$185,000

Description

Gitana is the popular Beneteau 473 with the two stateroom version that has a (brand new) easy-to-use in mast roller furler mainsail and Genoa, which won Boat of the Year when it was released! She is a very comfortable, 2 cabin/2 head version, with a large aft storage that is accessible from the cockpit or from inside. 

This boat has had top of the line solar power installations, with a large capacity power bank, new energy efficient appliances, and many more upgrades. The owner of the boat owns a marine solar power company and customized this boat for efficient offshore sailing in comfort. She spent the first 16 years of her life in freshwater only. It is a very comfortable, 2 cabin/2 head version with the large aft storage accessible from the cockpit or from inside. 

UPGRADES

Refrigeration

Air conditioning (new)

Navigation system (new)

AGM battery bank (new)

Custom solar/davit arch

Spectra RO system

Victron

3kw inverter/charger

Battery monitor

Solar charge controller (new)

720W of SunPower PV

Balmar high out-put alternator/regulator (new)

Max prop

Force 10 stove and oven (new)

In mast main sail furler (new)

Underwater lights (new)

I’m writing this with some regrets because selling Gitana at this time was not our plan.  We purchased her in her previous Lake Michigan location (no marine environment degradation) and brought her down to our home in the Florida Keys 6 years ago.  In that time we, as did many, struggled through business and financial challenges brought on by hurricanes Irma, Ian and COVID.  We did have the opportunity to cruise her many times in this region but never went into the southern Caribbean as we planned. The Oceanus design, with her flat beam aft and high aspect ratio rig allowed for high spirited sailing, especially to windward, many times over 8 knots in 15 – 18 knots apparent, with little healing (due to beam aft). After delivering throughout the Caribbean, and owning many sailing yachts over the past 40 years, this is the first design that I’ve found doing domestic choirs and onboard projects sailing offshore feasible, including Karen’s ability to bake amazing Italian dishes while beating to windward.  If you experience any heal angle more than 20 degrees you’re wasting hull speed by dragging weather helm because you need to reduce sail area.  We are passionate about diving on the reef and enjoyed the open access, between paired steering stations to the sugar scoop transom and convenient drop down ladder designed into the transom.  This is the first dual helm vessel we’ve owned and I really love being able to choose between windward and leeward  helm stations. Being in Lake Michigan, Gitana never had a bimini or dodger. We saw no need for a dodger until we headed south. We didn’t want to hinder air flow or visibility off the reef here and in the Bahamas. We did feel the new bimini was essential for shade from the tropical sun. The in mast furling system works amazingly well after replacing the cold temperature warped furling drum in the mast.  We added a spinnaker pole track and control lines to the leading edge of the mast to better accommodate my shoulder issues with for-deck ergonomics.  By storing it vertically against the mast it also leaves the deck comfortable to walk around without the pole secured on deck. The 4 self-tailing electric winches further suggest geriatric sailing, but my ego keeps the optional winch handles visible/accessable in cockpit holders.  The Lewmar electric anchor windlass works well for chain and line, with a line drum on one side and anchor chain windlass opposite.  The chain fall is  5’ straight down, piles well for over 300’ of 3/8” chain.  We added a chain snubber ahead of windlass with stainless backing plate with rubber pad bolted under deck. Some of the more significant system changes we made are listed below. Over $26,000 in upgrades made during our ownership.  Some referenced below but not including new bimini, new AB aluminum hull dingy, new 9.9 Mercury outboard, genoa and working jib restitched with new leach sun guards on sails, new natural  latex mattress in forward cabin.   Installed Victron system composed of Multiplus 3000 inverter/charger, BMV 712 smart battery monitor, system color control, cascade charge control to start battery from alternator 2021. $2100 for components.  This allows for monitoring all aspects of your power management system via Blue Tooth Ap. The inverter is a highly efficient pure sine-wave inverter with a highly programable battery charger with charge algorithms for most battery technologies. The inverter is installed below the helm seat with ventilation from salon drawn though cabinet and into aft head sink locker (keeping everything dry).

