1980 Mao Ta Skye 51

$48,500

Used

Boat in Santa Cruz, CA 95060 US

builtBuilt in 1980
Year the boat was built
model

Skye 51

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Perkins)

Engine type and count
length

51 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
51ft
Length Overall
51ft
Length at Waterline
42.92ft
Beam
14.25ft
Max Draft
8ft
Drive Up Draft
8ft
Cabin Headroom
6.33ft
Displacement
38708lb
Ballast
15500lb
Range
400nmi
Fresh Water Tanks
70gal
Fuel Tanks
140gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Perkins
Engine Model
4-236
Total Power
70hp
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Drive Type
v
Propeller Type
3-blade
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.

Accommodations

ZYKANTHOS has a standard Skye 51 layout, with minor interior modifications: The forepeak contains pipe berths, a small sink and storage. It can be used as quarters for a professional captain, or for storage and children's sleeping quarters. The forepeak can be accessed either from a sliding foredeck hatch or via the forward stateroom.
 Aft of the forepeak is a full width forward head with shower, and a double-berth forward stateroom following. This area has been modified to make for a more open feel and an attractive owner's cabin, with ample hanging locker and drawer storage.
 The main salon offers a full dinette with seating for 6-8 people on starboard, with settee and small pilot berth opposite. All surfaces are faced with varnished teak, including teak and holly sole. The main salon provides substantial storage space. Note that the batteries have been placed in watertight boxes beneath the salon floorboards, for weight and storage considerations.
 Aft of the main salon, the galley is located to port and an aft-facing navigation station is to starboard of the main companionway. A bridge deck aft of the companionway provides ample headroom in the aft cabin, which offers a double berth, hanging locker, small vanity and aft head with shower. Aft cabin is light and well ventilated, with a deck hatch above.
 This layout provides good separation and privacy for two couples, or for children. Interior is in good condition throughout. Headroom is approximately 6'4".

Galley

Propane stove with broiler

Microwave oven

Pressure water system

Electronics and Navigation

Depth sounder

Autopilot

Compass

GPS

Radar

VHF radio

Hand-held VHF radio

SSB radio

Clock and barometer

Tank level indicator

Electrical

12V DC and 110V AC

Battery monitor

Battery charger

Deck

Anchor with chain and rode

Electric windlass

Anchor and steaming lights

Deck light

Running lights

Bow pulpit and rails

Lifelines and stanchions

Dock lines and fenders

Swim ladder

Hull

Actual LOA 50’6”

Last bottom paint 12/25

To increase upwind performance, the first owner of the boat added 900 lbs of lead to the keel and increased the draft from 7 feet to 8 feet.

Sails and Rigging

Manual boom vang

Wire standing rigging

Hydraulic backstay adjuster

Aluminum mast

Mainsheet traveler

Mast steps

Spinnaker pole

Roller furling on headsail

Winches: 

Mainmast (1) Barient 24 2-speed self-tailing

 (1) Barient 25 2-speed

 (2) Lewmar 42 2-speed

 (1) each Lewmar 42 2-speed self-tailing 

Mainsheet (1) Lewmar 42 2-speed self-tailing

Primary (2) Lewmar 66 2-speed self-tailing electric

Secondary (2) Lewmar 55 2-speed self-tailing

Mizzen (2) Barient 21 2-speed

 

Sails:

 Two complete sets, one 1980/90, one new 2000

 (1) 1/2oz. spinnaker (very thin)

 (1) 1 1/2oz. (good shape)

 (1) 150% Genoa (like new!)

Engine and Mechanical

3-blade folding prop

Engine alarm

Fuel filter

Stove fuel shut-off valve

Manual and electric bilge pumps

Manual head with overboard discharge

Watermaker 

Safety

Bell

Emergency tiller

EPIRB

Flares

Exclusions

All seller’s personal effects on board are excluded from the sale of this vessel.

Price History

DateEventPrice
4/7/26Price decreased$48,500(-29.7%)
3/10/26Initial price$69,000

Contact Yachtfinders Windseakers

2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106

Overview from around the web 1980 Mao Ta Skye 51

Customers appreciate the 1980 Mao Ta Skye 51 for its classic design and solid craftsmanship

Many highlight its spacious interior and comfortable layout, making it ideal for extended cruising. The boat's robust build and reliable performance in various sea conditions receive positive remarks, as do its well-maintained features and timeless aesthetic. Overall, owners value the Skye 51 for blending traditional sailing elegance with practical functionality.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1980 Mao Ta Skye 51 offers a blend of classic design and solid craftsmanship, making it a notable choice for sailing enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

Timeless Design: The Skye 51 features a classic aesthetic that appeals to sailors who appreciate traditional styling.

Sturdy Construction: Built in 1980, this model is known for its robust build quality, ensuring durability and reliability on the water.

Spacious Interior: The layout provides ample living space, making it comfortable for extended cruising or liveaboard situations.

Good Sailing Performance: The Skye 51 handles well under sail, offering a balanced and manageable experience for both seasoned sailors and those learning the ropes.

Solid Reputation: As a well-regarded model from its era, it has a loyal following and availability of parts and community support.

Cons

Older Systems: Being a 1980 model, some of the onboard systems and equipment may be outdated and could require upgrades or maintenance.

Heavier Weight: Compared to more modern designs, the Skye 51 may be heavier, which can affect speed and maneuverability in certain conditions.

Maintenance Needs: Classic boats often need more upkeep to maintain their condition, which could mean higher ongoing costs.

Limited Modern Amenities: The interior and onboard technology may lack some of the conveniences found in newer vessels.

Potential for Wear: Depending on how well it has been cared for, the boat might show signs of wear typical for its age, such as fading, corrosion, or woodwork needing attention.

Made For

The 1980 Mao Ta Skye 51 is ideal for experienced sailors and boating enthusiasts seeking a classic, well-crafted vessel with timeless design and reliable performance. Its spacious layout and sturdy construction make it perfect for extended cruising, family adventures, or those who appreciate a blend of traditional aesthetics with functional sailing capabilities. Whether you’re embarking on coastal explorations or longer offshore journeys, the Skye 51 offers comfort, durability, and a rewarding sailing experience.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1980 Mao Ta Skye 51. 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 Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Mao Ta 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
$307.12/mo
$
$
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 41,225
Total Payment$73,708.77

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1980 Mao Ta Skye 51. 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 Sail Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Mao Ta 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
$307.12/mo
$
$
%
Principal Loan Amount$ 41,225
Total Payment$73,708.77

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2330 Shelter Island Drive
Suite 207
San Diego, CA 92106

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