1995 Benford Custom Pilothouse Cutter Boat in Brunswick, GA 31520 US

Original Construction & Commissioning

The hull, deck, and superstructure were built in 1995 by Custom Steel Boats, Inc. in Merritt, North Carolina. Between 1995 and 1999, the engine and generator were installed, the exterior was painted, and the staterooms and heads were completed. The interior fit-out and operating systems were completed between 1995 and 2003.

The vessel was then moved to Fort Pierce, Florida where Mack Sails installed the heavy-duty aluminum mast, sails, and standing/running rigging.

The original owner lived aboard and cruised extensively, including multiple extended Bahamas voyages.

2014–2016 Major Systems & Rigging Refit

Following purchase by the current owners in 2014, Ocean Stars underwent significant modernization including:

• Schaefer in-boom furling system installation
• New fully battened mainsail
• Reconditioned genoa and jib
• New standing and running rigging
• Interior hull and bilges refinished with Pettit metal paint system
• Rudder post removed and reconditioned with new Delrin rings
• Imtra bow thruster installation
• Custom davit installation
• Hull and superstructure Awlgrip repaint
• Midship provisioning storage conversion for extended passagemaking
• Extensive additional storage improvements

2016–2019 Comprehensive Refit

The vessel was sailed to Massachusetts where she underwent an extensive multi-year systems refit including:

• Complete Raymarine electronics suite replacement
• Dual autopilot systems
• Redundant NMEA networks
• Custom dual helm electronics cabinets
• New Mastervolt charging systems and inverters
• Replacement of battery cabling
• Main salon redesign and fabrication
• Forward stateroom completion
• Full galley modernization with new appliances
• Custom S&S Fabric upholstery throughout
• Spectra watermaker installation
• Dual Maxwell windlass installation
• Imtra stern thruster installation
• Custom bow pulpit installation
• Mantus 175 lb storm anchor system
• Manson 135 lb anchor system
• New G4 anchor chain rodes
• Hull refinished with Interlux Perfection

Recent Upgrades

• 2022: Custom Code Zero sail package installed
• 2022: Generator alternator upgraded to CGG 21kVA
• 2024: Genoa and jib professionally inspected/reconditioned by Quantum Sails
• 2025: Superstructure Awlgrip repaint
• 2025: Exterior varnish refinished
• 2025/2026: Complete battery system replacement
• 2026: New 1840Ah lithium house bank installed

Ocean Stars offers a warm, practical, and highly livable interior designed for long-term cruising and offshore passagemaking.

The vessel is entered through the large protected center cockpit into the raised pilothouse level featuring panoramic visibility, helm station, navigation systems, and excellent watchstanding comfort in all weather conditions.

Stepping down from the pilothouse leads into the spacious owner’s stateroom featuring a centerline island queen berth, abundant cabinetry, ensuite head with separate shower, and excellent natural ventilation.

Forward of the owner’s cabin is the impressive engine room access area with true stand-up access and workshop space — a rare and highly desirable feature for serious offshore cruising.

The main salon incorporates a large U-shaped settee with custom S&S Fabric cushions, reading chairs, extensive storage, and convertible dining arrangements. The salon table lowers to create an additional king-sized guest berth.

The galley is exceptionally well equipped for offshore cooking and long-term living aboard, featuring upgraded refrigeration systems, Force 10 stove and oven, deep freezer, microwave, extensive storage, and generous countertop space.

Throughout the vessel, Ocean Stars offers impressive storage volume including dedicated provisioning spaces designed to support extended world cruising.

Interior Features

• Raised pilothouse with panoramic visibility
• Lower interior helm station
• Large owner’s stateroom with island queen berth
• Two freshwater Dometic heads
• Owner’s head with bidet
• Separate shower arrangements
• Main salon convertible king berth
• Convertible galley berth
• Custom S&S Fabric upholstery throughout
• Teak and holly sole
• Extensive cabinetry and storage
• Washer and dryer
• Multiple opening hatches and ports
• Red and white night lighting
• Brass clock and barometer
• Excellent natural ventilation

Galley Equipment

• Force 10 three-burner propane stove
• Force 10 oven
• Nova Kool RFU9000 AC/DC refrigerator/freezer system
• Sea Frost deep freezer system
• GE built-in microwave
• Dual stainless steel sinks
• Water purification system
• Cockpit refrigeration/freezer system
• Magma Newport II infrared gas grill
• Trident propane locker system
• Three Viking propane cylinders
• Extensive dry goods storage

Ocean Stars features a heavily protected raised center cockpit that allows the vessel to be fully sailed and maneuvered from a secure and comfortable helm position.

