1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500
$115,000
Boat in Portsmouth, VA 23704 US
Oceanis 500
1 Engine (Perkins)
50 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Snowmane is a 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 in good condition. The current, and 3rd, owner's Have cruised with their family for a year starting in Greece. In 2024 the new owners added Starlink, AIS, Raymarine Axium 9 Chartplotter, Tri-color light for mast head, 6 person life raft, Hydrovane wind powered auto pilot and much more, to meet or exceed all requirements to participate in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) Which has among the highest safety requirements. They also added the new Axiom9 Chartplotter and Memory foam toppers in all 4 main cabins.
Snowmane is powered by a 78hp Perkins 4-236 diesel engine with folding prop and three alternators. She has a shallow enough draft to cruise all of the popular spots in the Bahamas. Snowmane features an 8hp Bow Thruster, 2 independent refrigerators compressors, Starlink, and a full suite of navigational electronics. She has 5 private staterooms, 1 foreword crew cabin and 4 in the main cabin. each cabin has a head. She has always been privately owned. The previous owners owned her for 20 years. In addition to all the equipment, there is a large inventory of spare parts and tools for nearly everything on board, as well as a large inventory of fasteners and hardware. Snowmane has just arrived from a year-long cruise across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean and Bahamas and lies, ready to continue, in Norfolk VA. She is priced, for quick sale, well below market value before her 2024 upgrade.
Please see the full listing for all the details, photos and video.
Mechanical
- 78 hp Perkins 4-236 marine diesel engine (Centrally located in the middle of the salon)
- Extra strainer after the sea-water pump. (to catch any parts from impeller)
- 2 Engine room blowers
- 3 ea 70 amp alternators
- Brutons 4 blade folding prop with rope cutter
- 8 hp Bow Thruster
- Hydrovane wind powered auto pilot. (2024) $8167.00
- Custom 70L water heater works off engine or shore power. (Has water softener built in)
- Acuva 2.0 UV water purifier (2024)
- 2 Danfoss 12v refrigerator compressors. (can be set so one is always on and the other when motor is running)
- 5 Manual sea-heads
- 5 Showers (1 in cockpit and 1 in each heads in the main cabin)
- 2hp 2 stroke Yamaha outboard (2025)
Electrical
- Shore Power cord with adapters
- 40 Amp Sterling Battery Charger (can handle European and North American voltage)
- 3 AGM House batteries (2024)
- 1 AGM Engine battery (2024)
- 1800 watt Sterling inverter
- 4 Solar panels (2010)
- Starlink (2024)
- 2 Separately wired VHF Radios
- Raymarine Axiom 9 Chart Plotter (2024) linked to the other components below.
- Raymarine Wind speed/direction
- Ray Marine Speed/Depth
- Ray Marine Auto pilot with spares
- AIS (2024)
- EPIRB
- 6 Person Life Raft (2024)
- "DanBoy" MOB Pole (2024)
- In date flares and fire extinguishers
- Separately wired navigation lights for bow and/or mast-head tricolor.
- 32 KG Delta anchor with 100 meters chain (galvanized 2022)
- 18 KG Delta back-up anchor
- In mast furling system ( refurbished from the original 2024)
- Pro furl genoa furler
- 2 Lewmar 66 Primary winches
- 2 Barient cabin top winches
- Main and Genoa (in fair shape)
- Spare Main and 2 spare Genoas (in fair shape)
- Spinnaker with sock
- Spinnaker pole
- Starlink
- AIS
- Raymarine Axiom 9
- Hydrovane wind powered auto-pilot
- New 6 person life-raft
- DanBoy MOB pole
- Flares for boat and life-raft
- Tri color masthead light
- New 2hp Yamaha out board (2025)
- UV filter for drinking water
- Custom Memory foam toppers for the 4 main beds
Skippers Cabin
- Spare genoa (1 of 2 spare genoas)
- Symmetrical spinnaker with sock
- MOB pole
- Two u-shape float rings
- Electrical parts
- Toilet parts
- Screws
- Zip ties
Port Saloon Floor Space
- Power angle grinder and very long electrical cord (for cutting shrouds and stays in case of de-masting)
Port Saloon Aft Corner Hold
- Engine parts
Underneath Stairs
- Extensive tool collection in toolbox
- Spare Water Filter for Acuva
- Spare Hydrovane Cover and Bolts
- Spares for outboard motor and manual
- Spare Shackles & blocks
- Cord to plug in boat & extension cord & adaptors (30-50 amp adapter, 30 amp to euro wall outlet)
- Digital multimeter
- Manual 3 way Ball valve
Starboard Aft Bedroom
- Spare windlass motor
- Jubilee clips
- Spare stay
- Hoses and wires of various sizes
- Spare stanchions and other parts
- Spare Raymarine wind gauge, sonar and 170 display screen (brand new and in box $1599 at West Marine)
- Spare starter for motor
- Three blade fixed propeller (the original Oceanis propeller before it was upgraded to the four-blade folding prop)
Port Aft Bedroom
- Very significant collection of stainless steel nuts and bolts and screws
- 12V fuel pump
- Engine mounts
- Oil change hoses
- Spare light bulbs
- Drill bits
- Spare main sail
- Spare auto pilot arm (checked and repaired in November 2024)
- Engine mounts
- Spare gear shift
- Spare gearbox
- Jumper cables
- Ball bearings
- Spare engine lift pump
- Other engine parts
- Spare shower pump
Starboard front berth
- Jabsco Toilet parts (more in skippers cabin)
- Older model autopilot replacement screen
- Spare Anchor windlass control
- Spare deck plug (water, waste)
- Spare shower pump
- Silicone
- Stuff box seals
- Tap aerator
- Deck plug for water or waste cap
- Hatch handles
- Winch pads
- Fridge freon capture
- Propane regulators
- Spare Genoa Sail (1 of 2 spare Genoas)
Port Saloon Wall Space
- Flares and flare gun and orange smoke (in date)
- Engine Parts
- Search light
- Radar reflector
- Bolt cutters
- Bungs
- Signal horn
- Batteries and tape
Port Front Bedroom Under Bed
- Traveler sliding car
- Insert pieces for large blocks
- Backstay turnbuckle
- Windlass part
The 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 is a 50-foot cruising sailboat designed by Philippe Briand and known for its spacious interior and comfortable accommodations. It features a large salon, four cabins plus a crew cabin, and ample storage, making it suitable for extended cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. The Oceanis 500 is also noted for its good sailing performance and manageable handling. This particular boat just safely sailed 9000 miles, including across the Atlantic ocean, with two adults and two children onboard.
