2000 Hylas 49' (14.94 m)
Annapolis, Maryland, United States
Evolving from the Stevens 47, the Hylas 49, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, showcases numerous advancements, including a refined interior layout, optimized deck plan, updated sugar scoop transom, and significant upgrades to its operating systems.
- Cruisers
- Sail
- Used
- Diesel
- Fiberglass Hull
- HIN/IMO: HSY49031L900
$ 399,000 USD
€ 369,179 Euros
$ 547,160 CAD
£ 314,071 GBP
Description
WELL-EQUIPPED HYLAS 49 IN GREAT CONDITION WITH LOTS OF RECENT UPGRADES!
MOONLIGHT HYLAS H49-31
Evolving from the Stevens 47, the Hylas 49, designed by Sparkman & Stephens, showcases numerous advancements, including a refined interior layout, optimized deck plan, updated sugar scoop transom, and significant upgrades to its operating systems. This well-conceived 3-cabin cruiser seamlessly blends classic design with modern innovation. Its elegant lines and exceptional performance have earned high praise from sailing publications and seasoned offshore sailors alike.
The Hylas 49 stands as a paragon in the realm of high-quality semi-custom blue water cruisers. Renowned for its comfort, safety, and thrilling performance, it’s a preferred choice for discerning cruising couples seeking the ultimate sailing experience. Its luxurious center cockpit design is perfect for short-handed sailing and confidently navigates diverse sea conditions. The thoughtful design and layout ensure cruising is safe, straightforward, and enjoyable.
Constructed with the finest materials and resins, the Hylas 49 boasts a stiff, robust hull designed to minimize pounding in rough seas. Tall lifelines, watertight bulkheads, and a dry cockpit contribute to its reputation for safety and comfort in heavy seas. These features, combined with its renowned performance, make it the ideal choice for a cruising couple.
The Hylas 49's mechanical systems are exemplary. High-capacity stainless steel water and fuel tanks enable long-distance passage making, while the engine and generator's accessible design ensures easy maintenance.
MOONLIGHT, Hull Number 31, is exceptionally well-equipped with extensive updates over recent years, reflecting a decade of meticulous care by her current owners.
Data Sheet
HIN/IMO: HSY49031L900
LOA: 48' 10'' (14.88 Meters)
Type: Sail- Used
Year: 2000
Beam: 14' 3''
LWL: 39' 6''
Draft Max: 6'
Draft Min: 6'
Cabins: 3
Heads: 2
Fuel Type: Diesel
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Bridge Clearance: 63' 6''
Fuel Tank: 130 Gallons (492.1 Liters)
Fresh Water: 250 Gallons (946.35 Liters)
Holding Tank: 27 Gallons (102.21 Liters)
Displacement: 31967
Ballast Weight: 14497 lbs
Engines
Engine 1
- Engine Make: Yanmar
- Engine Model: 4JH2-TE
- Drive Type: Direct
- Power HP: 75.00
- Power KW: 55.93
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Hours: 6894.00
Full Details
Interior Arrangement & Layout
The spacious, open interior of MOONLIGHT, with contemporary styling, features a modern deck salon with large panoramic front and side windows. These windows flood the main salon with warm, natural light and offer spectacular views, enhancing the comfort and ambiance.
The Corian countertops are elegantly trimmed with proper offshore teak fiddles. Off-white textured headliners and tastefully selected tweed upholstery complement the beautiful teak and holly cabin sole throughout the yacht. Six large deck hatches with teak trim, four dorade vents, and numerous opening portlights ensure excellent ventilation and a refreshing breeze at anchor. For added comfort, the three-zone climate control system provides relief when needed.
MOONLIGHT offers three well-sized staterooms. The forward full-beam v-berth includes ensuite access to the day head. A guest cabin, located forward to port, features a single berth that can convert to a double. The roomy master stateroom boasts a queen centerline berth, a private head, and a second passageway leading to the main salon. All staterooms include cedar-lined hanging lockers and finely finished cabinetry.
