Sloop

1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500

“Snowmane”

Norfolk, Virginia, United States

$110,000New Listing

Specifications

Year

1990

Length

50'

Beam

15'

Draft

Cabins

Heads

Sleeps

Cruise Speed

9 kts

Hull

Fiberglass

Fuel Type

Diesel

Engines

Make	Model	Power	Fuel	Year	Hours
Perkins	4-236	— HP	Diesel	—	5500.00

Broker Overview

The 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500, 'Snowmane,' represents a compelling opportunity for a serious cruising enthusiast. This 50-foot sloop, currently asking $110,000, offers exceptional value given its recent upgrades and proven offshore capability. Having just completed a transatlantic cruise, she is equipped with significant enhancements made in 2024, including Starlink, AIS, a Raymarine Axiom 9 Chartplotter, and a Hydrovane wind-powered autopilot. These additions, made to meet ARC safety requirements, underscore her robust nature and readiness for further blue water passages. Her five-cabin, five-head layout provides ample accommodation, making her suitable for larger families or charter operations. The shallow draft is a practical advantage for exploring areas like the Bahamas. While the Perkins 4-236 engine is a reliable workhorse, its 78hp output means she's a sailboat first, relying on her sails for primary propulsion. The inclusion of an 8hp bow thruster aids maneuvering in tight quarters. This vessel is priced aggressively for a quick sale, reflecting a clear understanding of the market and her current location in Norfolk, VA. For a buyer prioritizing space, proven cruising capability, and recent navigational upgrades at an accessible price point, 'Snowmane' warrants serious consideration.

Why This Boat Stands Out

Proven Transatlantic Cruiser: Recently completed a significant offshore voyage.

Extensive 2024 Upgrades: Equipped for ARC, including Starlink, AIS, and Hydrovane.

Exceptional Value: Priced well below market, especially considering recent investments.

Spacious 5-Cabin/5-Head Layout: Ideal for large crews, families, or potential charter.

Shallow Draft: Enhances access to desirable cruising grounds.

Ideal For

Long-Range CruisingLiveaboardFamily CruisingIsland HoppingOffshore Sailing

Expert Review

The Beneteau Oceanis 500 is a well-regarded production cruiser from the early 90s, known for its voluminous interior and comfortable accommodations. This particular 1990 model, 'Snowmane,' benefits significantly from its recent owner's investment in critical offshore equipment and electronics, validating its suitability for serious cruising. Build quality for this era of Beneteau is generally robust, featuring solid fiberglass hulls below the waterline. Her sea-keeping abilities are respectable for a boat of her size and type, offering a stable platform for passage making. The Perkins 4-236 is a reliable, if not powerful, engine; its longevity is often tied to diligent maintenance. Given her age, a thorough pre-purchase survey is paramount, focusing on deck core integrity, standing rigging, rudder bearings, and the condition of all through-hulls. Engine hours and maintenance records will be critical. Comparables might include similar vintage Jeanneau or Bavaria models, but few will offer this level of recent upgrades and proven offshore readiness at this price point. This vessel represents a strong value proposition for a buyer ready to cruise immediately.

Owner Sentiment

Very Good

Owners typically praise the Oceanis 500 for its comfortable accommodations and solid cruising performance, making it a popular choice for liveaboards and long-distance voyagers.

Strengths

Spacious and comfortable interior for extended stays.Good sailing performance in a variety of conditions.Relatively shallow draft for its size, expanding cruising options.Robust construction for offshore reliability.

Considerations

Older models may require significant upkeep on original systems.Maneuvering can be challenging without a bow thruster.Production boat finishes may show wear over time.

Full Listing Description

^{Snowmane is a 1990 Beneteau Oceanis 500 in good condition. The current, and 3rd, owner's Have cruised with their family for a year starting in Greece. In 2024 the new owners added Starlink, AIS, Raymarine Axium 9 Chartplotter, Tri-color light for mast head, 6 person life raft, Hydrovane wind powered auto pilot and much more, to meet or exceed all requirements to participate in the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) Which has among the highest safety requirements. They also added the new Axiom9 Chartplotter and Memory foam toppers in all 4 main cabins.}

^{Snowmane is powered by a 78hp Perkins 4-236 diesel engine with folding prop and three alternators. She has a shallow enough draft to cruise all of the popular spots in the Bahamas. Snowmane features an 8hp Bow Thruster, 2 independent refrigerators compressors, Starlink, and a full suite of navigational electronics. She has 5 private staterooms, 1 foreword crew cabin and 4 in the main cabin. each cabin has a head. She has always been privately owned. The previous owners owned her for 20 years. In addition to all the equipment, there is a large inventory of spare parts and tools for nearly everything on board, as well as a large inventory of fasteners and hardware. Snowmane has just arrived from a year-long cruise across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean and Bahamas and lies, ready to continue, in Norfolk VA. She is priced, for quick sale, well below market value before her 2024 upgrade.}

Please see the full listing for all the details, photos and video.

Yacht Access is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Curtis Stokes & Associates. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel

Notable Upgrades

Starlink, Hydrovane wind-powered auto-pilot, Raymarine Axium 9 Chartplotter, 6 person life raft, "Danboy" MOB pole, 2hp Yamaha Outboard

Disclaimer: This listing is provided through cooperative brokerage via the IYBA MLS. The listing broker is Curtis Stokes & Associates (Lars Bergstrom). Yacht Access is acting as a buyer's broker and can assist you with this purchase.