1985 Marine Trader 2-st Se Boat in Merritt Island, FL 32952 US

The 1986 Marine Trader LaBelle 43 occupies a distinctive position among classic cruising motor yachts. Designed for owners who intended to spend extended time aboard rather than simply enjoy occasional weekends on the water, she combines generous interior accommodations with the practical systems, substantial construction, and efficient cruising characteristics that have earned these vessels a loyal following for decades.

Mystique features the highly desirable two-stateroom, two-head arrangement centered around an exceptionally spacious full-beam owner's stateroom aft. A bright salon, lower helm station, well-appointed galley, expansive aft deck, flybridge, and wide walk-around side decks create a thoughtful layout equally suited for extended cruising, seasonal living, or full-time residence aboard.

Built upon a solid fiberglass semi-displacement hull with a deep protective keel, the LaBelle emphasizes durability, predictable handling, and economical operation rather than fleeting styling trends. Traditional teak joinery throughout the interior reflects the craftsmanship that distinguished many of the finest Taiwanese-built cruising yachts of the 1980s and continues to attract owners who appreciate classic yacht construction.

Today, Mystique represents an opportunity to preserve one of these respected cruising yachts. She requires restoration, but the characteristics that made the LaBelle worthy of admiration remain very much intact. Her proven hull design, twin Volvo diesel propulsion, complete accommodations, traditional joinery, and enduringly practical layout provide a compelling foundation upon which her next owner can thoughtfully return her to the condition she deserves. 

She is offered with honesty about the work ahead and equal respect for the yacht that remains.

One of the Marine Trader LaBelle 43's greatest strengths has always been her remarkable interior volume. Designed during an era when cruising yachts prioritized livability over maximizing berth count, the LaBelle provides a warm, inviting interior equally suited to extended cruising or full-time liveaboard life. 

Stepping aboard from the spacious aft deck, sliding salon doors open into a comfortable main salon surrounded by large windows that provide abundant natural light and excellent visibility. Rich teak joinery, generous headroom, and practical cabinetry immediately establish the warm character that has made classic Taiwanese-built yachts so enduringly popular.

Forward within the salon, the lower helm station allows comfortable operation during inclement weather while providing excellent visibility for docking and coastal cruising. Convenient access to the side deck enables the operator to move quickly from the helm to the dock when handling lines or fenders.

The interior arrangement provides excellent separation between the owner's accommodations aft and guest accommodations forward, while the centrally located salon, galley, and dinette create comfortable shared living spaces.

The result is a yacht whose interior feels substantially larger than her 43-foot length might suggest.

The salon serves as the primary gathering place aboard Mystique, offering comfortable accommodations for entertaining, relaxing, or everyday living aboard.

Large surrounding windows create an open, airy atmosphere while providing excellent visibility from both the seating area and lower helm. The salon's open arrangement encourages easy movement between the living area, helm station, and galley without sacrificing the comfortable separation of each space 

Traditional teak cabinetry and joinery give the salon the warmth and character for which these yachts are known. Generous built-in storage provides ample room for cruising equipment and personal belongings, an important consideration for owners contemplating extended stays aboard.

The lower helm is incorporated naturally into the forward portion of the salon, allowing the space to function equally well while underway or at rest.

Whether enjoying a quiet evening at anchor, entertaining guests at the dock, or settling aboard for an extended cruise, the salon demonstrates the practical elegance that has long distinguished the Marine Trader LaBelle series.

Located forward and down from the salon, the galley has been thoughtfully arranged to support extended cruising without sacrificing convenience or storage.

Its location adjacent to the dinette allows the cook to remain connected with family and guests while preparing meals, while the generous cabinetry and countertop space provide the practicality expected aboard a yacht designed for extended periods away from the dock.

Reported galley features include:

• Refrigeration

• Stove with oven

• Microwave oven

• Stainless-steel sink

• Generous countertop workspace

• Extensive upper and lower cabinetry

• Pantry storage

• Adjacent convertible dinette

Designed for practical daily use rather than occasional weekend entertaining, the galley provides the workspace, and storage expected aboard a true cruising yacht.