The cockpit sits approximately 10 feet above the waterline, providing excellent visibility while remaining exceptionally protected from weather and sea conditions. All sail handling lines are led aft into the cockpit for short-handed sailing.

The large U-shaped seating arrangement comfortably accommodates up to 10 guests and includes thick custom cushions, refrigeration, sink, and excellent entertaining space.

Wide side decks, high bulwarks, abundant handholds, and welded steel construction provide outstanding security underway.

Exterior Features

• Fully protected center cockpit
• Full Isinglass enclosure
• Dual helm stations
• Wide side decks with high bulwarks
• Teak cap rails
• Welded steel hardtop
• Custom davit system
• Swim platform
• Stainless steel swim ladder
• Bow pulpit designed for heavy storm anchors
• Extensive welded deck hardware
• Large lazarette storage compartments
• Custom cockpit table
• Cockpit refrigerator and sink
• Awlgrip painted hull and superstructure

Ocean Stars is cutter rigged with a heavy-duty offshore sail plan specifically configured for passagemaking and short-handed sailing.

The vessel features a keel-stepped mast, internal chainplates welded to the hull structure, heavy-duty standing rigging, and Schaefer in-boom furling for safe and efficient sail handling.

Sail Inventory & Rigging

• Spare main sail
• Cutter rig with dual Profurl roller furlers for genoa and jib
• Keel-stepped aluminum mast
• Internal welded chainplates
• Heavy-duty standing rigging
• Schaefer in-boom furling system
• Fully battened mainsail (2016)
• Genoa professionally reconditioned in 2024
• Jib professionally reconditioned in 2024
• 2022 Code Zero sail package
• Bamar Code 20 furler
• Lewmar primary winches
• Harken cockpit winches
• Internal halyards led aft
• Spinnaker pole
• Boom vang
• Navigation lighting package

Rig Dimensions

• I: 56.17 ft
• J: 22.0 ft
• P: 49.34 ft
• E: 22.34 ft
• Total Sail Area: 1,285 sq ft
• Mainsail: 551 sq ft
• Headsail: 618 sq ft

One of Ocean Stars’ most impressive features is her dedicated stand-up engine room with exceptional access, lighting, organization, and workshop capability.

The vessel is powered by a reliable Yanmar 140hp turbo diesel engine coupled to a Kanzaki transmission and custom H&H propeller.

The surveyor specifically noted the cleanliness and maintenance standard of the engine room and mechanical systems.

Engine & Mechanical

• Single Yanmar Turbo Diesel 140hp
• Four-cylinder diesel engine
• Approx. 1,490 engine hours
• Kanzaki 2.57:1 transmission
• Custom H&H 28" propeller
• 1-3/4" stainless prop shaft
• Hydraulic steering system
• Dual Morse mechanical engine controls
• Wagner hydraulic helm pumps and rams
• Imtra 24V bow thruster
• Imtra 24V stern thruster
• Freshwater flushing system
• Central sea chest system
• Fuel polishing system
• Three separate Racor fuel filtration systems
• Extensive spare parts and maintenance records
• Stand-up engine room with workshop

Fuel & Tankage

• Approx. 600 gallons total fuel capacity
• Multiple fuel tanks
• Sight gauges on tanks
• Fuel transfer manifold system
• Extensive fuel filtration system

Generator

• Yanmar-based 20kW generator system
• Generator alternator upgraded in 2022
• Approx. 945 generator hours (2024 survey)
• Closed cooling system
• Heat exchanger cooled
• Professionally maintained

Ocean Stars has undergone a major modernization of her electrical systems and charging infrastructure.