Installed custom built stainless steel arch designed to fit solar array and to accommodate dinghy davits in 2020, $6700 for arch, $1400 for panels and Victron MPPT charge controller. Arch is through bolted through hull and deck.  It is also welded to stainless stern rail.  The pair of 360W SunPower panels are the highest efficiency,a 22%, in the industry.  They can deliver 60 amps of charge at 12V for about 6 hours per day in full sun.  This is more than sufficient to cover all existing on board loads, including RO system, microwave and other small appliance loads.  Air conditioning not supported off solar yet. (see notes on air conditioning below).  A 3 to 1 stainless steel outboard hoist is mounted on corner of arch and swivels 270 degrees to allow transfer to outboard mount on stern rail.  $780 component.

Replaced alternator in 2022 with a Balmar 120A with Max Charge regulator with battery temp. input. $1200.  On occasion, when house loads are not matched by solar production, this provides the means to bring the house bank up quickly.

Added secondary 2000GPH bilge pump above bilge sump with high water alarm in 2022.  $280.  In that the bilges have always been dry (have a dripless shaft log) this pump has never run, but ready to wake up crew and start pumping if needed.

Added 2 Seablaze under water lights with 6000 lumens each in 2022. $908.  You can choose white. blue or transition mode. Great for anchoring out, night diving, fishing, amplified visibility to open ocean shipping at night with white hallow under boat.

B&G dual chart plotters, depth sounder, knot log, wind instruments and RayMarine EV400 auto pilot sail package, installed in spring 2022. $5200.  All systems work flawlessly except for a nuance with wind transducer on mast head.  Haven’t taken the time to go up and check it as I don’t really need it, but it should be done. One learning with the Oceanus design is that she tracks to windward amazingly well.  Unless course is critical, I prefer to maintain optimal hull speed by locking the wheel with sails properly trimmed so the boat can track apparent wind heading.

Replaced conventional prop with 3 blade Max Prop. $3100. Calibrated for optimal performance in forward and in reverse.  Allows full turn around  back and fill), within 1.5 boat length, no need for bow thruster.  Feathers under sail. Replaced House and Starter batteries in Spring of 2023.  Starter Battery Odyssey Extreme Group 31. $528   House Batteries LIfeLIne GPL 6CT 6vlt (2 pairs in series), 600 Amp Hour rating, Due to their heavy plating they can be discharged 80% but longest life if you typically stay above 50%. One of the few valve regulated batteries that can be equalized.  $2128.  In that these batteries must be located in engine compartment or remove aft water tank, we chose to stay with AGM technology.  Lithium would be much lighter and faster charge but not suitable for higher temperature. Did install a thermostatic relay to keep engine room exhaust blower on after shut down until temp drops below 120 dg F to optimize battery life.   Replaced old vinyl cushion covers  (hot and sticky in the tropics) with Sunbrella in 2022. $2800.  Proven to be very durable, comfortable material in tropics and tolerant of most cleaners.

Force 10 Gimbaled Propane 3 burner stove, oven and broiler.  Installed Spring 2023.  $1900.   Dometic DTG 16K BTU reverse cycle air conditioning with soft start,  installed in 2022, $4100 material cost. Located under salon settee with sound enclosure around compressor.  Ducted to salon and galley w/ auxiliary feed to forward cabin with an inline variable speed controlled turbine blower.  Teak framed supply and return grilles.   As there is no generator, onboard this is for shoreside application only.  Dorade scoops, Hella fans, wind scoops and hatches are used for maintaining interior air flow on anchor. Had planned on adding a small 7K BTU unit in aft cabin that could be run against inverter during the night @ about 35 amps/12VDC, 50% duty cycle.  Can provide consultation at no cost and unit at wholesale price.

