1988 Sceptre 41 Boat in Alameda, CA 94501 US
41
1 Engine (Yanmar)
41 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
If you are looking for a heavily built, performance-oriented cruising yacht the Sceptre should be at the top of your list. This exceptional design blends serious blue water capability with modern comforts, earning it a featured spot in Ferenc Máté's renowned book, The World's Best Sailboats.
This boat features a Leisure Furl Boom along with a full inside steering station with engine controls for foul-weather passage-making, a deep and secure cockpit protected by a glass windscreen, a convenient step-through transom, and a separate stall shower below deck. Built for reliable performance, she features a keel-stepped mast with robust rod rigging, a skeg-hung rudder, and an efficient cutter rig.
Market Opportunity & Value
This particular vessel represents an extraordinary value for an astute buyer. It is one of only two Sceptre's currently on the market and is priced well. The seller is highly motivated and actively encourages offers. While she requires some straightforward cosmetic updating, her interior is in beautiful condition, and she shows very well overall.
Key Performance & Design Strengths
Pioneering Raised-Saloon Layout: The Sceptre 41 was ahead of its time, incorporating large salon windows that provide a panoramic view while seated inside. This allows you to sit at the galley or dinette and enjoy the scenery while remaining completely protected from cold or wet weather.
True Secondary Interior Helm: Unlike many modern boats that rely solely on an exterior cockpit, the Sceptre 41 features a dedicated navigation station and a second steering station below deck. It is a favorite choice for upper-latitude cruising (like the Pacific Northwest or Alaska) because you can pilot the vessel from the warmth of the cabin.
Robust Offshore Specs: Built with a solid fiberglass hull and an 8,000 lb ballast ratio, it has an excellent comfort ratio (30.12) and capsize screening index (1.83), making it incredibly stable, stiff, and safe for heavy ocean crossings
The interior joinery is crafted from solid oiled teak and rich teak veneers. The overhead features removable white vinyl over marine ply, accented by teak battens. Teak handrails are strategically placed along the overhead and port side for safety. The cabin sole is finished in solid teak and holly over marine plywood. For comfort and convenience, 110V outlets, overhead lighting, and reading lights are installed throughout the vessel.
Master Stateroom (Forward)
The accommodation begins forward with a private master stateroom featuring an offset double berth. This space is well-appointed with dedicated reading lights and an overhead light. Storage is abundant, with shelves running along the hull sides below the deck, three drawers built into the berth base, and a very large hanging locker to port, adjacent to the doorway. A small dressing seat is also located to port. Natural light and excellent ventilation are provided by two opening hull ports and a large overhead hatch. The master stateroom enjoys direct, ensuite access to the head and shower.
Passageway & Head
Moving aft, a passageway leads toward the raised salon. To starboard is the head and separate shower compartment. The forward-positioned shower features a classic teak grating, a shower curtain, and an overhead light; it includes a dedicated seat for showering underway, though the compartment offers ample headroom for standing. The head is elegantly trimmed in varnished teak and equipped with a sink, mirror, storage cabinets, teak towel bars, and a teak sole grating. Opposite to port, the passageway maximizes space with highly organized storage, including two drawers, two lockers, and an additional hanging locker.
Raised Salon & Navigation Station
The raised salon area is located up one step. To starboard, a U-shaped dinette is positioned on a raised platform, affording excellent outside visibility while seated. Ample storage drawers, lockers, and cabinets are integrated outboard and beneath the settee. To port, the interior helm station features a pedestal chair that provides clear, forward-facing views over the bow for standing watch inside. An electrical gauge and switch panel is located outboard of the helm. Immediately aft of the helm sits the navigation station, complete with a swiveling armchair, chart table, chart drawer, and dedicated storage cabinets. A hanging wet locker with a drain to the bilge is conveniently located aft of the starboard dinette.
Galley & Aft Stateroom
The companionway is flanked by the galley to port and a fully enclosed aft stateroom to starboard. This private aft space is equipped with its own sink, mirror, two reading lights, an overhead light, and a hanging locker.
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Cutter rigged with Harken furling jib and staysail, aluminum mast, rod rigging and Leisure Furl in-boom main. Hood sails replaced in 2007 and are reportedly in good to very good shape. Two Lewmar #52 winches, single Lewmar #44, twoLewmar #43, two Lewmar #40s, single Lewmar OP2, all winches are self-tailing, lines lead aft thru nine Spinlock rope clutches. Forespar rigid boom vang, Harken mainsheet with traveler.
Hand laid cored FRP hull with cored decks, fin keel with lead ballast and skeg hung rudder, hull color is oyster white withmaroon boot and cove stripes . Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits, step-thru transom with teak swim platform withstainless steel swim ladder, stainless steel stanchions with double lifelines, Maxwell/Nilsson electric windlass, six 10"mooring cleats.
