1985 Nautical Development 56

$139,000

Used

Boat in Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 US

builtBuilt in 1985
Year the boat was built
model

56

Boat model
engine

--

Engine type and count
length

60 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

--

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Length Overall
60ft
Length at Waterline
44ft
Beam
15.5ft
Max Bridge Clearance
70ft
Max Draft
11ft
Cabin Headroom
7ft
Dry Weight
51000lb
Ballast
14000lb
Range
1000nmi
Cabins
4
Heads
4
Max Passengers
8
Fresh Water Tanks
500gal
Fuel Tanks
320gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
monohull
Ac
Summary
Unexpected Pleasure sure lives up to her name! She is a 56-foot ketch designed by Steve Seaton and built in Florida in 1985 by Nautical Development. These boats have a great reputation, and they are known for the quality of the build and strength of the hull. This 1985 model has 4 double cabins with 4 heads, a large main salon, and a good working galley On deck, there is an incredible amount of space to lounge when at anchor or a comfortable center cockpit while under sail. She has a Ford Lehman marine diesel rated at 135 hp (2775 hrs) and a 15 kW Westerbeke diesel generator. A large bow thruster makes docking simple. She is a centerboard 56, one of the 2 built with a draft of 7' with the board up and 11' when down. She is perfect for chartering or a large family!
Accommendation

Unexpected Pleasure has a 4-cabin arrangement with 2 doubles forward and 2 aft.

The 2 doubles forward are not mirrored, as the starboard cabin has over/under berths. There is a hanging locker for storage and lockers below. There is also a hatch above for ventilation. Forward, there is a private head with a Goroco marine toilet, vanity, mirror, and storage beneath the sink. There is a communal shower between the two heads. Off to port is the other cabin's head. This one features a Jabsco marine head, vanity mirror, and sink with storage beneath.

The port cabin has a comfortable double berth, a hanging locker, an opening hatch, and good lighting. 

Two more double berths, each with its own head and storage area, are in the aft section of the boat, which is accessed through the galley. They have numerous opening ports and a hatch above for terrific ventilation. There are fans and LED lighting as well

All cabins are fully air-conditioned with 2 X 18,000 BTU in the salon and aft cabins, and a 10,000 BTU forward. All units are Cruisesair.

The main salon is huge and has a custom table with seating for 6. Across is a comfortable 7' settee. Outboard on the port side, there are louvered lockers for storage and shelves for books or magazines. Across to starboard is a comfortable 7' settee berth. Above that is a smart TV. 

The interior joinery work is teak with a varnished parquet floor. There are two opening hatches above and opening ports.

Behind the salon, the navigation station is on the starboard side, featuring an opening chart table with a comfortable seat. To the right is a Garmin GPS chartplotter, VHF radio, GPS, and AIS. On the bulkhead behind the chart table is the electrical panel with both 110V and 12V breakers.

  • Aft of the nav station is a small room that was at one time the Captain's cabin but is now a utility room with access to the main engine.
Galley
  • Large galley along the portside walk through to the aft cabins.
  • 3 large Grunert fridge freezers with cold plates, 1 beer fridge
  • Electric stove with built-in convection oven
  • Numerous lockers for storage, shelves, drawers, and ample counter space for meal preparation
  • Double stainless steel sink with custom faucet
  • Sea Recovery watermaker
  • 600 gallons of water in intergal fiberglass tanks (4)
  • Hot water heater
  • Brevelle microwave oven
  • Fresh water filter



Mechanical
  • 135 hp Ford Lehman diesel engine (2775 Hours)
  • Sidepower bow thruster
  • 3-blade Max Prop
  • Hydraulic steering
  • Electric centerboard, 7 ' up and 11' down
  • New cutlass bearing (2025)
  • Universal joint drive shaft system
  • Sea Recovery Watermaker, serviced in 2024
  • 15 kW isolating transformer
  • Reverso oil changing system
  • Engine and generator fire system

Electronics
  • Garmin 5312 GPS chartplotter at the helm
  • Garmin 741 XS Chartplotter at nav station
  • Standard Horizon VHF, GPS, AIS
  • Standard Horizon Explorer VHF at the helm
  • Garmin autopilot
  • Supersonic 12V SMART TV
  • NMEA 2000 backbone
  • Custom Scott pumps for A/C, refrigeration, water
  • Starlink

Electrical
  • 15 KW Westerbeke generator
  • 3000-watt Victron inverter, 120-amp battery charger with remote at the nav station
  • 80 amp charger for engine batteries
  • 2 X 18,000 CruiseAir air conditioners, salon, and aft cabins
  • 1 X 10,000 CruiseAir air conditioner, forward cabins
  • Large house battery bank
  • Engine battery bank
  • Bow thruster battery bank
  • Sony stereo
  • 3 X 120-watt solar panels