The adjacent dinette creates a comfortable dedicated dining area while also providing another useful living space separate from the main salon.

The full-beam aft owner's stateroom remains one of the defining features of the Marine Trader LaBelle 43 and one of the primary reasons these yachts continue to enjoy such a loyal following among liveaboard owners.

Occupying the entire beam of the vessel, the owner's suite offers a level of comfort and privacy seldom found aboard yachts of similar length.

Extensive cabinetry, hanging lockers, drawer storage, and private ensuite facilities create accommodations capable of supporting extended cruising or comfortable full-time residence aboard.

Natural light and traditional teak joinery contribute to the warm character of the space, while the generous floor area provides a degree of livability that distinguishes the LaBelle from many conventional aft-cabin motor yachts.

Its separation from the forward guest accommodations further enhances privacy, allowing owners and guests to enjoy independent living spaces while aboard.

For anyone considering Mystique as a seasonal or full-time residence, the owner's stateroom is one of the vessel's most compelling features.

Forward accommodations provide comfortable overnight quarters for family members or visiting guests.

Built-in storage and traditional teak joinery continue the character found throughout the vessel, while convenient access to the guest head provides visitors with their own facilities away from the owner's accommodations aft.

The physical separation between the two staterooms is particularly valuable for extended cruising, allowing owners and guests to enjoy genuine privacy rather than simply separate sleeping areas.

The arrangement is equally suitable for cruising couples entertaining occasional guests or families spending extended time aboard.

The LaBelle's two-head arrangement continues to be one of the vessel's most desirable features.

A private ensuite head serves the owner's stateroom aft, while a separate guest/day head forward provides convenient access for visitors and occupants of the forward accommodations.

This arrangement allows multiple occupants to enjoy privacy while significantly enhancing the vessel's practicality for extended cruising and liveaboard use.

The separation of the two facilities is another example of the LaBelle's original design philosophy: these yachts were intended not merely to accommodate people overnight, but to allow them to live comfortably aboard.

The Marine Trader LaBelle earned much of her reputation not through speed or styling, but through the quality of life she provides aboard.

Throughout the interior, traditional teak cabinetry, thoughtful storage, and a practical layout reflect a design philosophy centered on comfort rather than trend, creating a yacht that continues to feel remarkably functional decades after her construction.

Generous living spaces, abundant storage, practical systems, and thoughtful separation of accommodations allow owners to remain aboard comfortably for weeks, months, or even years at a time.

The salon provides a genuine living room. The dinette creates dedicated dining space. The galley is intended for actual meal preparation. The two heads provide privacy. And the full-beam owner's stateroom offers accommodations more reminiscent of a small waterfront home than a conventional cruising boat.

Whether serving as a waterfront residence, seasonal cruiser, Great Loop candidate, or coastal passage maker, the LaBelle's design continues to demonstrate why these yachts have remained sought after long after many of their contemporaries have faded from memory.

The spacious aft deck serves as one of Mystique's most inviting outdoor living spaces.

Protected by a hardtop, the area offers generous room for entertaining, outdoor dining, or simply relaxing while enjoying the surrounding waterfront. Its elevated position provides excellent visibility while maintaining easy communication with both the flybridge above and salon below.

The size and protection afforded by the aft deck make it particularly useful in a wide variety of weather conditions, significantly expanding the vessel's effective living area.

For many owners, this space naturally becomes an extension of the salon—a comfortable outdoor room equally enjoyable while underway, at anchor, or secured to the dock.

Wide walk-around side decks allow safe, convenient movement between the aft deck and foredeck, while substantial stainless-steel handrails promote confident footing during docking, anchoring, and routine deck operations.

The ability to move easily around the exterior of the yacht is an important practical advantage for an owner-operated vessel and reflects the LaBelle's emphasis on functional cruising.

Forward, the generous foredeck provides secure working space for anchor handling while also offering a pleasant location to enjoy a quiet morning or evening aboard.