Frigoboat K50, keel cooled refrigerator/freezer system installed in 2021, $2,700 material cost.  Condenser under galley sink, with keel cooler providing the efficiency of water cooling without need of pump, fan, strainer or discharge through-hull. Evaporator is custom fit for freezer. The variable speed compressor averages about 5 amps @ 12V. This system is designed to cycle on freezer setting with spill over damper controlling cold air supply to refrigerator.  6” of pre-existing dead space between hull and outboard side of box insulation was filled with 2 lb density foam to gain best tropical performance.  We were going to add a clear vinyl strip curtain behind refrigerator door, attached at top, to prevent dumping all cold air with each door opening. Would save a lot of watt/hours per day.
Spectra Ventura 150 desalination system installed in 2020, $7,600 material cost.  Located under forward berth, athwartship on bulkhead behind drawer bank.  Produces 6.3 GPH  8 Amps at 12V. Less than 200 PPM water quality.  This unit discharges into the forward water tank.  Mid-ship tank is kept full for back-up, rarely fill aft tank to save weight. 

Full Specs

Gitana

Dimensions

LOA: 46.92
LWL: 43.83
Beam: 14.17 ft
Maximum Draft: 5.5 ft
Displacement: 27,072 lb
Ballast: 8,157 lb
Dry Weight: 27,072 lb

Engines

Engine Brand: Westerbeke
Engine/Fuel Type: diesel
Engine Power: 57|horsepower
Engine Type: Inboard

Tanks

Fresh Water Tanks: 1 (220 Gallon)
Fuel Tanks: 1 (62 Gallon)
Holding Tanks: 2 (10 Gallon)

Accommodations

Number of cabins: 2
Number of heads: 2

I’m writing this with some regrets because selling Gitana at this time was not our plan.  We purchased her in her previous Lake Michigan location (no marine environment degradation) and brought her down to our home in the Florida Keys 6 years ago.  In that time we, as did many, struggled through business and financial challenges brought on by hurricanes Irma, Ian and COVID.  We did have the opportunity to cruise her many times in this region but never went into the southern Caribbean as we planned. The Oceanus design, with her flat beam aft and high aspect ratio rig allowed for high spirited sailing, especially to windward, many times over 8 knots in 15 - 18 knots apparent, with little healing (due to beam aft). After delivering throughout the Caribbean, and owning many sailing yachts over the past 40 years, this is the first design that I’ve found doing domestic choirs and onboard projects sailing offshore feasible, including Karen’s ability to bake amazing Italian dishes while beating to windward.  If you experience any heal angle more than 20 degrees you’re wasting hull speed by dragging weather helm because you need to reduce sail area.  We are passionate about diving on the reef and enjoyed the open access, between paired steering stations to the sugar scoop transom and convenient drop down ladder designed into the transom.  This is the first dual helm vessel we’ve owned and I really love being able to choose between windward and leeward  helm stations. Being in Lake Michigan, Gitana never had a bimini or dodger. We saw no need for a dodger until we headed south. We didn’t want to hinder air flow or visibility off the reef here and in the Bahamas. We did feel the new bimini was essential for shade from the tropical sun. The in mast furling system works amazingly well after replacing the cold temperature warped furling drum in the mast.  We added a spinnaker pole track and control lines to the leading edge of the mast to better accommodate my shoulder issues with for-deck ergonomics.  By storing it vertically against the mast it also leaves the deck comfortable to walk around without the pole secured on deck. The 4 self-tailing electric winches further suggest geriatric sailing, but my ego keeps the optional winch handles visible/accessable in cockpit holders.  The Lewmar electric anchor windlass works well for chain and line, with a line drum on one side and anchor chain windlass opposite.  The chain fall is  5’ straight down, piles well for over 300’ of 3/8” chain.  We added a chain snubber ahead of windlass with stainless backing plate with rubber pad bolted under deck. Some of the more significant system changes we made are listed below. Over $26,000 in upgrades made during our ownership.  Some referenced below but not including new bimini, new AB aluminum hull dingy, new 9.9 Mercury outboard, genoa and working jib restitched with new leach sun guards on sails, new natural  latex mattress in forward cabin.   Installed Victron system composed of Multiplus 3000 inverter/charger, BMV 712 smart battery monitor, system color control, cascade charge control to start battery from alternator 2021. $2100 for components.  This allows for monitoring all aspects of your power management system via Blue Tooth Ap. The inverter is a highly efficient pure sine-wave inverter with a highly programable battery charger with charge algorithms for most battery technologies. The inverter is installed below the helm seat with ventilation from salon drawn though cabinet and into aft head sink locker (keeping everything dry). 

