2016 DeFever Euro 52 for sale in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Arthur DeFever earned the title "godfather of the trawler yacht" by taking the rugged DNA of long-range commercial tuna clippers – vessels built to cross oceans and stay at sea for weeks – and translating it into a private passagemaker. Decades later, the DeFever Euro 52 stands as the modern expression of that legacy: a purpose-built, long-range cruiser with a craftsman-style fit & finish, loaded with offshore systems, and sized perfectly for two to four people to live aboard comfortably from the Great Loop to the Bahamas and beyond.

Unlike semi-custom builds that come and go, the DeFever has a committed owners association (DeFever Cruisers), a proven lineage, and a market that holds value. The Euro model combines the classic DeFever seakeeping credentials with modern interior design and semi-displacement performance – cruising efficiently at 9 knots. This is the boat serious cruisers choose when they're ready to stop compromising between comfort and capability.

Boon Docks is a rare example of this model. Specially built as a Seattle Yachts showroom model, she includes an enhanced galley with upgraded appliances, a full size refrigerator and expanded counter space. Her Twin John Deere engines have low hours and she is truly in turn-key condition for her next owners – with a comprehensive offshore equipment package including StarLink already aboard.

Construction, Layout and Equipment

The Hull & Deck

The Euro 52 is built on a solid, hand-laid fiberglass semi-displacement hull with a full keel protecting the underwater running gear – a DeFever trademark carried down from the offshore commercial tradition. The signature DeFever Portuguese bridge and molded Euro transom with swim platform give the boat its instantly recognizable profile.

Power, Performance & Handling

Twin John Deere 6068AFM85 330HP diesel engines with low hours are backed by ZF280-1A transmissions. At 1,500 RPM you're moving at a comfortable 9+ knots; push to WOT and she'll make 12. NAIAD Dynamics active stabilizers make passage-making in a beam sea dramatically more comfortable. Side-Power bow and stern thrusters and Proportional Yacht Controller with wireless remote give one person complete docking control from outside the helm station. With 1,000 gallons of diesel aboard, range is exceptional.

Electronics & Navigation

Dual Furuno NavNet TZTouch chartplotters and Furuno NavPilot autopilot were updated in 2022. Night navigation is supported by FLIR night vision camera and a remotely operated searchlight on the flybridge. Communication includes Icom IC-M506 VHF. Depth sounders are located at both helm stations. StarLink satellite WiFi is installed.

Electrical

Boon Docks is equipped to be self-sufficient far from a dock. A Westerbeke 12.5kW diesel generator handles heavy loads, while a Victron MultiPlus 3,000W inverter provides AC power at anchor without running the generator. Lifeline AGM deep-cycle battery banks for the inverter, generator, bow and stern thrusters are each supported by their own dedicated Victron charger. Shore power is 50-amp/250VAC. The DC and AC panels are fully labeled.

Tanks & Systems

The boat carries 1,000 gallons of fuel capacity, 350 gallons of fresh water, and 50 gallons of holding tank capacity. A Blue Water Desalination Legend Modular watermaker and Seaward hot water heater provide independent cruising capabilities.

Interior

The 16-foot beam is put to excellent use below decks. The salon features an L-shaped settee, wooden dinette table to port, and a built-in entertainment center with retractable television to starboard. Forward, the galley is outfitted with a Force 10 three-burner LPG stove and oven, Sharp stainless convection microwave, Summit refrigerator/freezer, Broan Elite trash compactor, and a double stainless sink with garbage disposal – a galley spec that rivals a shore kitchen.

The master stateroom sits forward of the salon, accessed by six steps down, with a queen berth and built-in wooden cabinetry. The en suite master head includes a Dometic electric-flush MSD and a separate stand-up shower enclosure. The forward stateroom provides twin berths and its own private head with separate shower – genuinely independent accommodations for guests or crew.

Flybridge

A full second helm station with captain's chair and wrap-around white upholstered bench seating makes the flybridge the preferred place to spend a day underway. A wetbar with freshwater sink, ice maker, and refrigerator is built into the starboard side. A stainless pipe bimini with blue canvas provides shade.