The passageway galley provides over 7 feet of usable Corian countertop space, complete with an island-style surface under the companionway. This design offers ample space for the cuisine-loving crew and is perfect for entertaining guests.
Interior Styling & Additional Features:
- Teak and holly positive locking cabin sole for offshore sailing, laid on solid, epoxy sealed subflooring, and finished with a high gloss varnish.
- World-class teak joinery with top-choice materials and hand varnished satin finish.
- Finely finished cabinetry with furniture grade fixtures and chromed pushbutton latches.
- The interior incorporates excellent storage, with cedar-lined hanging lockers and cabinets with numerous removable shelves.
- Solid teak doors, trim, and cabinetry.
- Trim pieces incorporate fiddled handholds throughout the boat, making traversing the interior while underway safe and secure.
- Easy to remove vinyl headliners.
- The countertops feature high-quality Corian surfaces located throughout the galley and heads with fiddled edges for offshore sailing
- LED overhead and personal lighting throughout.
Main Salon
Bright and filled with natural light, the spacious main salon is highlighted by the beautiful teak and holly cabin sole, large panoramic fixed side and forward windows, and exquisitely finished joinery.
To starboard, a full-length settee slides out an additional 9 inches, transforming into a comfortable sea berth complete with a lee cloth. Adjacent to this, a custom teak dinette table with an insert and an adjustable stainless-steel pedestal offers ample seating for six around a large settee and a pull-out double bench seat.
Outboard cabinetry, shelving, and lockers behind the settees provide an impressive amount of storage space. The generous headroom of 6' 7" enhances the sense of openness. Natural ventilation is ensured through two large opening teak-trimmed deck hatches and Manship stainless steel opening portlights, perfect for warm tropical evenings. For added comfort, the reverse cycle climate control is a desirable feature when needed.
- Dometic reverse cycle air conditioning and heat with a digital controller (New 2016)
- Full-length settees to port and starboard with lee clothes.
- Starboard settee pulls out 9" to convert to a well-suited sea-berth with lee cloth, comfortable in length and perfect for offshore cruising. Additional storage behind the backrest.
- Custom teak dinette table with expandable leaf.
- Custom liquor locker in the forward starboard cabinet
- 12VDC fans
- LED overhead Marinebeam ceiling lights (New 2015) and Scandvik stainless steel swiveled reading lights (New 2024).
- Teak handholds along the cabin top as well as adjacent to the forward passageway entry.
- Teak mast wrap
Master Stateroom
MOONLIGHT is unrivaled in both luxury and style. The well-appointed master stateroom serves as your sanctuary on the water, featuring rich hand-rubbed, satin varnished cabinetry and joinery. Additional comforts include LED reading and overhead lights, high-speed Hella fans, an ensuite head, numerous opening portlights, and zoned A/C for optimal climate control.
Storage is abundant. To port, there is a large hanging locker, two upper cabinets, and a double door cabinet with a fiddled shelf on top. To starboard, there is another large hanging locker, two upper cabinets, and a dressing seat. At the foot of the berth, four large drawers provide ample storage. All lockers are equipped with automatic lights and, along with the cabinets, are cedar-lined for added luxury and protection.
- Dometic reverse cycle air conditioning and heat with a digital controller – (New 2016)
- Queen size centerline berth.
- Tall hanging lockers and two cabinets, port and starboard.
- Dressing settee to starboard and additional double door cabinet to port.
- Four large drawers cabinet at the foot of the berth.
- (4) Opening portlights, two outboard and two located aft, overlooking the transom.
- 12VDC fans.
- LED overhead Marinebeam ceiling lights (New 2015) and Scandvik stainless steel swiveled reading lights (New 2024).
Aft Head
- Corian countertop with teak fiddles.
- Molded white sink with faucet.
- Teak trimmed vanity mirror and medicine cabinet above the sink with additional storage below.
- Teak towel rack
- Opening portlight
- Shower with dedicated sump and teak floor grate, and a fold-down teak seat.