Installed custom built stainless steel arch designed to fit solar array and to accommodate dinghy davits in 2020, $6700 for arch, $1400 for panels and Victron MPPT charge controller. Arch is through bolted through hull and deck.  It is also welded to stainless stern rail.  The pair of 360W SunPower panels are the highest efficiency,a 22%, in the industry.  They can deliver 60 amps of charge at 12V for about 6 hours per day in full sun.  This is more than sufficient to cover all existing on board loads, including RO system, microwave and other small appliance loads.  Air conditioning not supported off solar yet. (see notes on air conditioning below).  A 3 to 1 stainless steel outboard hoist is mounted on corner of arch and swivels 270 degrees to allow transfer to outboard mount on stern rail.  $780 component. 

Replaced alternator in 2022 with a Balmar 120A with Max Charge regulator with battery temp. input. $1200.  On occasion, when house loads are not matched by solar production, this provides the means to bring the house bank up quickly. 

Added secondary 2000GPH bilge pump above bilge sump with high water alarm in 2022.  $280.  In that the bilges have always been dry (have a dripless shaft log) this pump has never run, but ready to wake up crew and start pumping if needed. 

Added 2 Seablaze under water lights with 6000 lumens each in 2022. $908.  You can choose white. blue or transition mode. Great for anchoring out, night diving, fishing, amplified visibility to open ocean shipping at night with white hallow under boat. 

B&G dual chart plotters, depth sounder, knot log, wind instruments and RayMarine EV400 auto pilot sail package, installed in spring 2022. $5200.  All systems work flawlessly except for a nuance with wind transducer on mast head.  Haven’t taken the time to go up and check it as I don’t really need it, but it should be done. One learning with the Oceanus design is that she tracks to windward amazingly well.  Unless course is critical, I prefer to maintain optimal hull speed by locking the wheel with sails properly trimmed so the boat can track apparent wind heading. 

Replaced conventional prop with 3 blade Max Prop. $3100. Calibrated for optimal performance in forward and in reverse.  Allows full turn around  back and fill), within 1.5 boat length, no need for bow thruster.  Feathers under sail. Replaced House and Starter batteries in Spring of 2023.  Starter Battery Odyssey Extreme Group 31. $528   House Batteries LIfeLIne GPL 6CT 6vlt (2 pairs in series), 600 Amp Hour rating, Due to their heavy plating they can be discharged 80% but longest life if you typically stay above 50%. One of the few valve regulated batteries that can be equalized.  $2128.  In that these batteries must be located in engine compartment or remove aft water tank, we chose to stay with AGM technology.  Lithium would be much lighter and faster charge but not suitable for higher temperature. Did install a thermostatic relay to keep engine room exhaust blower on after shut down until temp drops below 120 dg F to optimize battery life.   Replaced old vinyl cushion covers  (hot and sticky in the tropics) with Sunbrella in 2022. $2800.  Proven to be very durable, comfortable material in tropics and tolerant of most cleaners. 

Force 10 Gimbaled Propane 3 burner stove, oven and broiler.  Installed Spring 2023.  $1900.   Dometic DTG 16K BTU reverse cycle air conditioning with soft start,  installed in 2022, $4100 material cost. Located under salon settee with sound enclosure around compressor.  Ducted to salon and galley w/ auxiliary feed to forward cabin with an inline variable speed controlled turbine blower.  Teak framed supply and return grilles.   As there is no generator, onboard this is for shoreside application only.  Dorade scoops, Hella fans, wind scoops and hatches are used for maintaining interior air flow on anchor. Had planned on adding a small 7K BTU unit in aft cabin that could be run against inverter during the night @ about 35 amps/12VDC, 50% duty cycle.  Can provide consultation at no cost and unit at wholesale price. 

