Location: The Anchorage

1994 Bluewater Cruising Yachts RS400 "Moana"

A Proven Joe Adams Design with Major Mechanical Upgrades and Genuine Bluewater Pedigree

Designed by renowned Australian naval architect Joe Adams, Moana is the original Bluewater Cruising Yachts RS400, combining the proven Adams 40 hull with the sought-after Raised Saloon (RS) configuration.

According to the owner, Moana was the first RS400 built by Bluewater Cruising Yachts at Lake Macquarie. The RS400 evolved from the highly regarded Adams 40 design, with the raised saloon providing exceptional natural light, panoramic visibility from the dinette and excellent ventilation, all while retaining the timeless lines and offshore capability that have made these yachts so respected among Australian cruising sailors.

Today, the design continues to evolve as the RS420, a testament to the enduring success of this capable Australian cruiser.

Built for serious passagemaking, the RS400 features a solid fibreglass hull with a fully integrated keel and substantial lead ballast, delivering the strength, stability and sea-keeping qualities these yachts have become renowned for. Several sister ships have completed circumnavigations, while Moana herself has circumnavigated Tasmania and completed multiple extended South Pacific voyages.

The spacious centre cockpit is finished in teak and offers a safe, practical working environment with Barient self-tailing winches, an electric cabin-top winch, folding cockpit table and excellent storage, making her equally suited to short-handed sailing or extended cruising.

Below deck, the raised saloon creates an inviting living space filled with natural light. The elevated dinette enjoys excellent views while the inline galley is equipped with twin stainless-steel sinks, eutectic refrigeration and a four-burner gas stove with oven.

Accommodation comprises:

* Forward owner's cabin with offset double berth and private ensuite
* Aft guest cabin with double berth and ensuite
* Port aft single cabin adjacent to the navigation station
* Generous storage throughout for extended cruising

A standout feature of Moana is the significant investment made in her major systems.

Approximately $100,000 has been invested in recent years, including:

* 2019 Yanmar 4JH5E 54HP shaft-drive diesel with new gearbox (approximately 140 hours)
* Comprehensive mast removal and professional rigging refit completed by Riggtech Pittwater in 2022
* New standing rigging
* New running rigging
* New spreaders, sheaves and boom vang
* New headsail furler
* Complete mast rewiring including navigation lights
* Deck hardware and Spinlock upgrades

For additional peace of mind, the vessel is currently scheduled to receive:

* Fresh haul out and antifoul (completion expected July 2026)
* New permanent shaft seal
* Helm steering chain repair

With fuel capacity exceeding 450 litres and freshwater capacity of over 700 litres, Moana is exceptionally well equipped for extended coastal cruising and offshore passages.

While Moana would benefit from some cosmetic refreshing, the expensive mechanical, propulsion and rigging upgrades have already been completed. For buyers seeking a genuine Australian bluewater cruiser with proven cruising credentials and outstanding structural foundations, this represents exceptional value.

Highlights

* Joe Adams-designed Bluewater Cruising Yachts RS400
* Raised Saloon configuration
* Proven offshore cruising pedigree
* 2019 Yanmar 54HP diesel with new gearbox
* Approximately 140 engine hours
* Extensive rigging replacement completed in 2022
* Haul out and antifoul to be completed prior to sale
* New permanent shaft seal to be fitted
* Steering chain repair to be completed
* Teak cockpit and side decks
* Three-cabin, two-bathroom layout
* Over 450L fuel capacity
* Over 700L freshwater capacity
* Solar panels
* Muir electric anchor winch
* Garmin GPS, Autohelm autopilot and GME VHF

Currently lying at The Anchorage Marina, Corlette, NSW, Moana presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a proven Australian cruising yacht with many of the major capital upgrades already completed.