- Jabsco manual head
- GFI 110VAC outlets
VIP Cabin
This wonderfully inviting cabin with ensuite access to the forward head has a full-beam v-berth mattress which is 6' 9" in length. A large overhead hatch with teak trim and forward dorades provides excellent ventilation. Zoned climate control with independent digital control is shared with the port guest cabin.
- Full beam double v-berth mattress, and lee cloth – 6' 9" in length.
- Four drawers and a cabinet at the foot of the berth.
- Dressing seat and cedar-lined hanging locker to starboard with removable shelves.
- Tall cabinet to port.
- Four cabinets and shelves with fiddles above and outboard of the berth.
- 12VDC fans.
- LED overhead Marinebeam ceiling lights (New 2015) and Scandvik stainless steel swiveled reading lights (New 2024).
Forward Head
Aft and to starboard of the guest stateroom is the forward head which opens to both the guest stateroom and the passageway forward. Ideal for exclusive access for guests or use as a day head.
- Corian countertop with teak fiddles.
- Molded sink with faucet.
- Teak trimmed vanity mirror and medicine cabinet above the sink with additional storage below.
- Shower with teak floor grate and a fold-down teak seat.
- Shower sump with Jabsco pump (New 2016)
- Jabsco manual head
- GFI 110 VAC outlets.
Guest Cabin
Aft and to port is the second guest cabin with a single berth. Ideal for storage or the occasional guest, this cabin is a desirable and versatile space with plentiful cabinetry, a cedar-lined hanging locker, and additional storage under the berth. Overhead teak trimmed hatch, opening portlight, and dorade vent provides natural ventilation. Climate control is shared with the forward cabin.
- Dometic reverse cycle air conditioning and heat with a digital controller – (New 2016)
- Single berth, which pulls out to a comfortable double.
- Tall cabinet and bank of three drawers beneath the berth.
- Two tall cabinets with shelves forward primarily used for tool storage.
- LED overhead Marinebeam ceiling lights (New 2015) and Scandvik stainless steel reading lights (New 2024).
- 12VDC fans mounted to the bulkhead.
Galley
MOONLIGHT features a smartly laid-out and highly functional galley, offering over 7 feet of Corian countertop surface and an inboard island-style countertop aft of the companionway. The galley is designed for practicality at sea, ensuring functionality underway on either tack. The top and front-loading refrigerator and freezer include dual seals and heavy insulation, designed with a flush surface for easy clean-up and seamless aesthetics. The Frigoboat system operates on 12VDC and utilizes efficient keel coolers.
- The three-burner LPG Force 10 stove with oven features a Corian insert, providing additional prep surface when in place, or it can convert to a stainless-steel backsplash when stowed. Ample cabinets, storage lockers, and drawers are located outboard and below the countertop, offering extensive storage space for all your culinary needs.12VDC Frigoboat refrigerator and freezer with keel coolers (New 2016)
- Top and front-load refrigerator and freezer with electric drain pumps. Both are heavily insulated and include dual seals for efficiency.
- Over 7' of Corian countertops with an additional surface inboard.
- Single basin Scandvik stainless steel sink with a pull-out faucet.
- Pressurized hot and cold freshwater with Shurflo Aqua King II pumps (New 2022)
- IsoTemp 11 gallon hot water heater (New 2020)
- Manual freshwater and saltwater Tiptoe galley foot pumps (Rebuilt 2020)
- Microwave oven with GFI 110VAC outlet inside the cabinetry.
- 3-Burner Force 10 gimbaled stove with broiler and oven (New 2017)
- Pot and pan storage below the stove.
- Countertop insert recesses over the stove, allowing for a stainless-steel backsplash when stowed or increased counter space when installed.
- Hide-a-way rubbish bin.
- Pull-out cutting board and knife rack
- Spice rack
- Opening portlight and 12VDC fan smartly positioned for added airflow and ventilation.
