1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin

$234,900

Used

Boat in Saint Petersburg, FL 33707 US

builtBuilt in 1987
Year the boat was built
model

48 Tri Cabin

Boat model
engine

2 Engines (2x Lehman)

Engine type and count
length

48 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
48ft
Length Overall
47.25ft
Length at Waterline
40.83ft
Beam
15.33ft
Max Bridge Clearance
19.42ft
Max Draft
4.75ft
Dry Weight
50000lb
Cruising Speed
8kn
Max Speed
13kn
Cabins
3
Heads
2
Fresh Water Tanks
500gal
Fuel Tanks
950gal
Holding Tanks
100gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
semi-displacement
Engine 1
Engine Make
Lehman
Engine Model
135
Total Power
135hp
Engine Hours
4192
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Drive Type
direct
Engine 2
Engine Make
Lehman
Engine Model
135
Total Power
135hp
Engine Hours
4126
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
DeFever 48 Deck & Exterior
The covered aft deck is a comfortable, functional space for relaxing or entertaining and provides a practical platform for storing cruising toys. Wide side decks lead forward with excellent visibility and security. Flybridge access is protected and easy, with multiple handholds. The flybridge seating area is shaded by a bimini forward of the radar arch, and the Zodiac tender is stored here when not deployed by the electric davit.
DeFever 48 Main Salon, Helm & Galley
Stepping inside, the main salon is bright, open, and welcoming, combining classic solid wood finishes with a clean, modern feel. Custom teak flooring runs throughout, complemented by a burl-wood dining/coffee table and granite galley countertops. An L-shaped Ultraleather settee provides comfortable seating, with window treatments and wall sconces adding warmth.

Forward to starboard is the Stidd captain’s chair with excellent sightlines and direct deck access. Both helm stations are fully instrumented, providing redundancy and confidence underway.

The galley is well designed for cruising and everyday use, featuring granite countertops, a large stainless sink, electric Princess cooktop, Brevel microwave/convection oven, ice maker, Engel refrigerator/freezer under the settee, and an additional upright refrigerator/freezer.
DeFever 48 Master Stateroom
Aft of the salon is the owner’s stateroom, featuring a centerline queen berth with padded alcove headboard, teak bedside tables, ample drawer storage, and cedar-lined hanging lockers. A custom mattress was installed in 2020. The private head to port includes a vanity sink and full stall shower. A washer/dryer combo is located in the starboard compartment, and a 32” Samsung Smart TV completes the space.
DeFever 48 Mid Stateroom
The mid stateroom offers twin over/under berths, a full-length hanging locker, and convenient access to the engine room. This space works well for guests, crew, or additional storage while cruising.
DeFever 48 Forward Stateroom
The forward stateroom features twin over/under berths, a cedar-lined hanging locker with storage drawers, and excellent ventilation from four opening ports and an overhead hatch. Headroom is generous at approximately eight feet, giving the space an open feel. A 32” Samsung Smart TV is installed.
DeFever 48 Master Head
The owner’s head is private and accessed directly from the aft stateroom. It is well laid out and functional, featuring a vanity sink with storage and a full stall shower. This space is designed for everyday use while cruising or living aboard, offering comfort, privacy, and room to move without feeling tight.
DeFever 48 Guest/Forward Head
The forward head serves both the forward and mid staterooms and is conveniently located just forward of the main salon. It features a dedicated stall shower, vanity sink, and thoughtful use of space, making it comfortable for guests and practical for extended cruising. Easy access from the main living area also makes this head ideal for day use.
DeFever 48 Flybridge
The flybridge is well laid out and protected, featuring a custom white leather Stidd captain’s chair, full instrumentation, spotlight and windlass controls, and excellent visibility. A new bimini was installed in 2025, providing shade and comfort underway or at anchor.
DeFever 48 Electronics & Navigation
Both helms are equipped with full engine and transmission gauges, ensuring redundancy and situational awareness. The electronics package includes Raymarine Axiom displays, radar, AIS, dual autopilots, forward-looking sonar, satellite TV, SSB, EPIRB, and a high-power onboard WiFi system—well suited for coastal and offshore cruising.
DeFever 48 Engine Room & Mechanical
The stand-up engine room is accessed from the mid stateroom and offers excellent access for service and inspection. Power is provided by twin Lehman 135hp diesels with approximately 4,100 hours. Naiad stabilizers were serviced in 2024. Mechanical systems include dual generators, built-in fuel polishing, watermaker, inverter, upgraded charging systems, extensive battery banks, and LED lighting.
DeFever 48 Deck, Hull & Systems
This vessel is set up for independence with solar panels, strong ground tackle, fresh-water washdowns fore and aft, deck lockers, Magma grill, spare parts, safety gear, and maintenance records. Bottom paint was completed mid-2024, varnish has been renewed, and the flybridge deck was repainted in 2025.
DeFever 48 Tender & Davit System
The Zodiac Cadet 340 tender is well equipped with helm seating, GPS/fishfinder, bimini, running lights, and bilge pump, powered by a 20hp Tohatsu four-stroke with power trim and tilt. A MarQuipt Lowboy 600-lb electric davit handles launch and retrieval.
Disclaimer
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.