Key Features:
- Design:
- The Oceanis 500 is part of Beneteau's Oceanis line, which emphasizes comfort and performance. It has a sleek, modern design for its time, with a focus on maximizing living space.
- The Oceanis 500 is known for its good sailing characteristics, with a hull design that balances speed and stability. It is considered relatively easy to handle for a boat of its size. All handling can be done from the cockpit.
- Comfort and Amenities:
- The interior boasts a large, open salon with a dining area and comfortable seating for a large gathering. The galley (kitchen) is well-equipped with amenities for extended cruising. Abundant hatches and portholes provide natural light and ventilation.
- Storage:
- The Oceanis 500 offers ample storage both inside and on deck for equipment, provisions, and personal belongings.
- Cockpit:
- The cockpit is designed for comfortable seating and a clear view for the helmsperson. Many people can sit around the cockpit table. There is well over 7 feet of headspace in the cockpit so even very tall people have plenty of headroom. Walkable decks enhance safety when moving around the boat.
- Materials:
- The hull is made of thick fiberglass, and the interior is full of beautiful wood. Both of these are features that you wont find on a newer boat.
Specific Details from Listings:
- Length: 49 feet (14.98 meters).
- Beam (width): 15.58 feet (4.75 meters).
- Draft (depth): 6.4 feet (1.95 meters).
- Gross tonnage: 22.48 tons (49,559 pounds)
- Fuel Capacity: 2 x 74 gallons (2 x 280 liters).
- Water Capacity: 265 gallons (1000 liters) in four tanks.
- Engine: Perkins diesel engine.
- Sailing Speed: Cruising speed around 9 knots (16.67 km/h). This particular boat had multiple days of sailing 185 nautical miles in 24 hours while crossing the Atlantic.
In Summary: The 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 is a well-regarded cruising yacht known for its spacious and comfortable interior, good sailing characteristics, and ease of handling. It is a popular choice for both experienced sailors and those looking to transition into longer-distance cruising.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/21/26 | Price decreased | $115,000(-4.2%) |
| 12/2/25 | Price decreased | $120,000(-4.0%) |
| 5/25/25 | Initial price | $125,000 |
Videos from Curtis Stokes & Associates on this 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500
1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500
Customers praise the 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for extended cruising and liveaboard adventures
Many highlight its solid construction and reliable performance under sail, noting that it handles well in a variety of sea conditions. The boat's generous cockpit and well-designed deck layout receive positive remarks for ease of handling and socializing. Some owners appreciate the ample storage space and practical galley, which enhance onboard living. Overall, the Beneteau Oceanis 500 from 1990 is valued for its blend of comfort, durability, and sailing capability, making it a popular choice among cruising enthusiasts.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 is a classic cruising yacht known for its spaciousness and solid build. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The Oceanis 500 offers a roomy and comfortable layout, often featuring three to four cabins, making it ideal for families or groups.
Solid Construction: Built with a robust fiberglass hull, it provides durability and seaworthiness suitable for extended cruising.
Good Sailing Performance: Despite its size, the boat handles well under sail, offering a balanced combination of speed and stability.
Ample Deck Space: The deck layout is designed for easy movement and safety, with generous cockpit space for relaxing or entertaining.
Well-Equipped: Many models come with a range of cruising amenities, including a functional galley, navigation station, and ample storage.
Cons
Older Design: Being a 1990 model, some design elements and systems may feel dated compared to modern yachts.
Maintenance Requirements: As with any older boat, ongoing maintenance and occasional upgrades may be necessary to keep systems and equipment in good working order.
Weight: The boat is relatively heavy for its size, which can affect light-wind performance.
Engine Access: Some owners note that engine access can be somewhat limited, making maintenance more challenging.
Price Variation: Depending on condition and location, prices can vary widely, so careful inspection is essential.
Made For
The 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 is ideal for sailors seeking a spacious and comfortable cruiser designed for extended voyages and liveaboard lifestyles. With its generous interior volume, multiple cabins, and ample storage, it appeals to families and groups looking for a reliable and elegant sailboat for coastal cruising or offshore passages. Its balanced performance and ease of handling make it suitable for both experienced sailors and those looking to step up to a larger, well-appointed yacht.
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