- LED overhead Marinebeam ceiling lights (New 2015)
Navigation & Electronics
Aft and to the port of the main salon is the navigation station with a custom bi-fold hinged desktop and swing-out seat. The instrument and electrical panels, with lighted displays, open on hinges, allowing easy access to the exceptionally well-organized and carefully labeled wiring. All devices and wiring are labeled inside and out and traced numerically at each end.
Navigation Station
- B&G Zeus 2 multi-function display and chartplotter (New 2017)
- B&G V90 VHF radio and remote with command-mic (New 2015)
- B&G NAIS-400 Class B AIS transceiver (New 2014)
- B&G AIS/VHF antenna splitter (New 2014)
- iCOM IC-M710 single-side band radio (OE) with Pactor P4 dragon DR7x00 modem (New 2021)
- B&G 4G radar integrated with both Zeus displays (New 2016)
- B&G Triton Pilot autopilot (New 2016) with Simrad/B&G RAMT3+ hydraulics (New 2022)
- Victron 100/30 and (2) 75/15 charge controllers (New 2023)
- ProMariner TruePower Plus 2000ps inverter (New 2020)
- ProMariner ProNautic 12-60P main battery charger (New 2015)
- ProMariner ProNautic 12-40P secondary battery charger (New 2016)
- ProMariner ProSafeFS60 galvanic isolator (New 2020)
- Blue Sea auto charge relay and remote battery switches (New 2017)
- B&G 4G electronic compass (New 2016)
- A/C Power fault indicator with polarity warning light.
- 110VAC GFI & dual 12VDC outlets.
- Fuel flow alarm.
Helm and Deck
- B&G Zeus 3 multi-function display and chartplotter (New 2022)
- B&G IS40 wind, speed, and depth MFD mounted at the companionway (New 2014)
- B&G Autopilot control head
- B&G VHF command mic.
- B&G Triton T41 wind package (New 2022)
- Sirius XM WM-3 antenna (New 2015)
Hull & Deck
HULL
The Hylas 49 is a well-proven and competent bluewater cruiser. MOONLIGHT is fast, sea-kind, and strong. Constructed with hand laid up fiberglass laminates set with vinyl ester resins and isophthalic gelcoat for superior protection from osmosis and blistering. Eight longitudinal stringers are tied to each frame and bulkhead. The result is a stiff and seamless monolithic structure above ABS standards. The encapsulated lead keel and low ballast provide a low center of gravity for high stability and are fastened with solid 35mm stainless steel keel bolts with transverse-mounted 8mm backing plates.
The forward hull section is well shaped for rough seas and well-reviewed for its excellent abilities in heavy weather without pounding. The distance between the rudder and keel is measured by design to provide superior directional stability and balance. The rudder post has full structural support running through-hull to the deck. For added safety and protection from hard grounding, the rudder skeg is 2 inches higher than the low point of the keel.
- White gelcoat hull in excellent condition with flag blue boot and cove stripe.
- Petit HRT bottom paint (October 2023).
- Teak rub rail with stainless steel capping below the sheerline.
- Substantial hand-laid fiberglass layup with vinyl ester resins and isophthalic gelcoat for superb strength and stiffness and a hull well protected against osmosis and blistering.
- Watertight collision bulkhead forward with independent overboard drainage and watertight stern sections across aft lazarettes and stern locker.
- Fully skegged rudder for optimal strength and protection – The bottom of the rudder plane is 2" above the keel for grounding safety.
- The unidirectional modified keel is fully encapsulated solid lead, secured with 35mm stainless steel keel bolts and transverse-mounted 8mm backing plates.
- SidePower SE100/185T bow thruster (New 2014)
- Two 1" Copper bonding strips integrated into the hull, running the length of each side of the yacht.
DECK
Characterized by expansive side decks and high stanchions, MOONLIGHT is a boat aboard which the crew will feel safe and secure. The deck is laid up with a sandwich core construction with an end-grain balsa core. Solid laminate is utilized in all areas of the deck for fittings and the high-stress regions. Chemically and mechanically fastened with 5200 epoxies and through-bolted every 5 inches with backing plates, the Hylas 49 is known for its superior strength and reliable construction.