The substantial bow pulpit and practical deck arrangement further reflect the vessel's emphasis on useful cruising design rather than decorative styling.

The flybridge provides commanding visibility for navigation while creating a second outdoor gathering space for family and guests.

The elevated helm offers excellent sightlines in every direction, making coastal cruising, close-quarters maneuvering, and open-water navigation comfortable and enjoyable.

Ample guest seating allows the flybridge to function as both an operational helm and a social area, complementing the expansive aft deck below.

Together with the lower helm, the flybridge gives the operator the flexibility to choose between protected interior operation or the visibility and open-air experience of the upper station.

The swim platform enhances both convenience and enjoyment aboard.

Whether boarding from the dock, accessing a tender, or simply relaxing close to the water, the platform expands the vessel's usable outdoor space while providing practical access for everyday cruising activities.

Its location immediately aft of the vessel's generous outdoor living areas further contributes to the LaBelle's comfortable relationship with the water.

The Marine Trader LaBelle 43 was constructed during an era when Taiwanese yacht builders established an international reputation for producing robust cruising vessels emphasizing durability, practicality, and craftsmanship.

Built upon a solid fiberglass semi-displacement hull, the LaBelle combines economical cruising performance with the confidence inspired by substantial fiberglass construction.

The deep protective keel contributes to directional stability while providing valuable protection for the running gear during coastal cruising and operation in shallow waterways.

Traditional teak joinery throughout the vessel reflects the craftsmanship associated with many of the finest Taiwanese-built yachts of the period. The extensive use of wood was not merely decorative; cabinetry, bulkheads, doors, trim, and built-in furnishings combine to give these yachts a warmth and character increasingly uncommon in modern production boats.

Combined with the vessel's generous beam, moderate draft, and practical displacement, the result is a cruising platform that continues to appeal to experienced owner-operators seeking comfort, efficiency, and timeless character.

Power is provided by twin Volvo TAMD-40B turbocharged diesel engines rated at approximately 165 horsepower each.

Reported Machinery

• Port Engine: Volvo TAMD-40B — 165 HP — approximately 1,500 hours

• Starboard Engine: Volvo TAMD-40B — 165 HP — approximately 1,500 hours

• Generator: Onan 8.0 MDKD diesel generator

According to the current owner, the engines continue to operate well with relatively few additional hours accumulated in recent years.

Previous survey documentation likewise reported satisfactory engine operation during sea trial together with satisfactory performance of the generator and running gear. The current owner reports that the vessel has seen relatively little use in recent years, with correspondingly few additional engine hours accumulated since that survey.

For a restoration candidate of this age, the presence of complete diesel propulsion and generating machinery represents an important component of the vessel's underlying value and provides a meaningful starting point for her next owner.

As with any pre-owned yacht purchase, prospective purchasers are encouraged to conduct independent mechanical inspections and surveys to verify the present condition of all machinery, systems, and equipment.

Mystique is offered as a classic Marine Trader LaBelle ready for her next chapter.

She remains substantially complete, with her respected hull design, twin Volvo diesel propulsion, accommodations, and much of the traditional character that has made these yachts enduring favorites among experienced cruising owners.

Years of water intrusion have affected portions of the vessel's deck structure, superstructure, and interior wood components. These areas will require evaluation and repair as part of her restoration.

That work should be considered in the context of the vessel upon which it will be performed.  Beneath the projects is a remarkably practical cruising yacht with a solid fiberglass hull, protected running gear, complete accommodations, substantial diesel machinery, traditional teak joinery, and a layout that would be extraordinarily difficult to duplicate in a contemporary 43-foot yacht.

For an owner with the experience, resources, and enthusiasm to undertake the work, Mystique offers the opportunity to begin with a respected cruising design rather than simply a collection of aging components.

Experienced restorers often begin with a simple question:

"Does she have good bones?"

We believe Mystique does.

That foundation—not fresh cosmetics—is what gives this restoration its value.