The vessel now features a substantial lithium house bank, modern Mastervolt charging systems, extensive inverter capability, and renewable energy systems designed to support extended off-grid cruising.

Electrical & Charging

• 1840Ah EPOCH LiFePO4 lithium house bank (2026)
• Dedicated AGM starting battery systems
• 24V AGM thruster/windlass bank (2025)
• 3 12V AGM starting batteries (2025)
• Mastervolt ChargeMaster systems
• Mastervolt inverter systems
• Mastervolt Alpha alternator system
• Mastervolt Alpha Pro II regulator
• Cross charging systems throughout
• Redundant charging capability
• Shore power systems
• AC/DC distribution panels

Renewable Energy

• 808 watts solar capacity
• SuperWind SW350 wind generator
• Multiple solar panels
• Renewable charging integration

Ocean Stars features a comprehensive and redundant Raymarine navigation suite installed during her major refit.

The system was professionally integrated with dual helm stations, dual autopilots, and redundant NMEA networks designed specifically for offshore reliability.

Navigation Electronics

• Raymarine multifunction displays
• Dual autopilot systems
• Redundant NMEA networks
• Dual helm electronics stations
• GPS systems
• Radar systems
• Depth instrumentation
• Wind instrumentation
• VHF communications
• Chain counter systems
• Thruster controls
• Remote windlass controls

Ocean Stars is exceptionally well equipped for both tropical and cold-weather cruising.

Climate Control

• Dometic Emerald split-system air conditioning
• 30,000 BTU central system
• Three 10,000 BTU air handlers
• Two independent 12,000 BTU units
• Multiple climate zones
• Comfortable operation in extreme heat and cold

Water Systems

• Spectra watermaker
• Pressure water system
• Hot water heater
• Water purification system
• Freshwater heads
• Freshwater flushing systems

Ocean Stars carries an exceptionally serious anchoring package designed for offshore and high-latitude cruising.

Anchoring Equipment

• Mantus 175 lb storm anchor
• Manson 135 lb anchor
• Two Fisherman anchors
• Dual Maxwell 3500 windlasses
• Maxwell chain counters
• Quick handheld remote control system
• Two 300' G4 chain rodes
• Extensive nylon rodes
• Custom bow pulpit and roller system
• Heavy-duty welded deck cleats

Ocean Stars is extensively outfitted with offshore safety equipment suitable for serious passagemaking.

Safety Equipment

• Viking 4-person liferaft (serviced 2025)
• ACR GlobalFix V5 EPIRB (2025)
• Extensive USCG-approved PFD inventory
• Multiple fire extinguishers
• Fireboy fixed fire suppression system
• Offshore flare kit (2025)
• Audible high-water alarms
• Six Rule bilge pumps in each bilge fully alarmed with control panel in the main salon
• Fire blankets
• Lifering with water light

Ocean Stars represents a rare opportunity to acquire a truly capable custom offshore cruising yacht that has benefited from experienced ownership, extensive upgrades, and continual refinement.

Her steel construction, raised pilothouse configuration, enormous storage capacity, redundant systems, and fully protected cockpit make her exceptionally well suited for bluewater passagemaking, high-latitude exploration, or comfortable long-term liveaboard cruising.

Unlike many custom vessels, Ocean Stars reflects decades of thoughtful development and practical offshore experience. The result is a yacht that feels purposeful, refined, and genuinely ready for extended cruising.

From her exceptional engine room access and serious ground tackle systems to her upgraded sail handling, modernized electrical infrastructure, and comfortable interior accommodations, Ocean Stars stands apart as a highly capable expedition-ready cruising yacht.

She is currently located in Brunswick, Georgia and available for inspection by appointment.

• Jay Benford custom high-latitude design
• Heavy-duty steel construction
• Extensive 2014–2026 refits and upgrades
• Fully protected raised center cockpit
• Dual helm stations
• Bow and stern thrusters
• Schaefer in-boom furling system
• Lithium battery house bank
• Extensive Raymarine electronics suite
• Spectra watermaker
• Stand-up engine room/workshop
• Serious offshore anchoring systems
• Exceptional storage capacity
• Two-owner vessel
• Extensive records and maintenance history
• Surveyed in exceptional condition

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.