- Simpson Series 10 S300 (300 kg capacity) stainless steel electric davits (New 2023)
- Aluminum toe rail.
- Teak handrails fore and aft well positioned for safety about the boat while underway.
- Sugar scoop transom with boarding gate and three wide steps finished with teak planking, incorporates stainless steel grab rails and a folding ladder to allow unrestricted and easy access to and from the water level.
- Stainless steel protective trim along the edge of the transom.
- Freshwater hot and cold transom shower.
- Side boarding ladder with port and starboard side mounting brackets.
- Large stern garage with a dedicated Jabsco bilge pump (New 2024) and manual override in the cockpit.
- Large aft lazarettes with dual Bailey latches for the watertight seal and internal rails for line storage, self-draining.
- 12" Stainless steel mooring cleats with backing plates - Two pairs at the bow, pair midship, and a pair at the stern.
- Propane locker starboard midship sizeable enough for two standard size propane tanks.
- Four dorade vents, two aft & 2 forward with protective stainless-steel cowlings and rails.
- Six, Manship stainless steel deck hatches with smoked acrylic lenses.
- Ten, Manship stainless steel opening portlights.
- Deck salon design with four fixed windows, one to port and starboard and two forward – Delivers an incredible amount of natural light and beautiful views from the main salon.
- 31" high stanchions with double, uncoated stainless steel wire lifelines (New 2015) – Much more elevated than most boats adding a welcomed level of security and safety when moving about the deck.
- Stainless steel stem fitting and striker plate for bow and hull protection.
- Stainless steel pulpit.
- Saltwater anchor washdown at the bow.
Ground Tackle and Mooring
- Forward self-draining chain locker with segmented stowage for the primary and secondary anchor rode with separate storage for dock lines and fenders.
- Stainless steel dual bow roller for primary and secondary anchors.
- Stainless steel striker plate on deck and stainless-steel stem fitting to protect the bow and hull from an unruly ground tackle.
- Maxwell VWC2200 vertical electric windlass (Rebuilt 2016)
- Spade 66 lb primary anchor with 300-feet of galvanized G4 3/8" chain (New 2017)
- Secondary Fortress anchor with rode (New 2018)
- An assortment of dock lines, spring lines, and fenders (New 2019 / 2021)
Mast and Rigging
- Selden 2-spreader anodized aluminum keel-stepped mast.
- Electric in-mast furling (Rebuilt 2023)
- Standing rigging with discontinuous cap shrouds for optimal strength and intermediate shrouds with twin lowers to port and starboard for added rig stability. (New 2019, inspected in 2023)
- Dyneema running backstays with Harken stand-up blocks for cutter rigging.
- Schaefer genoa furler (New 2020).
- Profurl staysail furler (New 2014)
- All lines for sail management led aft to the cockpit – Running rigging in good condition.
- Mainsheet traveler athwartship aft of the cockpit with Harken blocks.
- Adjustable genoa track and cars on the side deck.
- Primary and secondary main halyard.
- Primary and secondary genoa halyard.
- Halyard bales on the forward dorade rails.
- Topping lift.
- Lewmar Ocean 58 primary winches
- Lewmar Ocean 48 secondary winches
- Lewmar Ocean 48 mainsheet winch
- Lewmar Ocean halyard winches on the mast (2)
- Signal Mate LED Tri color mast head light (New 2016)
- Signal Mate LED anchor light (New 2016)
- Signal Mate LED deck light (New 2017)
- Selden boom vang
- Forespar mast mounted whisker pole
Sails
- Doyle dacron main sail (New 2014)
- Doyle dacron 135% genoa (New 2014)
- Doyle dacron staysail (New 2014)
Cockpit
The center cockpit design of the Hylas 49 is safe, secure, and bone dry in rough seas. Seating eight comfortably, the teak-planked seats coordinating cockpit cushions and seatbacks offer a perfectly balanced cockpit sizeable enough for entertaining yet well suited for offshore sailing. The high gloss varnished cockpit table provides the perfect setting for outdoor dining and enjoyment.
