Overview
About this vessel
Hank Kaufman boasts an exceptional reputation for designing cruising yachts with outstanding sailing performance, stunning lines, and well laid out interiors. "Moonwatch" is a superb example of his work, having been professionally built by Huon Yachts out of King Billy Pine strip planking with Blue Gum frames and fully sheathed in fibreglass. The original highly experienced owners had the vessel custom built with no expense spared to create an incredibly strong, capable, and comfortable Bluewater cruiser. They went on to cruise extensively double handed including a 2 year South Pacific cruise, 4 trips up and back to North Queensland, circumnavigation of Tasmania, and even competed in the inaugural Three Peaks Race in 1989. The current owner (3rd owner) has gone on to continue the vessel's cruising legacy having sailed from Hobart to Fiji and back, and only recently returned from exploring Cape York, the Cocos Islands, Malaysia, and back to Hobart. This is a vessel which has been fastidiously maintained and upgraded during its life, with recent significant upgrades including THE TOP SIDES BEING RE-SPRAYED AND CABIN TOP RE-PAINTED 2026, NEW 2022 ANCHOR WINCH PLUS NEW 2023 ROCNA ANCHOR WITH 70M X 10MM CHAIN, NEW 2021 STANDING RIGGING, NEW 2023 BATTERIES, NEW 2025 BOOM BAG WITH LAZY JACKS, NEW 2025 MERCURY 8HP OUTBOARD ADDED, NEW 2021 6 MAN LIFE RAFT, NEW 2021 ASYMMETRIC SPINNAKER, NEW 2020 RAYMARINE ELECTRONICS, NEW 2020 MAINSAIL, NEW 2020 ELECTRIC TOILET WITH HOLDING TANK, NEW 2020 ELECTRIC HALYARD WINCH, AND ALL SEA COCKS REPLACED IN 2020! With all systems in excellent order, and its proven performance and capability, this exceptional vessel is one not to miss! Whether you are looking for a fun family cruiser, or vessel to fulfil your most ambitious sailing aspirations, "Moonwatch" can do it all in style, safety, and comfort!
Inside, the abundant natural light, beautifully varnished timber work, and clean white finishes, create and light and welcoming ambience. The large galley features is superbly set up for making meals at sea. It is well equipped with Corian bench tops, fridge, gas 2 burner stove with oven, and excellent storage space. The spacious saloon is a great place to relax, entertain, or enjoy meals onboard. There is a dinette to port and seating for 8 in comfort on the neatly upholstered settees. The accommodation is excellent, and includes a generous private double cabin forward, large double cabin aft, and third double quarter berth. The dinette also folds down to create an additional double in the saloon with single berth opposite when additional accommodation is required. The fully appointed bathroom is to port and is complete with H/C Shower and electric toilet (new in 2020) with holding tank, and vanity.
On deck, the deep cockpit is well protected by a large spray dodger and bimini with infill. It provides an excellent feeling of security particularly in more challenging weather. The vessel has been well set up by experienced sailors to be easily managed short handed or even single handed, with the Coursemaster Autopilot, mainsail in the boom bag with lazy jacks, furling headsail, electric halyard winch, and all lines lead to the cabin top for easy handling. All systems onboard have been very well thought out and improved over each extended cruise. It now features NEW Lithium house batteries, 6 solar panels with 3 independent regulators, heavy duty anchoring gear, a staysail and storm jib, full suite of modern Raymarine electronics including touch screen chart plotter, wind/depth/speed displays, and AIS. "Moonwatch" is a vessel which really is a joy to sail, and is sure to delight even the most discerning sailor. Complete with the NEW 2021 Asymmetric spinnaker it is fully equipped for all conditions. There is easy access forward, and the teak decks present in good condition throughout.
This vessel is powered by a well maintained and reliable 60HP Perkins Prima Diesel Engine with a 3 blade folding Maxi-stream prop. This was fully serviced in NOV 2025 including a complete overhaul of the injector pump. It provides easy and economical cruising at 7 knots.
With its gleaming freshly re-sprayed topsides, stunning lines, and beautiful presentation, "Moonwatch" will turn heads where ever she pulls into port. With all the recent upgrades, and its impressive cruising history, this is a vessel which is ready for its next adventure! Featuring all the comforts to be an ideal liveaboard, and the capability to make even the most remote cruising destinations achievable, now is your opportunity to turn your sailing dreams into reality.