Price History

DateEventPrice
3/16/26Price decreased$234,900(-6.0%)
2/18/26Initial price$249,900

Overview from around the web 1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin

Customers praise the 1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin for its classic, sturdy build and timeless design, highlighting its spacious and well-thought-out interior layout featuring three comfortable cabins

Many appreciate the solid construction typical of DeFever yachts, noting its seaworthiness and reliability for long-distance cruising. The boat’s ample storage, generous living spaces, and traditional styling receive frequent compliments, making it a favorite among those seeking a dependable, comfortable cruising vessel with a vintage charm. Some users also mention the ease of handling and the quality of materials used, underscoring the enduring appeal of this model in the trawler community.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin is a classic trawler-style yacht known for its solid construction and comfortable liveaboard features. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Sturdy Construction: Built with a robust full displacement hull, the DeFever 48 offers excellent stability and seaworthiness, making it suitable for long-range cruising.

Spacious Tri-Cabin Layout: The three-cabin design provides ample sleeping accommodations, ideal for families or guests.

Traditional Aesthetic: Its classic styling appeals to those who appreciate timeless yacht design.

Comfortable Living Spaces: Generous salon and galley areas enhance onboard comfort for extended stays.

Good Tankage: Large fuel and water tanks support extended voyages without frequent refueling or resupply.

Reliable Systems: Many DeFever models are equipped with dependable mechanical and electrical systems, contributing to ease of maintenance.

Cons

Older Design: Being a 1987 model, some design elements and onboard systems may feel dated compared to modern yachts.

Fuel Efficiency: The full displacement hull, while stable, can lead to slower speeds and higher fuel consumption.

Maintenance Requirements: Older vessels may require ongoing upkeep and potential upgrades to electronics, plumbing, and other systems.

Limited Maneuverability: The size and hull design can make docking and tight maneuvers more challenging without experienced handling.

Availability of Parts: Some original components might be harder to source due to the boat’s age.

Made For

The 1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin is ideal for experienced boaters and cruisers seeking a spacious, comfortable, and sturdy vessel for extended voyages. Its design caters to those who value classic trawler styling, ample living space with three private cabins, and reliable ocean-going capabilities. This boat is perfect for families or couples who enjoy long-term cruising, liveaboard lifestyles, or exploring coastal and offshore waters with confidence and comfort.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Trawler cost in today's market, or how much does a DeFever cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$2,666.05/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 234,900
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Trawler cost in today's market, or how much does a DeFever cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$2,666.05/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 234,900
OR
%

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1235 Boone Hill Road, Suite 3, Summerville, SC, 29483

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Suite 3
Summerville, SC 29483

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