Slotted aluminum toerail
Swim step
Edson binnacle and engine controls
Teak cockpit table
(6) mooring cleats
Maxwell 1500 Windlass
Bruce 20kg anchor
Lewmar traveler
Genoa tracks
headsail furler
staysail furler
(2) Lewmar 43 winches on mast
(4) Spinlock 0814 stoppers on mast
(2) Lewmar 52 ST primary winches
Spinlock stopper for headsail furling
(2) Lewmar 30ST winches on cabintop
Lewmar 40ST on cabintop
Lewmar 40ST electric on cabintop
Lewmar extendable whisker pole
(3) 13” Lewmar hatches
4’10” Lewmar foredeck hatch
Multiple harness attachment points in cockpit
(2) Fusion Speakers in cockpit
(10) Spinlock stoppers on cabintop
(4) Spinlock stoppers on mast
(4) Dorade vents
Manual bilge pump in cockpit (needs repair)
Dickinson Sea-B-Que
Speakers in cockpit
Raytheon R40 radar, Robertson AP2000 autopilot, B&G Hornet 4 wind speed/direction, depth and speed, Icom MC-502VHF radio. Electronics seem to be functional but the are dated. Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo
110V AC / 12V DC. Thirty amp shorepower connection
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 10/5/26 | Initial price | $154,900 |
1988 Sceptre 41 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1988 Sceptre 41
The 1988 Sceptre 41 has garnered positive feedback from boaters and sailing enthusiasts alike
Many reviews highlight its strong build quality and sturdy construction, which contribute to its reliability on the water. Owners appreciate the spacious interior layout that maximizes comfort, making it ideal for long voyages and family trips. Sailing performance is another frequently commended aspect, with users noting its balanced handling and ability to perform well in various conditions. The generous beam and well-designed hull contribute to stability, making it a preferred choice for cruising enthusiasts. Additionally, the ample storage space and functional galley have received praise, allowing for easier living onboard. Overall, the 1988 Sceptre 41 is recognized for its blend of durability, comfort, and sailing prowess, making it a beloved vessel among those who value quality cruising experiences.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of the 1988 Sceptre 41
Pros
Solid Construction: The Sceptre 41 is known for its robust build quality, often constructed with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity.
Excellent Sailing Performance: With a well-designed hull shape, this yacht offers great performance under sail, making it suitable for both cruising and racing.
Spacious Interior: The layout typically features a roomy interior with ample storage space, comfortable living areas, and a functional galley, ideal for long voyages.
Designed for Comfort: Many models come with thoughtful touches, such as good ventilation, large windows for natural light, and comfortable seating, enhancing the onboard experience.
Good Reputation: The Sceptre brand has a solid reputation among sailors for building reliable and capable vessels, adding to the resale value and desirability of the 41.
Strong Legacy: Being part of a respected lineage, the 1988 model benefits from years of design refinement and user feedback, leading to practical features that enhance usability.
Cons
Maintenance Requirements: Like many older boats, the Sceptre 41 may require ongoing maintenance to keep it in top sailing condition, especially if it hasn’t been regularly updated.
Older Technology: As a vessel from 1988, some systems and features may not be as modern or efficient compared to newer boats, potentially requiring upgrades or replacements.
Weight: The solid construction can lead to a heavier vessel, which may be a disadvantage in terms of speed and performance in certain wind conditions.
Limited Availability of Parts: Depending on the extent of modifications or changes made over the years, finding specific replacement parts may be more challenging than with newer models.
Interior Layout: While spacious, the layout may not suit everyone’s preferences, with older designs sometimes feeling dated or less practical compared to contemporary standards.
Fuel Efficiency: Depending on the model and engine installed, fuel efficiency may not be as optimized as newer yachts, leading to potentially higher operational costs.
Made For
The 1988 Sceptre 41 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a robust and capable vessel. This boat is ideal for those who seek adventure on the open waters, offering excellent performance for both cruising and racing. Whether you are an experienced sailor or looking to expand your horizons, the Sceptre 41 appeals to individuals who value craftsmanship and seaworthiness. Its spacious interior and comfortable living quarters make it suitable for families and couples seeking leisurely weekend getaways or extended voyages. The well-thought-out design ensures ample storage and functionality, catering to both practical needs and comfort on longer trips. For those who appreciate classic design combined with modern sailing performance, the Sceptre 41 is a perfect choice. It’s a vessel that resonates with those who seek quality, durability, and the ultimate sailing experience.
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1988 Sceptre 41 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $154,900 | $159,000 | $169,000 | $115,000 | $89,000 | $229,000 |
| Location | Alameda | San Diego | San Diego | Emeryville | Long Beach | Alameda |
| Nominal Length | 41' | 49' | 51' | 43' | 35' | 42' |
| Beam | 13' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 6' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar | Universal | Westerbeke |
| Total Engine Power | - | 75 hp | 75 hp | 65 hp | 35 hp | 44 hp |
| Days on Market | 1 | 259 | 96 | 59 | 45 | 69 |
| Get in touch |
Meet the Broker

Address
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Boat Location
Contact Seattle Yachts - Alameda about 1988 Sceptre 41
1070 Marina Village Pkwy, Suite 104, CA, 94501















