Additional Features:
- Sand colored cockpit cushions with brown piping
- The seating and cockpit floor are finished with bonded teak planking with black caulking.
- Royal pedestal with a Ritche 5" binnacle, NavPod and guard (New 2017) and a folding stainless-steel wheel wrapped in gray leather.
- Steering cables and conduits replaced in 2023.
- Lexan main hatch with stainless steel grab rails for easy entry to the cockpit.
- Solid teak washboard with ventilated slats.
- Two Wichard padeyes for safety harness hardpoints
- Sunbrella hatch, winch and window covers
- Sunbrella tan bimini and dodger with full 360-degree cockpit enclosure pieces. The dodger windows are polycarbonate Strataglass for crystal clear visibility and rigidity.
- Bimini frame constructed of high-quality 1” 316 stainless steel and includes a custom grab bar integrated overhead the companionway.
- Yanmar engine control panel
- Cockpit lighting control panel
Systems
ENGINE AND MECHANICAL
Engine and mechanical access on the Hylas 49 are fantastic! Gone are the days of contorting and twisting to perform essential maintenance. Large panels along the inboard side of the galley and navigation station, hinged access at the companionway stairs, and a door on the forward bulkhead of the master cabin make servicing the engine and generator an effortless endeavor.
- Yanmar 4JH2-HTE 75 HP 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine and Kanzaki KM4A transmission with 6,894 hours
- Yanmar exhaust hose replaced in 2013, vented loop last replaced in 2021.
- Northern Lights 6kW generator with 2,057 hours (New 2019)
- SidePower SE100.185T 12V twin-prop bow thruster with controls mounted at the helm (New 2014)
- Steering cables and conduits replaced (2023)
- Dometic Air 3-Zone reverse cycle air conditioning with independent digital controls. 7,000 BTU units forward and aft and a 12,000 BTU unit in the main salon.
- Flex-O-Fold Propeller (New 2016)
- PYI high-speed dripless shaft seal (Rebuilt 2021)
- Cutlass bearing (New 2021)
- Morse single lever throttle/gear control system - Provides added protection against high RPM shifting.
- Main engine dual Keenan fuel filters with electric remote switchover valve allowing independent filter, bypass, and fuel polishing (New 2017)
- Walborough inline electric fuel pump allowing engine bypass for polishing of the fuel and eliminating the need for engine bleeding in case of a dry fuel tank.
- Fire-resistant engine room insulation and soundproofing – Substantial noise dampening makes for a noticeably quiet and pleasant ride while under power.
- Thru-hull fittings are solid bronze Groco style and bonded to the hull.
- Primary Rule 2000 and secondary Jabsco bilge pumps with automatic float switches and high-water alarms.
- Jabsco aft lazarette bilge pump (New 2024) with cockpit controls and high water indicator light.
- Manual Whale Gusher 10 emergency bilge pump (Rebuilt 2020)
PLUMBING & TANKAGE
- Spectra Catalina 340 water maker (New 2020)
- Two standard size 10 lb. aluminum propane tanks with remotely operated solenoid valves housed in an ABYC approved ventilated deck locker.
- Fuel – 130 Gallon capacity.
- Fresh Water - 250 Gallon capacity.
- Holding - Two 27 Gallon tanks
- All tanks incorporate threaded inspection ports with dipsticks for servicing and a larger inspection plate for interior inspection and cleaning.
- Saltwater washdown pumps in the anchor locker
- 11 Gallon Isotherm water heater supplied by AC and engine heat exchanger (New 2020)
- Two independent Shurflo freshwaters pumps (New 2022).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Northern Lights 6kW generator (New 2019)
- (5) Solar panels (890W total) with Victron Solar controller (New 2023)
- (8) Firefly Oasis Group 31 12V house batteries (New 2017, Load tested 2023)
- Odyssey Extreme AGM bow thruster battery (New 2023)
- All batteries are individually strapped and secured. Each bank incorporates built-in reverse isolation switches enabling parallel ties for emergency starts.
