Davie 51.5m Explorer Yacht for Sale in Panama City, Panama

Crafted by the renowned Canadian shipyard Davie Shipbuilding, this 51.5-metre full displacement explorer yacht presents a rare and highly distinctive acquisition opportunity for buyers who value proven heavy-duty construction, historic pedigree, vast onboard volume, and recent refit-backed usability. Originally delivered in 1960 and comprehensively refitted in 2023, the vessel combines heritage engineering with modern improvements, creating an ocean-capable platform suitable for private expedition use, conversion-led lifestyle ownership, or commercial charter and hospitality concepts. With a gross tonnage of 683 GT, steel hull and steel superstructure construction, and a full displacement form originally engineered for light icebreaking conditions, she offers an unusually robust foundation in this size category.

Construction, Structural Strength & Explorer Character

The yacht measures 51.5 metres in length overall, with a beam of 10.85 metres and a draft of 3.05 metres, giving her substantial internal space, reassuring stability, and the physical presence expected of a serious explorer platform. Built entirely in steel, including both hull and superstructure, she reflects a design philosophy centred on endurance, resilience, and real-world offshore capability rather than decorative excess. Her blue hull and white superstructure create a timeless expedition profile, while the four-deck arrangement provides excellent separation between guest spaces, operational areas, and exterior leisure zones. The steel decks further reinforce the vessel’s heavy-duty construction and suitability for demanding cruising conditions. Built under Lloyd’s Register technical standards, she carries the added reassurance of recognised quality and long-term structural credibility.

Propulsion, Machinery & Long-Range Cruising

Power is provided by twin Fairbanks-Morse 38D8 1/8 diesel engines, each producing 640 horsepower, for a combined output of 1,280 horsepower through a twin-screw propulsion setup. These engines are well known for durability and longevity, and significant overhauls undertaken during the 2023 refit have helped renew their operational appeal. The yacht reaches a maximum speed of 12 knots and cruises comfortably at around 10 knots, delivering an approximate range of 5,000 nautical miles at economic speed. Fuel capacity is listed at 71,923 litres, while freshwater storage totals 22,712 litres, supporting long periods away from port infrastructure. Underway stabilisers improve comfort in open-water conditions, and the refit also addressed upgraded generators, modernised machinery components, and noise-reduction considerations that contribute to smoother and more efficient onboard operation.

Engineering & Technical Upgrades

The engineering arrangement includes well-maintained engine mounts, cooling systems, fuel filtration units, and exhaust systems appropriate for long-duration cruising. The yacht’s mechanical and support systems were updated as part of the recent refit to reinforce her readiness for immediate operation and reduce the burden of early-stage post-purchase works. Given her origin and construction standard, this is a vessel with a fundamentally strong technical backbone, and the recent overhaul work adds meaningful value for buyers looking for an explorer platform with genuine seagoing substance rather than purely cosmetic appeal.

Accommodation, Interior Space & Conversion Appeal

The yacht offers accommodation for up to 20 guests across 10 cabins, including a dedicated owner’s suite and multiple double guest cabins. This unusually high guest capacity is one of the vessel’s strongest selling points, especially for buyers considering large family use, hospitality-style operation, or commercial charter deployment. Crew accommodation supports up to 12 personnel across 4 cabins, including a dedicated captain’s cabin, allowing for the service structure required by a yacht of this scale and character. The interior, originally reimagined during a major 1993 conversion and further improved through later upgrades, combines practicality, warmth, and classic maritime presence. Rich cherry wood panelling adds depth and character, while large windows introduced during later works bring in natural light and improve the onboard atmosphere. The main salon is notably spacious, formed by combining multiple compartments into a large central social area with entertainment systems and conference-style seating. The dining salon accommodates up to 12 guests and is supported by built-in storage suitable for formal service and longer guest stays.

Exterior Areas, Helipad & Lifestyle Amenities

Exterior spaces are generous and versatile, spread across multiple decks that support sunbathing, guest gatherings, expedition-style use, and operational activities. A helipad greatly enhances the yacht’s accessibility and remote-destination potential, making her especially attractive to buyers who prioritise self-sufficiency and expedition flexibility. Storage areas for tenders and water sports gear further increase her versatility. Additional onboard amenities include a fully equipped gym, jacuzzi, and full air conditioning throughout, ensuring the vessel offers not only structural seriousness but also the comfort standards expected by modern owners and guests. The overall balance between explorer capability and guest lifestyle value is one of this yacht’s defining strengths.

Navigation, Safety, Registry & Acquisition

The yacht is equipped with key navigation and operational systems including radar, GPS, autopilot, AIS, chart plotters, and communications equipment to support safe global cruising. Safety remains a core consideration, with fire suppression systems, bilge pumps, and life-saving gear maintained in accordance with maritime regulations. Registered under the Panama flag, the vessel offers a familiar and internationally recognised ownership framework. Her history, which includes conversion from a government service vessel to a luxury yacht followed by continuous upgrades, makes her especially distinctive in the market. Prospective buyers are encouraged to undertake detailed inspections, a professional survey, and sea trial as part of the purchase process. Standard brokerage structures would generally include negotiated terms, escrow handling, deposit arrangements, and coordinated handover or relocation based on the buyer’s plans.

Purchase Opportunity

This Davie explorer yacht stands out as a rare, high-volume, ocean-capable platform with real structural pedigree, light ice-capable origins, extensive guest accommodation, and a major 2023 refit. For buyers seeking a vessel with character, substance, and genuine long-range explorer appeal, she offers a market position that is difficult to replicate. Enquiries are invited from serious buyers wishing to explore specifications, survey arrangements, and acquisition terms.