1973 Alden Challenger 50
Foot Sea
$68,000.00
Length
50' ft
Beam
16.5' ft
Draft
7' ft
Condition
Good
Description
“FootSea” is a rare Alden-designed Challenger 50 pilothouse ketch built for serious offshore cruising and long-term liveaboard use.
Designed by renowned naval architect John G. Alden and built by Challenger Yachts in California, the Challenger 50 combines heavy-displacement construction, a full keel, protected pilothouse, generous interior volume, and exceptional long-range tankage. FootSea has also received substantial recent upgrades focused on energy independence, cruising capability, and onboard comfort.
KEY FEATURES & EQUIPMENT:
4,850 watts of solar power installed 2025
400Ah LiFePO4 lithium house battery bank
Victron electrical system with 10kVA Quattro inverter/charger
Sea Recovery Aqua Whisper 50 GPH watermaker
80 HP Perkins diesel engine with cylinder head work completed in 2019
Perkins 12.5kW diesel generator
Exceptional 700 gallons fuel 700 gallons freshwater capacity
New 63-amp alternator April 2026
Raymarine chartplotter, radar, depth and speed instrumentation
Robertson autopilot
New full-batten mainsail with StackPack 2024
New Quantum headsail 2025
New Harken Ocean furling system 2025
120 lb Bruce primary anchor with 400 ft of new chain 2025
Custom stainless-steel dinghy davits 2025, approximately $10,000 investment
Achilles 12' dinghy included
Full cockpit enclosure for added weather protection
Two Cruisair self-contained air-conditioning units
Updated galley countertops
Interior brightwork refinished
Spacious 2-cabin / 2-head layout
Approximately 7 ft of interior headroom
Massive 16.5 ft beam
FootSea's size and layout make her particularly attractive for sailors who want a true cruising home rather than simply a larger coastal sailboat. The protected pilothouse and center cockpit provide excellent security underway, while the ketch rig offers flexible sail combinations for offshore passagemaking.
Below decks, her unusually generous beam creates a spacious traditional interior with two cabins, two heads, a large galley, substantial storage, air conditioning, and sleeping accommodations for extended family or guests.
The standout feature, however, is her long-range cruising autonomy. With nearly 5kW of solar, lithium batteries, a large Victron inverter/charger, 50 GPH watermaker, diesel generator, and approximately 1,400 gallons of combined fuel and water capacity, FootSea is equipped for extended periods away from marinas and shore-based infrastructure.
For a sailor seeking a large, character-rich offshore yacht with serious cruising systems and room for a whole family at a comparatively accessible price, this is a boat worth checking out!
Designed by renowned naval architect John G. Alden and built by Challenger Yachts in California, the Challenger 50 combines heavy-displacement construction, a full keel, protected pilothouse, generous interior volume, and exceptional long-range tankage. FootSea has also received substantial recent upgrades focused on energy independence, cruising capability, and onboard comfort.
KEY FEATURES & EQUIPMENT:
4,850 watts of solar power installed 2025
400Ah LiFePO4 lithium house battery bank
Victron electrical system with 10kVA Quattro inverter/charger
Sea Recovery Aqua Whisper 50 GPH watermaker
80 HP Perkins diesel engine with cylinder head work completed in 2019
Perkins 12.5kW diesel generator
Exceptional 700 gallons fuel 700 gallons freshwater capacity
New 63-amp alternator April 2026
Raymarine chartplotter, radar, depth and speed instrumentation
Robertson autopilot
New full-batten mainsail with StackPack 2024
New Quantum headsail 2025
New Harken Ocean furling system 2025
120 lb Bruce primary anchor with 400 ft of new chain 2025
Custom stainless-steel dinghy davits 2025, approximately $10,000 investment
Achilles 12' dinghy included
Full cockpit enclosure for added weather protection
Two Cruisair self-contained air-conditioning units
Updated galley countertops
Interior brightwork refinished
Spacious 2-cabin / 2-head layout
Approximately 7 ft of interior headroom
Massive 16.5 ft beam
FootSea's size and layout make her particularly attractive for sailors who want a true cruising home rather than simply a larger coastal sailboat. The protected pilothouse and center cockpit provide excellent security underway, while the ketch rig offers flexible sail combinations for offshore passagemaking.
Below decks, her unusually generous beam creates a spacious traditional interior with two cabins, two heads, a large galley, substantial storage, air conditioning, and sleeping accommodations for extended family or guests.
The standout feature, however, is her long-range cruising autonomy. With nearly 5kW of solar, lithium batteries, a large Victron inverter/charger, 50 GPH watermaker, diesel generator, and approximately 1,400 gallons of combined fuel and water capacity, FootSea is equipped for extended periods away from marinas and shore-based infrastructure.
For a sailor seeking a large, character-rich offshore yacht with serious cruising systems and room for a whole family at a comparatively accessible price, this is a boat worth checking out!
Specifications
Rigging Type
Ketch
Hull Configuration
Monohull
Keel Type
Full Keel
Design Type
Bluewater Cruiser
Hull Material
Fiberglass
Engine Type
Perkins 423
Engine Power
80 HP
Fuel Capacity
700 gallons
Water Capacity
700 gallons
Sleeping Capacity
8 people
📍 Location
Approximate area — San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico
⚓ True cost of ownership
The purchase price is only the entry fee. Rough yearly estimates for this boat — every number is editable, and costs vary hugely by region, age, and how much you DIY.
Older boats: the 10% rule is safer
- Mooring ( ft)
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Haul-out & storage
Estimated per year
(≈ /month)
Buying this boat? Surveyors · Transport · Insurance · Financing →
Contact Seller
Ask about recent maintenance, included gear, or scheduling a viewing.
Phone
⛵ Questions about this boat? Get advice from other sailors before you buy.
Ask the forum →Interested in this sailboat?
$68,000.00
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!