- Balmar AT-200 200A primary alternator with a three-stage regulator for charging the battery bank (New 2023)
- (2) Smartplug 30A inlets at the cockpit coaming for US shore power.
- Signal Mate LED foredeck, navigation, running, and masthead anchor, tricolor, and steaming lights (New 2016/17)
- Red courtesy foot lights throughout the interior
- AC/DC electrical panel with easy, fast pin hinged access.
- 110VAC & 12VDC outlets are logically placed throughout the boat.
- Transom steps lighting
Safety
- Viking 6-Man life raft with cradle (New 2022 / Inspection Current until 2/2025)
- McMurdo 406MHz EPIRB (New 2020 / Inspection Current until 2/2026)
- Stainless steel emergency tiller.
- Visual and audible high-water alarm.
- Fireboy Xintex propane detector.
Tender
- 10’ Apex tender with 2024 Yamaha 9.9 HP outboard
- Many spare parts
Disclaimer
The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.
Listing MLS by Yachtr.com
Contact Us
For more information about this yacht please contact Josh McLean.
We look forward to working with you!
David Walters Yachts
7080 Bembe Beach Rd
Suite 111
Annapolis MD 21403 USA
Phone: 1-410-571-2955
Fax: 1-801-681-9741
Email: sales@davidwaltersyachts.com
Website: https://www.davidwaltersyachts.com
With over 200 years of maritime experience, our professional brokers and support staff are uniquely qualified to assist you in the purchase or sale of your bluewater boat. Among us are former yacht captains, designers and builders, offshore cruisers, liveaboards, racers, and expedition sailors. We have fostered extensive relationships and built contacts worldwide throughout the industry. With over 1,700 bluewater boats purchased or sold, we have firsthand knowledge and a long track record for success.
Josh McLean
President
7080 Bembe Beach Rd
Suite 111
Annapolis MD 21403 USA
Office: 1-954-527-0664
Fax: 1-954-527-4276
Cell: 1-616-204-9658
Email: josh@davidwaltersyachts.com
As anyone from the Great Lakes State knows, the freshwater of the Great Lakes is an integral part of your upbringing. Sailing, fishing, kayaking, and long summer days at the beach were commonplace throughout Josh's formative years. Growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lake Michigan was only a stone's throw away from his family's home and their cottage in Northern Michigan. At an early age, Josh was introduced to sailing by his father. Criss-crossing Lake Michigan and day sailing were how the family spent many summers together. Those impressionable summers made a lasting impact that eventually would shape his future, though his path into the yachting industry was less typical than most.
While his passion for the water ultimately guided him to the yachting industry, another more significant calling early on in Josh's life would steer him in another direction for a while - the events of September 11 and a desire to serve.
As a sophomore in high school, Josh felt driven by a sense of duty and service after the attacks on September 11. So after graduating, he attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering while earning his commission through the ROTC officer training program. During his time at MTU, he developed a passion for flying, taking every opportunity to visit the local airfield; Josh amassed hours flying over the Keweannau Peninsula in a Cessna 172 and worked hard to earn a coveted slot in flight school in the US Air Force.
After college, as a newly commissioned 'butter bar' Second Lieutenant, Josh moved to San Antonio, Texas, to begin flight school at Randolph Air Force Base with the 562nd Flying Training Squadron. After the year-and-a-half-long program, he graduated at the top of his class. He was selected to fly the U-28A, which at the time, was a highly classified tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). This duty assignment would again bring him back to the water.
It was his move to Destin, Florida, where Josh attended advanced training and joined his first operational unit at Hurlburt Field, the 319th Special Operations Squadron. Though the deployment cycle was among the most demanding in the military, during his time at home, Josh found his way back on the water, sailing a hand-me-down O'Day along every inch of pure white sandy coastline along the Emerald Coast.
While on break from his third deployment, Josh met his wife Amber on the beach in Destin, Florida. Their first date was, of course, aboard his sailboat. He proposed a year and a half later while they were at anchor picnicking off Crab Island. From then on, sailing was a part of their lives and continues today.
