2004 Schöchl Sunbeam 42 DS, EUR 219,000

The Sunbeam 42 DS was developed by the Austrian Schöchl shipyard as a cruising yacht that continues to be highly regarded for its outstanding build quality, well-thought-out design, and comfortable sailing characteristics. For decades, Schöchl has earned an excellent reputation for building solid, carefully crafted yachts where the focus is not on maximizing interior volume, but on achieving a balanced combination of comfort, safety, and enjoyable sailing performance. One of the defining features of the 42 DS is its bright deck saloon, which floods the interior with natural light while allowing unobstructed views outside even when seated—a concept that makes a noticeable difference, especially during extended cruising.

The “Africa” offered here is an excellent example of the potential this yacht has to offer. Over many years, her current owner has continuously refined and upgraded the yacht with a clear focus on practical improvements. Rather than simply adding more equipment, investments were made where they genuinely increased onboard comfort, simplified handling, and enhanced independence while cruising. The result is a yacht with a well-integrated equipment package whose systems work together seamlessly.

A particular emphasis was placed on making the yacht as easy to handle as possible. Many tasks that traditionally require significant physical effort or a larger crew aboard a classic cruising yacht can be carried out comfortably and safely on the “Africa.” This makes her equally suitable for families and for owners who mainly sail as a couple or plan extended passages with a small crew.

Another key priority was achieving a high level of independence from marinas and shore facilities. The yacht has been consistently equipped to operate autonomously for extended periods. For cruising sailors who prefer spending their time in peaceful anchorages rather than in marinas, this concept provides a significant practical advantage. The numerous upgrades have been professionally executed and give the impression of a yacht that has not merely been equipped with additional systems, but carefully developed with attention to every detail.

The “Africa” has spent most of her life cruising the Greek waters. She has been sailed regularly, carefully maintained, and kept in excellent technical condition. Particularly noteworthy is that the yacht has been hauled out every year. During each winter storage period, all necessary maintenance work was carried out and the underwater hull received fresh antifouling paint. This continuous care was simply part of the owner’s routine and is clearly reflected in the yacht’s present condition.

Below deck, the Sunbeam impresses with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The deck saloon fills the interior with daylight, the classic woodwork creates a sense of quality and comfort, and the layout offers ample living space for extended stays aboard. This is where the strength of the concept becomes particularly evident—you do not merely stay on board; you feel at home, even during poor weather or longer periods in port.

A valuable advantage for the future owner is the personal handover by the current owner. He offers a comprehensive introduction to all onboard systems and the yacht’s individual features, while sharing the practical experience he has gained over many years. For a yacht equipped with such a thoughtfully integrated technical setup, this knowledge represents genuine added value and makes the transition significantly easier.

The Sunbeam 42 DS “Africa” is currently lying in Preveza, Greece, and can be viewed flexibly by prior appointment. She is aimed at sailors looking for a solidly built cruising yacht who appreciate the value of a vessel that has been carefully maintained and intelligently developed over many years. Anyone seeking a yacht that is ready to set off on her next voyage without requiring extensive preparation will find the “Africa” an outstanding platform for many more nautical miles to come.

-----------------------------------
EQUIPMENT DETAILS

Sails & Rig

• Standing rigging inspected annually
• Baby stay replaced (2024)
• In-mast furling mainsail (2016)

* Electric in-mast furling system

• Furling genoa (2016)

* Electric Furlex 300E furling system

• Self-tacking jib (2016)

* Electric Bamar MEJ1 furling system

• Parasail including snuffer

* Complete line package

• Self-furling gennaker (2021)

* With furler and continuous furling line

• Storm sail (unused)
• Spinnaker pole with mast track
• Electric mainsail winch
• Various halyards and running rigging renewed

Navigation

• Raymarine Axiom+ 9 chartplotter (2024)
• Raymarine S2 autopilot with p70s control unit
• Hydrovane windvane self-steering system with independent rudder
• Raymarine AIS transponder (2024)
• Raymarine radar
• Wind instrument
• Speed log
• Depth sounder
• DSC VHF radio with GPS (2026)
• Compass CX-700 handheld VHF with GPS and DSC
• Magnetic steering compass and handheld bearing compass
• Raymarine SeaTalk1 and SeaTalkNG network

Engine & Systems

• Yanmar 4JH3-TE diesel engine

* 75 hp
* Approx. 3,460 engine hours

• Shaft drive
• Shaft seal replaced (2025)
• 301 L diesel tank
• 3-blade folding propeller with rope cutter

* Original fixed 3-blade propeller included

• Bow thruster
• 220 V generator (3,600 W), fully overhauled in 2026

Electrical System

• 1,200 Ah LiFePO₄ service battery bank

* 3 × 400 Ah, new 04/2026

• Engine start battery (lead-acid)
• Bow thruster battery (lead-acid)
• Solar system:

* 2 × 190 W panels on stern arch
* 1 × 190 W folding solar panel

• Superwind 350 wind generator (2019)
• Victron Energy system (2026), consisting of:

* MultiPlus 3000/120 inverter/charger
* Cerbo GX
* Touch 50 display
* Orion XS DC-DC charger
* Multiple MPPT solar charge controllers
* Victron Distributor

• 230 V outlets throughout the yacht via inverter
• Bluetooth battery monitoring
• Battery heating system for LiFePO₄ service bank
• LED lighting
• Watt & Sea 600 W hydrogenerator
• Shore power connection

Interior

• 2 cabins
• 5 berths plus convertible saloon
• 2 heads
• Approx. 2.10 m headroom

* Saloon, forward cabin, galley, heads and shower

• Approx. 1.95 m headroom in owner’s cabin
• Refrigerator
• Freezer compartment
• Gas cooker with oven
• Induction cooktop
• Top-loading washing machine
• Webasto Air Top Evo M diesel heater (2019)
• Television
• Pioneer sound system

* Interior and cockpit speakers

• Interior sun blinds for all deck saloon windows
• Scirocco II fan in owner’s cabin
• New cockpit and saloon upholstery (2020)

Water & Sanitary

• Approx. 590 L freshwater tank
• Holding tank
• 2 manual toilets
• Separate owner’s shower
• Cockpit/deck shower
• Watermaker (2010, approx. 55 l/h, 230 V & 12 V)
• Isotherm 24 L hot water boiler (2026)

Deck Equipment

• Rocna 25 kg anchor (2023)
• Stern anchor (Lewmar 16 kg) with anchor line
• Lofrans 1200 W electric anchor windlass with remote control
• 90 m galvanized 10 mm anchor chain (2020)
• Sprayhood
• Bimini
• Winter cover
• Stern arch with dinghy lift
• Caribe GRP dinghy with double floor (2.9 m)
• Mercury 15 hp two-stroke outboard
• Bow ladder
• Folding aluminium passerelle (2.40 m)
• Spare deck saloon window panes
• Stainless steel guardrails
• Second bow anchor fitting
• Anchor snubber with shock absorber
• Outboard brackets on port and starboard pushpit
• Lifebuoy with 40 m throwing line
• Extensive sun protection:

* Port sunshade
* Starboard sunshade
* Deck saloon window sunshade
* Aft sunshade

• Stand-up paddle board (SUP)
• Liferaft

Additional Equipment & Safety

• Fire extinguishers and fire blanket
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Spare parts
• Built-in safe
• 600 W vacuum cleaner
• Optionally available:

* Tool set
* Sextant
* Diving compressor (freediving)
* EcoFlow power station
* Climbing equipment
* Electric winch handle (eWinscher2)