Here is a used-cruiser listing that looks worth a closer look for buyers who like capable, older sailing yachts with practical recent upgrades.
The listing is for LYDIA, a 1981 Yamaha 33 cruising yacht in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, advertised by Irwin Yachts on Apollo Duck at £16,500 and marked as price reduced. The Yamaha 33 is not as common in UK/European listings as the usual production cruisers, which makes this one a little more interesting for sailors who appreciate Japanese build quality and Norlin design influence.
What stood out:
• 33 ft monohull cruiser with 6 berths, diesel inboard, fin keel, and a traditional cruising interior.
• Yanmar 2GM20 reportedly completely rebuilt/overhauled in 2017, with related shaft/stern gear work noted.
• Standing rigging replaced in 2021.
• Fully battened mainsail and 115% furling headsail listed as new in 2022, plus asymmetric spinnaker and snuffer listed as new in 2024.
• Useful cruising equipment including AIS transponder/receiver, chartplotter, VHF DSC, Raymarine instruments, tiller pilot, 50W solar, shore-power charger, sprayhood, and a cockpit enclosure listed as new in 2023.
• The asking price is modest for a 33-foot cruising yacht with these stated upgrades, though any buyer should still survey carefully and verify the listing details.
This is not a claim that the boat is definitively a bargain, but it appears competitively positioned and could be interesting for a buyer seeking an affordable coastal cruiser with some passage-making potential and recent sail/rig/engine investment.
Original listing: https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/yamaha-33-for-sale/806279
Photo credit: Apollo Duck / Irwin Yachts listing image for the specific Yamaha 33 “LYDIA” listing. Source: Apollo Duck listing.