Deck Sails and Hardware
  • Aluminium mast and boom with an air draft of 74'
  • 110V Plath windlass, mostly used in the logging industry for hauling logs
  • 2 X 60 lb CQR anchors
  • 1 X 130' of 1/2" chain and 100' of 1 " rode
  • 1 X 50' of 1/2" chain and 50' of 1" rode
  • Double lifelines
  • 8 opening hatches, numerous opening ports
  • Oversized rigging, upgraded when needed
  • 2 X fiberglass deck boxes
  • 1 X fiberglass refrigerated deck box
  • SS dinghy davits with solar panels on top
  • Custom SS boarding/swim ladder
  • In the mast furling mainsail with a rebuilt electric motor
  • Genoa
  • Mizzen sail 
  • Hank on storm jib
  • Asymmetrical spinnaker
  • Lazerette with generator, watermaker, dive compressor, and storage
  • Center cockpit with instrument pod on the pedestal and engine controls
  • Cockpit cushions
  • Cockpit table
  • Teak cockpit sole
  • Danforth Constellation compass, Hydraulic steering
  • ST 65 sheet winches
  • Various winches on the mast
  • Dorades for ventilation
  • Forward fiberglass dock box

Safety


  • 8-man Superior liferaft (Next service 3/26)
  • Proper navigation lights
  • Numerous lifejackets
  • Fire suppression system for the generator room
  • Adequate fire extinguishers
  • Eprib
  • 12' Zodiac dinghy with 40 hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard
  • Adequate bilge pumps

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
12/18/25Price decreased$139,000(-24.9%)
5/20/25Initial price$185,000

Overview from around the web 1985 Nautical Development 56

Customers praise the 1985 Nautical Development 56 for its robust construction and classic design, highlighting its spacious and comfortable interior that makes extended voyages enjoyable

Many appreciate the boat's excellent sailing performance and stability, making it suitable for both cruising and offshore adventures. Owners often mention the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail evident throughout the vessel. Additionally, the layout is frequently noted for its practicality and ease of handling, contributing to a smooth and pleasurable sailing experience. Overall, the Nautical Development 56 from 1985 is valued for combining timeless style with reliable performance.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1985 Nautical Development 56 is a classic sailing yacht known for its robust construction and spacious design. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Solid Build Quality: Crafted with durable materials, the Nautical Development 56 offers excellent seaworthiness and longevity, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.

Spacious Interior: The yacht features a roomy layout with ample living and storage space, providing comfort for extended voyages and accommodating multiple guests.

Traditional Design: Its classic lines and timeless styling appeal to sailors who appreciate traditional aesthetics combined with functional performance.

Good Sailing Performance: The vessel handles well under sail, offering a balanced and stable ride in a variety of sea conditions.

Well-Equipped: Often equipped with reliable onboard systems and amenities that enhance safety and convenience during passages.

Cons

Age-Related Maintenance: Being a vessel from 1985, it may require more frequent upkeep or modernization of certain systems to meet current standards.

Heavier Weight: Compared to more modern designs, the Nautical Development 56 tends to be heavier, which can affect speed and maneuverability.

Outdated Electronics: Original navigation and onboard electronics may be outdated and could need upgrading to modern technology.

Limited Availability of Parts: Some specific components unique to this model might be harder to source, potentially leading to longer maintenance times.

Potential for Higher Operating Costs: Due to its size and vintage, operating expenses such as fuel, dockage, and insurance could be higher relative to smaller or newer boats.

Made For

The 1985 Nautical Development 56 is ideal for experienced sailors and cruising enthusiasts seeking a spacious and reliable yacht for extended voyages. Its robust design and ample accommodations make it well-suited for those who value comfort and performance on long-distance sailing adventures. Whether you're planning offshore passages or leisurely coastal cruises, this vessel offers the versatility and durability to meet the demands of serious sailors.

Contact David Walters Yachts

850 NE 3rd Street, Suite 209, Dania Beach, FL, 33004

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Suite 209
Dania Beach, FL 33004
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Whether buying your first yacht or selling to make way for the next adventure, David Walters Yachts will ensure fair winds throughout your yacht purchase or sales process. Our distinctive combination of on-the-water experience, innovative solutions, and dedication to our customers has made David Walters Yachts among the industry's most highly regarded and trusted yacht brokerages for over 40 years.

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