Frigoboat K50, keel cooled refrigerator/freezer system installed in 2021, $2,700 material cost.  Condenser under galley sink, with keel cooler providing the efficiency of water cooling without need of pump, fan, strainer or discharge through-hull. Evaporator is custom fit for freezer. The variable speed compressor averages about 5 amps @ 12V. This system is designed to cycle on freezer setting with spill over damper controlling cold air supply to refrigerator.  6” of pre-existing dead space between hull and outboard side of box insulation was filled with 2 lb density foam to gain best tropical performance.  We were going to add a clear vinyl strip curtain behind refrigerator door, attached at top, to prevent dumping all cold air with each door opening. Would save a lot of watt/hours per day. 

Spectra Ventura 150 desalination system installed in 2020, $7,600 material cost.  Located under forward berth, athwartship on bulkhead behind drawer bank.  Produces 6.3 GPH  8 Amps at 12V. Less than 200 PPM water quality.  This unit discharges into the forward water tank.  Mid-ship tank is kept full for back-up, rarely fill aft tank to save weight. 

IJPE : 914.00 sq ft
I : 55.43 ft
J : 18.21 ft
P : 48.03 ft
E : 17.06 ft
Working Sail Area : 914.00 sq ft

The Beneteau 473 combines extraordinary interior comfort, volume, and light with bluewater strength. Designed by Groupe Finot, this design offers a unique combination of elegant lines with extraordinary space and performance. The 473 also boasts a large array of features and creature comforts not normally found on a boat of this size.

The owner of this vessel has been involved with the boat building industry since 1976, working directly with the builders as well as commissioning and delivering yachts for customers throughout North and South America. Through his company SALT (Sea Air Land Technologies) innovative products were developed for the marine industry including energy management monitors and regulators, DC ice makers, and fully sustainable energy management systems for yachts and off-grid homes. He has provided on-site system design and installation training for boat builders in the US, China, Singapore, South America, and Europe. His boat will definitely showcase his fine work. 

Nigel Calder Author of Boat Owners Mechanical and Electrical Manual
“ over the years I have worked with Bob on unusual boat installations and seeking technical assistance with my books. From time to time I come up with the most arcane queries... always unfailingly friendly and helpful in answering my questions.. clearly has a good grasp of the technical side of the business”

Nelson Taylor President of Nelson A Taylor Co. Inc., Gloversville, NY
“ Bob was responsible for research and development ... has the mechanical aptitude to handle jobs efficiently... last two years has taken on the responsibility making business calls and flying executives using his own aircraft...knowledge of aircraft and boating industry...exceptional.”

Steve Dashew Deerfoot & FPB Yachts, Author of Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia “...nobody better in the industry at thinking through the issues involved in creating an efficient cruising vessel....technical expertise with our custom yachts and books has been invaluable.”

Larry Han President of Martech Engineering, Taipai, Taiwan
“... worked with Bob over 5 years, his well organized and humorous presentations held many times in Taiwan helping our company in many ways.... quick response to problem solving in a crisis”

Richard C. Loh President of Grand Banks Yacht Company, Singapore
“ .... has served us well over the years ... thorough product knowledge and responsiveness to our problems and customers needs have made him a pleasure to work with. An asset to any organization as a consultant or contractor...”

Andy Platt Project Engineer for Pendennis Shipyard, Falmouth, England
“... highest recommendation for his capabilities as a professional engineer. I found his lectures to be interesting, informative and presented in a structured and competent manner. His ideas influenced the design... He has a wide knowledge of marine systems and products....”

