1979 Roberts 54
$225,000
Boat in San Diego, CA 92106 US
Built in 1979
54
1 Engine (Ford Lehman)
54 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Introducing the "Spirit," a remarkable 55-foot Center Cockpit sailboat crafted by Roberts in 1979. This used vessel boasts a robust fiberglass hull with a fin keel, ensuring stability and performance on the water. Powered by a reliable Ford Lehman 4D-254 diesel engine, delivering 80 horsepower, it has logged 1450 hours, showcasing its dependable nature for cruising adventures. The Spirit features two heads, enhancing comfort for all aboard. With a maximum hull speed of 8 knots, it promises an exhilarating sailing experience. The thoughtful design includes a well-equipped accommodation area, perfect for relaxation after a day of sailing. This boat is not just a vessel; it's an invitation to explore the open waters with confidence and style. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended voyage, the Spirit is ready to deliver unforgettable memories on the sea.
54' Roberts 54 '79 "Spirit"
This is a perfect opportunity to purchase a Coast Guard certified vessel with C.O.I (Certificate of Inspection) certifying her for use with (27) passengers while under sail or (42) passengers while under power only.
SPIRIT is a rugged bluewater vessel designed with comfort and safety in mind and has been nicely upgraded through the years.
Forward peak space is used as cabin locker. Next aft is marine head which is shared by the two guest cabins that follow. The port cabin has two over-and-under bunk beds while the starboard cabin has a large double berth. Next aft is the huge main salon with a settee/berth to port, a U-shaped dinette to starboard and a center-line coal-burning stove/heater completing the warm ambiance of the interior of this vessel. The U-shaped galley is to starboard of the center-line engine compartment, while to port is a walk-through workshop which accesses the aft stateroom. The aft stateroom is laid out with drawers, hanging lockers, a double berth to starboard, a forward-facing navigation station and an enclosed head with shower to port.
(2) well-insulated ice boxes
Domestic upright refrigerator/freezer
3-burner Magic Chef propane stove with oven
LPG solenoid shut-off valve
Sharp Carousel microwave oven
Pressure water system
(2) water heaters (new 2020)
Deep double stainless steel sinks
Ample storage throughout
Garmin wind speed and direction
Garmin speed and distance logs
Garmin depth sounder
Garmin autopilot with hydraulic drive
3” Ritchie compass on binnacle
2” Airguide compass at nav station
Garmin GPS
Garmin radar
President 711 VHF radio
Horizon Intrepid VHF
Icom IC-M70 SSB radio
Seth Thomas clock and barometer
Onkyo surround sound system with audio receiver control
Interior and exterior speakers in cockpit and on spreaders
12V DC and 110V AC
(10) 12V gel cell house batteries
(2) 12V wet cell engine batteries
Battery parallel switch
Battery monitor
Magnum Sine 2000W inverter/charger
Shore power cord
Spark-proof main battery selector switches
Custom automatic circuit safety system
50# CQR anchor with 50’ 5/16” chain and 300’ rode
(2) spare anchors:
25# Danforth
75# Northill
Maxwell 2200 electric windlass
Hard top dodger with snap-on vinyl wind/spray protection (New)
Anchor and steaming lights
Deck light
Running lights
Spreader light
Bow pulpit
Lifelines and stanchions
Bow pulpit and stanchions all meet Coast Guard 36” minimum height requirements
Dock lines and fenders
Dinghy davits
Swim ladder
Actual LOA: 55’
Last bottom paint 3/2023
White Linear Polyurethane paint on fiberglass hull
Cut-away forefoot keel with skeg-hung rudder
Encapsulated lead ballast
Wire standing rigging
Aluminum deck-stepped mizzen mast
Aluminum keel-stepped main mast
Mainsheet traveler
Harken roller furling on headsail (New 2018)
Winches:
(2) Barlow 32 two-speed self-tailing primary winches
(2) Barient 21 two-speed halyard winches in cockpit
Barlow 28 two-speed mainsheet winch
Arco 6 mizzen halyard winch
Barlow 28 and Arco 40 utility winches at base of main mast
Sails:
Main sail with Stack Pack
Mizzen sail with Stack Pack
Roller-furling jib
Mast, mizzen and booms unstepped, painted and all re-rigged with new Harken roller furling jib and Stack Packs in 2018
22”x17”solid bronze prop
Yacht Thruster bow thruster
Emergency engine stop
Engine alarm
Fuel filter
Raw water sea strainer
Cockpit engine controls
Thermal and acoustic engine area insulation
Halon automatic engine fire extinguishing
(1) manual and (2) electric bilge pumps
Hydraulic wheel steering with new upgraded pump
(2) VacuFlush heads
(2) 25-gal holding tanks (New 2020)
(44) life jackets
(4) fire extinguishers
Survitec SAS 30-person inflatable life raft
Bell, horn and whistle
Emergency tiller
EPIRB
Flares
LifeSling
Coast Guard-approved safety package
All seller’s personal effects on board are excluded from the sale of this vessel.
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
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/28/25 | Initial price | $225,000 |
Overview from around the web 1979 Roberts 54
Customers praise the 1979 Roberts 54 for its classic design and exceptional craftsmanship
Many highlight its spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for extended cruising. Owners appreciate the solid build quality and reliable performance, noting that the boat handles well in various sea conditions. The timeless style and attention to detail continue to attract enthusiasts who value both form and function in a cruising yacht. Overall, the Roberts 54 from 1979 is celebrated for combining elegance with seaworthiness, earning strong recommendations from those who have experienced it firsthand.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1979 Roberts 54 is a classic ketch that offers a blend of traditional craftsmanship and robust performance, making it a favored choice among long-distance cruisers. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this venerable yacht:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with a heavy displacement fiberglass hull and often featuring a full keel, the Roberts 54 is known for its durability and seaworthiness in challenging offshore conditions.
Spacious Interior: The generous beam and thoughtful layout provide ample living space, including multiple cabins and a well-equipped galley, ideal for extended voyages or liveaboard comfort.
Traditional Aesthetics: Its classic lines and teak woodwork appeal to sailors who appreciate timeless design and craftsmanship.
Good Seaworthiness: The ketch rig offers versatile sail plans, making it easier to handle in varying wind conditions and contributing to balanced sailing performance.
Strong Community and Support: Being a well-known design, there is a network of owners and experts familiar with maintenance and upgrades.
Cons
Weight and Speed: The Roberts 54 is relatively heavy and not designed for speed, which means passages may take longer compared to lighter, more modern yachts.
Maintenance Requirements: The traditional wooden trim and older systems may require more upkeep and attention, potentially increasing maintenance time and costs.
Outdated Systems: Depending on the specific vessel, some onboard systems (electrical, plumbing, navigation) might be outdated and in need of modernization.
Limited Maneuverability: The full keel and ketch rig can make tight maneuvering in marinas more challenging compared to fin keel or sloop-rigged yachts.
Availability of Parts: Some specialized components or fittings for this classic model may be harder to source.
Made For
The 1979 Roberts 54 is ideal for experienced sailors or cruising enthusiasts seeking a classic, sturdy, and spacious yacht. Its design and build make it well-suited for long-distance voyages, comfortable liveaboard experiences, and those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship combined with reliable performance on the water. Whether for extended cruising or leisurely coastal sailing, the Roberts 54 offers a timeless choice for sailors who value quality and seaworthiness.
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Yachtfinders Windseakers
2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106
Login with Google