Long before discussing finishes, upholstery, electronics, or cosmetics, knowledgeable buyers evaluate the foundation upon which every successful restoration depends.

In Mystique's case, that foundation includes a respected solid fiberglass hull, a deep protective keel, twin Volvo TAMD-40B diesel engines, complete accommodations, traditional teak craftsmanship, and one of the most practical cruising layouts produced during the golden era of Taiwanese yacht building.

Unlike many restoration candidates that begin with missing components, incomplete interiors, or compromised propulsion systems, Mystique remains substantially complete. Her machinery, accommodations, and original character continue to provide the framework upon which a careful restoration can be undertaken.

No restoration is inexpensive.  Choosing the right vessel upon which to invest that effort is often the most important decision of all.

Our inspection identified evidence of long-term water intrusion affecting multiple areas above the hull and waterline.

Prospective purchasers should anticipate repairs that may include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Restoration of portions of the deck structure

• Structural wood repairs within sections of the superstructure

• Replacement or restoration of deteriorated cabinetry and interior wood components

• Headliner repair and replacement where required

• Rebedding of windows, hatches, and deck hardware as appropriate

• Interior refinishing following structural repairs

• General cosmetic rehabilitation consistent with the purchaser's restoration objectives

Because every restorer approaches a project differently, no attempt has been made within this listing to estimate repair costs or prescribe specific repair methods.

Some owners may choose to preserve original construction techniques wherever practical.

Others may incorporate modern composite materials, contemporary systems, and updated finishes while maintaining the vessel's classic character.

Each represents a legitimate path toward returning Mystique to service while preserving the qualities that first made her worthy of restoration.

Every restoration begins with a decision.  Not simply whether a yacht can be restored.

But whether the vessel beneath the work makes the effort worthwhile.

The Marine Trader LaBelle earned her reputation through conservative engineering, practical design, economical operation, and exceptional liveaboard accommodations. Those qualities remain as relevant today as they were when Mystique first left the shipyard.

Modern yacht construction offers extraordinary technology, performance, and convenience, but recreating the combination of interior volume, traditional joinery, substantial fiberglass construction, protected running gear, twin-diesel propulsion, and genuine liveaboard accommodations found aboard a LaBelle would represent a very different financial proposition today.

That is what makes yachts such as Mystique interesting restoration candidates.

The objective is not simply to repair an aging boat.

It is to preserve the qualities of a respected cruising design while allowing a new owner to determine how traditional—or contemporary—her next chapter should become.

Mystique will appeal to a particular kind of yachtsman—someone who appreciates traditional construction, understands the character of classic cruising yachts, and sees restoration not merely as repair, but as an opportunity to preserve something worthwhile.

Her next owner may choose a sympathetic restoration emphasizing original materials and character, or may use the opportunity to incorporate contemporary systems, materials, and conveniences while retaining the qualities that made the LaBelle such a successful cruising design.

Either approach begins with the same thing:  A vessel worth working with.

Perhaps you have restored a classic yacht before.  Perhaps you have rebuilt a vintage automobile or restored a historic home.  Or perhaps you simply recognize the appeal of bringing a worthy vessel back to the condition she deserves.

If so...

Mystique deserves your consideration.

Honest brokerage begins with honest representation.  From the beginning, our goal has been simple: to present Mystique as she is.  Her strengths have not been exaggerated.

Her restoration needs have not been minimized.

We believe buyers make their best decisions when they understand both.

Available documentation is welcomed for careful review, and prospective purchasers are encouraged to inspect the vessel personally and engage qualified marine surveyors and mechanical professionals appropriate to their individual requirements 

Mystique is not being presented as something she is not.  She is being presented as something we believe still matters:  A substantially complete example of a respected classic cruising yacht, possessing considerable character, a remarkably livable design, and a foundation worthy of consideration by someone prepared to write her next chapter.

Our hope is not simply to complete a transaction.  It is to introduce Mystique to the steward best prepared to preserve her for years to come.

Engine and generator hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, warranties implied or otherwise and major overhauls as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

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.