1979 Formosa 46 Cutter – “Kapai”
Offered at $100,000
LOA: 43’9” | Beam: 12’8” | Draft: 5’1”
Classic Beauty. Proven Performance. Liveaboard Comfort.
Step aboard Kapai, a timeless 1979 Formosa 46 cutter-rigged cruiser, and discover a vessel designed to go the distance with elegance and reliability. With her hand-laid fiberglass hull, fully enclosed hardtop cockpit, and beautifully varnished teak interior, Kapai is equally at home offshore, at anchor, or as a gracious liveaboard. She's been well maintained and thoughtfully upgraded to ensure comfort, durability, and independence at sea.
⚓ HighlightsCutter-rigged bluewater cruiser with full sail inventory
Two spacious staterooms with two private heads
Solid fiberglass hull – no blisters reported
Custom “sugar scoop” stern for easy water access
Diesel genset + solar power for self-sufficiency
Recently priced to sell — excellent value for her class
Kapai's interior is a warm, inviting space finished in 100% golden teak with brass opening portlights and a teak cabin sole throughout. Her layout is ideal for liveaboards or extended cruisers:
Salon: Bright and spacious with excellent ventilation from large hatches and multiple portlights. Features a large dinette with hi-lo table (converts to a double berth) and a full settee opposite.
Galley: U-shaped and well-equipped with a double stainless steel sink, DC-powered refrigerator, propane gimbaled stove/oven, and ample storage. Hot water provided by a 6-gallon heater and Hurricane hydronic heating system with three zones.
Navigation Station: Dedicated chart table with LED GPS, radar, and sounder displays — also functions as an ideal shipboard office.
Forward Cabin: Queen V-berth with ensuite head featuring a shower, sink, toilet, and linen locker.
Aft Cabin: King-size berth with private head, drawers, standing room, and hanging lockers.
Designed for secure bluewater handling and comfort in all weather, Kapai’s deck and cockpit features include:
Center cockpit with custom hardtop dodger – fully enclosed and secure
Walkaround decks and large bow/stern platforms
Custom sugar scoop swim platform for dinghy access and swimming
Full complement of sails:
Triple reef main
ProFurl roller furling genoa
Stay sail
Spinnaker with sock
Storm jib
Whisker pole
Electric and manual winches for anchor handling
Stern-mounted dinghy davits and gas BBQ grill
Kapai is equipped for self-sufficient cruising with robust systems and redundancies:
Engine: 85 HP Lehman Ford diesel with BorgWarner Velvet Drive transmission
Fuel: Two tanks totaling 130 gallons
Water: 130-gallon tank + 6-gallon heater
Anchoring:
33 lb Bruce with 400' HT chain + 100’ line (electric windlass)
66 lb Bruce with 200’ chain + 200’ ¾” line (manual winch)
Emergency systems: Diaphragm bilge pump, emergency tiller, and mechanical steering
Every system onboard is thoughtfully integrated for redundancy and ease of use:
Diesel Generator: Yanmar APC 750 – 12V DC, 250A
Inverter: DR Trace 1500W, 70A charger
Navigation & Comms:
Hydraulic ComNav autopilot (integrated with GPS, wind, compass)
Furuno 24-mile radar
Dual LED GPS/Sounder units at chart table
Color sounder at helm
2 VHF radios
Single Sideband / Ham radio
Dual wind speed indicators
Power Systems:
70A DC engine alternator w/ ramp voltage regulator
Custom radar arch with solar panels
12V/110V galley refrigeration + built-in water-cooled freezer
All electronics fully interfaced
Hurricane diesel hydronic heating (3 zones)
Propane wall heater
Aquamet 22 stainless steel shaft & 4-blade propeller
Brass opening portlights throughout
Fiberglass decks with molded non-skid
Recent bottom paint (2021)
No reported hull blisters
If you’ve been searching for a spacious, classically styled offshore-capable cruiser with robust systems, proven design, and warm liveaboard charm, Kapai deserves your attention. With a reduced price and exceptional value, she’s ready to sail away on her next adventure.