After eight combat deployments and having spent nearly two and a half years in combat zones away from family, Josh decided to hang up the flight suit and look for a new career path. The following year would see him trade his combat boots for topsiders.
If you ask his father, he'd say Josh has never worked a day in his life, at least, not in the sense of work, actually being work. In high school, he worked at a local race track, helping pit crews flip expended tires into trailers and shuttling barrels of high-octane racing fuel between cars. In college, he had a summer job giving tours in the old abandoned Adventure Copper Mine and another working on a trail crew in Colorado, building trails to the tops of the 14'ers throughout the Chicago Basin. Work has always been fun, and Josh has always found a way to make his passion his profession.
So, how do you follow up an eight-year career flying spy planes? Contemplating this, Josh remembered his days sailing on the Great Lakes and his new passion for being on the water. He decided to find his way into the yachting industry. That decision was finalized about two years before he separated from the service. So, for those last years in the Air Force, Josh saturated his free time with learning, reading, and earning hands-on experience. During his last deployments to Afghanistan and Djibouti, Josh had stacks of books such as Chapman's School of Seamanship, every title written by John Kretschmer, and as many yachting magazines as he could get his hands on from the BX at Bagram Airfield. While home, Josh took up a weekend job assisting a local marina in Northern Texas, not for the money, but to learn the sales side of the yachting industry.
Six months out from his date of separation, Josh started networking in the industry. Calling every significant player or managing principal at the major yacht sales companies in the industry, Josh hit brick wall after brick wall until Josh connected with a gentleman named Vin Petrella, Executive Director of the Yacht Brokers Association of America. Vin's words of encouragement were that the industry desperately needed young blood and fresh perspectives and that the key to entering the industry was to find a good mentor. The advice Vin gave Josh during their hour-and-a-half-long conversation catalyzed his decision to commit to a future in the yachting industry.
After separating from the Air Force at the end of 2015 and shortly after moving to Fort Lauderdale, Josh met David Walters. Dave and his wife Betsy had been running their brokerage company since 1982. This small, boutique-style brokerage specializing in high-quality blue water sailing yachts has become well-known and respected in the industry. Dave, a former marine himself and self-taught in yacht design and construction along the way, recognized something in Josh and asked him to come on board under his mentorship. Dave and Josh worked alongside one another for the following year.
Several months into their partnership, Dave approached Josh about the prospect of taking over the company upon retirement. At 71 years old, Dave had spent 50 years in the industry. The plan was a five-year plan. Designed to enable Dave to taper off his time and settle into retirement. Unfortunately, a short time later, Dave was diagnosed with brain cancer. His time at the helm of David Walters Yachts and Josh's transition into managing the business came far sooner than planned. Over the next year, and until Dave passed, the two spent nearly every day together.
2022 Marked the 40th anniversary of David Walters Yachts and six years since Josh took the company forward. Under his leadership, the company has expanded from four brokers working out of a small office in Fort Lauderdale to twenty-four brokers working across eight offices and growing across the US and now the Caribbean. In those short years, the company has taken on several new brands, including Hylas Sail, Hylas Motor Yachts, and Italia Yachts. Revenue has grown exponentially yearly, making David Walters Yachts among the largest firms in the United States and the most prominent brokerage specializing in quality cruising sailing yachts.
Though the company has grown, the focus continues on providing personalized and professional services with a boutique style. Exactly as Dave had founded. While Josh has primarily transitioned from being involved directly with sales and brokerage to managing the Team, he stays deeply engaged with customers. He has an obsessive focus on delivering satisfaction and results to the customers of David Walters Yachts. Customers and clients will recognize his dedication, professionalism, integrity, and drive. His Team knows they can always rely upon his support and willingness to do things differently than most. His door is always open at his office in Annapolis, Maryland. Stop by Port Annapolis Marina and sit down to chat, or give him a call anytime at (616) 204-9658.