1979 Spencer 53 Boat in Anacortes, WA 98221 US
Built in 1979
53
1 Engine (Ford Lehman)
53 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Extremely strongly built and renowned for seaworthiness, this 1979 Spencer World Cruiser is a proven blue-water yacht-having already completed a trip to New Zealand under her original owner. Following an extensive $135,000 refit (2023-2025), she is fully equipped and updated for long-range cruising or immediate liveaboard comfort.
Featuring a versatile ketch rig, bulletproof Ford-Lehman 80 HP diesel, brand-new Garmin navigation suite, watermaker, and massive autonomy (360 gal fuel / 260 gal water), this vessel offers rare peace of mind for exploring the Sound or setting off around the world.
Vessel Specifications at a Glance
Builder / Year: Spencer Yachts / 1979
Rig: Flexible Ketch Rig with releasable inner forestay
Engine: Ford-Lehman 80 HP Diesel (New starter Oct 2025)
Generators & Solar: Onan 4.5 kW Generator, Wind Generator, Solar Panel
Accommodations: 3 Private Sleeping Cabins
Tankage: 360 Gallons Fuel | 260 Gallons Water (Tanks cleaned & treated)
Tender: New 10' 6" Highfield RIB Dinghy with stern outboard bracket
Condition: Very Good Condition, recent survey, offshore life raft recertified (06/25)
Detailed Equipment & Systems Breakdown1. Navigation & Electronics
Primary MFD: New Garmin GPSMAP 62 MFD Chartplotter (Dual station setup: Helm and Nav Station)
Radar: Furuno LS4100 Radar package with new Garmin Radar integration
Autopilot: W-H Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Autopilot
Comms: Standard Horizon VHF & Kenwood SSB Radio (for long-range offshore comms)
Safety: ACR EPIRB (New battery, valid to 2035)
2. Electrical & Power Generation
AC Generator: Onan 4.5 kW Generator (Installed in 2023-2025 refit)
Renewables: Wind Generator & Solar Panel system
House Battery Bank: 4 × Trojan 6V deep-cycle batteries
Engine Start Bank: 4 × Trojan 6V batteries (New dedicated start battery & system)
Inverter / Charger: 3000-Watt Xantrex Inverter with 80-Amp Xantrex Battery Charger
System Protection: Guest Galvanic Isolator, new wiring harness from helm to engine room, and new battery charger/wiring installation
3. Rigging, Sails & Deck Hardware
Sails: Brand-New Mainsail, New Roller Furling 140% Headsail
Rigging Upgrades: Masts & standing rigging professionally tuned, inspected Norseman swageless fittings, new running rigging
Mainsail System: New Tides Marine Strong Track installed on main mast for easy hoisting/dousing
Heavy Weather Support: Releasable inner forestay with new Staysail Quick-Disconnect
Mast Hardware: New mast seal, new folding mast climbing steps, new tri-color LED nav & steaming light
Canvas: Custom Dodger & outboard motor bracket mounted on stern pulpits
Galley / Deck: Stern-rail mounted BBQ grill
4. Ground Tackle & Anchoring
Windlass: Heavy-duty Electric Anchor Windlass
Primary Anchor: Plow Anchor with 250 ft of 1/2" Chain
Stern / Kedge Anchor: Danforth Stern Anchor with dedicated chain/line rode
5. Mechanical, Plumbing & Safety
Engine: Ford-Lehman 80 HP Diesel with brand-new starter (10/2025)
Fresh Water: Onboard Watermaker, new water heater, new high-capacity fresh water pump, cleaned and sanitized water tanks
Hull & Thru-Hulls: Fresh bottom paint, 3 new thru-hulls and valves installed
Offshore Safety: Recertified Offshore Life Raft (06/2025), recertified fire extinguishers (06/2025)
Security: All companionway and deck locks re-keyed
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 11/11/25 | Initial price | $129,000 |
1979 Spencer 53 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1979 Spencer 53
Customers praise the 1979 Spencer 53 for its classic design and robust construction, highlighting its spacious interior and excellent sailing performance
Many appreciate the boat’s solid build quality and timeless aesthetic, noting that it offers a comfortable and stable ride even in challenging conditions. Owners often mention the ample storage and well-thought-out layout, making it ideal for extended cruising. Overall, the Spencer 53 from 1979 is valued for combining traditional craftsmanship with reliable functionality.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1979 Spencer 53 is a classic sailing yacht known for its robust construction and timeless design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this vessel:
Pros
Sturdy Build: Crafted with strong materials typical of the late 1970s, the Spencer 53 offers durability and reliability for long voyages.
Spacious Interior: The 53-foot length provides ample living space, making it comfortable for extended cruising with family or guests.
Traditional Design: Its classic lines and rigging appeal to sailors who appreciate vintage aesthetics combined with functional sailing performance.
Good Seaworthiness: Designed for offshore passages, the Spencer 53 holds up well in various sea conditions, offering a stable and secure ride.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a vessel from 1979, some mechanical and electrical systems may be outdated and require modernization or repairs.
Maintenance Intensive: Classic yachts like the Spencer 53 often demand regular upkeep to maintain hull integrity and rigging.
Less Modern Amenities: Compared to contemporary sailboats, it may lack some modern conveniences and technological advancements in navigation and comfort.
Potential for Higher Operating Costs: Due to its age and size, fuel, parts, and maintenance can be more costly compared to newer or smaller vessels.
Made For
The 1979 Spencer 53 is ideal for experienced sailors and cruising enthusiasts who value classic craftsmanship and robust performance. Designed for those seeking a spacious and well-built vessel, this yacht is perfect for extended offshore voyages or comfortable coastal cruising, offering a blend of traditional design and reliable handling.
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 1979 Spencer 53 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $129,000 | $129,000 | $139,000 | $149,500 | $99,000 | $75,000 |
| Location | Anacortes | Bellingham | Olympia | Anacortes | Tacoma | Seattle |
| Nominal Length | 53' | 53' | 44' | 47' | 38' | 53' |
| Beam | 13' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 7' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Ford Lehman | Ford Lehman | Ford | Yanmar | Beta | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | 80 hp | 80 hp | 120 hp | 62 hp | 50 hp | 75 hp |
| Days on Market | 357 | 332 | 333 | 167 | 183 | 70 |
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Other 1979 Spencer 53 For Sale in Washington, United States
Other Spencer 53 boats for sale in Washington, United States
Other Spencer boats for sale in Washington, United States
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Boat Location
Contact Seattle Yachts - Anacortes about 1979 Spencer 53
1019 Q Ave, Ste A & B, Anacortes, WA, 98221
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