, the yacht has also been converted to a walk-on rear configuration with a wheelhouse, improving usability at the stern and overall boarding access. Steering is direct and responsive via the Lewmar Cobra rack-and-pinion steering system, delivering touch-sensitive control without chains or cables.
A major highlight of this vessel is the outstanding engine upgrade--a Volvo Penta 18HP diesel coupled to a shaft drive with a 3-blade propeller, showing only approximately 120 hours and not due for its first service until 200 hours, offering excellent confidence for cruising and day sailing alike.
The "32S5" denotes the yacht's true length of 32.5 feet, paired with a generous 3.3m beam. Originally designed as a race/cruise crossover, this is evident in the performance sail plan including a very large "First" boom and a three-reef mainsail configuration (approx. 38m ). The sails present in good condition with only mild staining.
Below decks, the cabin feels expansive for a yacht of this size, with the rebuilt cabin top providing noticeably extra headroom--something anyone around six foot tall will appreciate immediately. The current owners have respected the yacht's origins and styling, commissioning new orange seating cushions as a nod to the boat's history, along with new forecabin cushions and privacy curtains. The forecabin is deep and generous, offering excellent sleeping space, while the rear cabin is impressively large for a yacht of this length. The original floor panels have been restored and retain subtle burn marks as a reminder of the yacht's past--adding authenticity to a well-documented story of restoration.
The toilet is relatively new, fitted with a working electric water pump and macerator discharging direct to sea. There is ample space in the large rear storage locker for the easy addition of a holding tank if desired. The floor already drains to a pump which currently functions as an automatic bilge pump, and the layout allows for a shower installation if required.
In February 2025, the hull was restored with a full strip back to the original glass layer, followed by five layers of 2-pack industrial paint, then finished with a further two coats of anti-foul, giving this classic sportster a fresh new lease on life with standout presentation.
Under sail, hull speed is around 7 knots, and the boat comfortably sits on 6 knots in a light breeze. The large mainsail includes three reefs, with the first two manageable directly from the cockpit. A furling jib provides practical sail handling and effective reefing, with only a minor reduction needed for deeper reef settings. Sail trim is excellent thanks to a well-designed setup combining mainsheet traveller, adjustable backstay, proper vang arrangement and cunningham. All clutches remain in good working order, the cockpit has been upgraded with new rope bags, and the engine panel has been relocated to the cockpit for faster and safer access.
The electrical system is simple and functional with a strong dual battery setup (approx. 240Ah). The current owners have opted for modern navigation via iPad Garmin software, with the original depth sounder transducer still positioned forward of the keel but not currently connected, as charting accuracy has been sufficient for their use.
The deck has been painted in a modern industrial wattle-coloured 2-pack polyethylene finish, offering a hard-wearing, dent-resistant surface with surprisingly effective non-slip characteristics when wet. Additional upgrades and replacements include 60 metres of anchor rope, reefing sheets and boom pulleys.
Standing rigging has been replaced as part of the refit; however, there are no formal records of the work. A survey suggests the rigging was replaced approximately 11 years ago, noting that the yacht was not sailed for around 10 of those years, and the rigging presents in excellent condition.
The yacht is currently insured with RAA, allowing an easy changeover upon purchase.
A rare opportunity to secure a well-known CYCSA yacht with a genuine story, extensive upgrades, a near-new engine, and a unique custom cabin top that makes this Beneteau 32S5 both practical and unforgettable.