Kevin Jeffery Designer, builder, Author of Best Cruising Catamarans
“ ... understands the needs of boaters and off-grid home owners... their systems are appropriate and well integrated. Proved his sailing skills by racing and winning the 340 mile Everglades Challenge in my open sailing/rowing design Norse Boat 17.5’ in overall and new course record,”

Mike McCreary President of Caliber Yacht Company, Largo, FL
“... has commissioned and delivered numerous new boats for our company, with out any problems ... with quality and efficiency, Outstanding example of professionalism and proficiency in his work... crewed together in racing, excellent sailor “

Jack R. VanOst President of CSY Yacht Company, Tampa, FL
“ ... 12 years in various capacities from a skipper delivering our yachts to our Caribbean marinas to utilizing his very great talent in designing our refrigeration and electric systems. Always a pleasure in working with Bob... uncommonly innovative.

William W. Waite President of Windship Custom Yachts, Tampa, FL
“ have worked extensively with Bob in the design and development of systems for large cruising yachts which Windship has constructed. He is knowledgable in the field of systems design and we would recommend his talents and expertise...”

Bruce Popham President of Marathon Boat Yard, Marathon, FL
...“ have know Bob for 15 years, SALT is our preferred vendor for electrical, HVAC, refrigeration due to his sound environmental and ethical business practices. His company is recognized throughout the Keys and the country as a leader in energy management”

John Otterbacher Global Cruiser and Author of Sailing Grace and What Remains ...’Rarely will you find a person with Bob’s combination of technical brilliance and mechanical
competence, nautical professionalism, capacity to communicate and high order of ethics"

Ted Irwin Designer, builder President of Irwin Yachts LLC, Largo, FL
...“After knowing Bob for over 25 years I recently had the opportunity to attend one of his seminars. ... presented options for energy systems design I found to be a valuable education to boat builders and serious cruisers.... he simplified the complicated”
Hugo Vihlen Author of Stormy Weather Voyage of Father’s Day
...“my unique transatlantic voyage demanded 110% of quality and excellence...reflects

SALT’s founders
personal integrity and high value” (in Guinness Book of Record for smallest vessel to cross Atlantic).

Vincent J. Carr Exec. V.P. Marine Air Systems, Inc., FT Lauderdale, FL
...“ Spearheaded desalination research and prototype building.. strong back ground in theory.. Coordinated service seminars for yacht builders and dealers.. good communication skills. Flexibility ... access to his aircraft allowed us to provide quick solutions to boat manufacturer field problems.

T.J. Patterson Administrator for Florida Keys Electric Coop, Marathon, FL
“... known Bob for over a decade. ...SALT installed the majority of grid-tie and off-grid installations in the Keys, SALT’s quality of work is second to none. Bob and I have given educational seminars at Green Living Expo events... has served with me in an advisory capacity to both Monroe County Green Initiatives Task Force and Climate Change Advisory Committee.”

Ken Grunert President of Grunert Refrigeration, Pompano, Fl
...“One of our most knowledgeable dealers, chosen to head up Marine Air’s marine refrigeration division. One of his outstanding interests was building his own 46’ yacht starting from a bare hull... doing his own joiner, electrical and mechanical installations. Knowledgable in all aspects of yacht service and repair”.

For Sale; 48’ live-aboard slip at Harbour Cay Club, Marathon, Florida, in the Florida Keys
This is a private live-aboard marina with 24 shares, one for each of 24 owners and includes one designated dock/slip.
Also included:
- pump outs, water snd electric (metered) and internet.
- parking, dinghy basin, boat trailer storage, launch ramp
- fully equipped work shop and appointed storage lockers
- spacious common areas includes kitchen, TV room, outside lanai
- Upstairs apartment for haul out periods and rental to friends/family
- 1.5 acres of property, including a tidal pool with perimeter mangrove walkway
Slip #6 ( pic above), is on a quiet finger pier with no pedestrian or vehicle activity. Opposite side of pier from boat traffic going by. The dock is to windward during frontal passages (N - E). Slip is 50’ but limited to 48’ LOA and 6.5’ draft clearance.
Asking $220,000 for slip and share of marina property. Will carry partial note.