Radford 50

Radford 15.2 RUBICON Aluminium expedition yacht setup for shorthanded, long distance passage making to all latitudes.   Launched in June 2022 with an abundance of extras on board.

The majority of the work on the vessel was completed by the owner; however, the rolling and welding of the hull plates were expertly handled by Geoff Cole of Winning Yachts in Caboolture, QLD. The design is Graham Radford #80, making this the first boat built from that plan. It features a masthead cutter-rigged sloop sail plan with an overlapping genoa (71 sqm), staysail, and a fully battened Leisure Furl mainsail (57 sqm), optimized for single-handed sailing. The mast was crafted by Allyacht Spars in Brisbane, and the Dyneema rigging was installed by Superior Masts and Rigging. The Doyle sails and rig date from September/November 2022, with the exception of the boom, which was sourced from Gerry Snyders' FIKA in 2022, as new Leisure Furl booms were unavailable at the time. The boom was overhauled and modified to fit the sail plan. Deck gear is by Ronstan, including two poles for the genoa and staysail.

Constructed from 5083 marine-grade alloy plate, the hull is welded in accordance with the designer's specifications. The vessel is equipped with nine Anderson full stainless steel sail winches, including one electric winch. Anchoring is managed by a Muir VRC2500 hydraulic anchor winch with a 40kg Sarca Excell anchor, 100m of 10mm galvanized chain, and a remote control for both the thruster and anchor winch. Reefit furlers are fitted to both the genoa and staysail, with all lines leading to the safe center cockpit for effortless single-handed sailing. A Vetus hydraulic bow thruster provides ease of maneuvering when docking. The helm features a Hydrive hydraulic steering system connected to a spade rudder, complemented by a Coursemaster autopilot.

Navigation is facilitated by a 9" Raymarine chart plotter at the helm, an i70 multi-instrument, Coursemaster autopilot, and compass. Additional instruments for depth, wind, and log are mounted on the cabintop beneath the dodger. The cockpit is fully enclosed, with Aquatread decking throughout for durability and comfort.

Fuel capacity is 700 liters distributed across three tanks, with a twin Racor fuel filtration system supplying a 90hp Steyr diesel engine. This engine drives a ZF 25 hydraulic transmission and a shaft connected to an Autoprop propeller with a rope cutter. Additionally, the Steyr engine features an Integrated Flywheel Generator (IFG) capable of producing 300 amps at 12 volts to charge the house battery system. The electrical system comprises a dedicated engine start battery and eight Whisper Power lithium batteries (100Ah each, Dutch), supplying the 12-volt house system. A 3000-watt Whisper Power inverter provides 240-volt power throughout the main cabin. Renewable energy sources include 900 watts of solar panels and 400 watts of wind power, ensuring continuous battery charging while at anchor. The IFG offers supplementary power when required.

Freshwater capacity is 600 liters, with an additional 100 liters designated for drinking water, stored in separate systems. A Spectra Cape Horn Extreme water maker ensures a reliable freshwater supply. The galley is gas-free, featuring a Wallas diesel stove and oven, an OzeFridge chest-style fridge/freezer, a microwave, an electric kettle, a coffee pod machine, a 46" TV, and a toaster.

Designed for high-latitude sailing, the interior is extensively insulated. The hull was treated with 300 liters of Mascoat DTM insulation paint and 120 liters of Mascoat DB noise paint before the fit-out, ensuring a dry and quiet interior. An additional 50mm layer of closed-cell foam insulation covers the main, forward, and aft cabins.

Two independent heating systems provide warmth and comfort. A Wallas Spartan air heater distributes ducted heat to the main cabin, aft cabin, and wet locker. Additionally, an Eberspacher D12 hydronic system heats water and provides fan-assisted heating and heated towel rails in the forward and aft cabins. This system can be zoned for efficient climate control. The interior features Victorian Blackwood timber throughout.

Both the forward and aft cabins offer queen-size ensuite accommodations, with the forward bed slightly narrowing at the head. The heads feature Sanimarin macerator toilets, each with a dedicated 60-liter blackwater tank, while all greywater is collected in a central 90-liter tank in the galley. All through-hull fittings are by Trudesign, with electronic monitoring at the navigation station.

The navigation station is equipped with a 12" Raymarine plotter, VHF radio with an external speaker, AM/FM wireless, all 12V and 240V circuit breakers, and a full-size navigation table. The vessel has three bilge pumps with a combined capacity of 9500 gallons per hour, plus a manual Whale Gusher pump. Twin water strainers provide redundancy, and separate fresh, drinking, and saltwater pumps are installed. There is ample under-floor and settee storage, along with gas-strut-assisted storage under both beds.

The electrical system was installed by Clow Marine (12V) and AIM Electrics (240V), with a stray current survey completed in October 2022 (available upon request). USB and USB-C outlets are positioned throughout the vessel. Recent antifouling was completed by JNC Marine Yaringa, and standing rigging was supplied by Superior Masts and Rigging. Additional onboard features include a wet locker with a tool storage system and a Starlink Mini (wired, Mini unit not included).

Safety equipment includes a fitted EPIRB, Danbuoy, two Spinlock life vests, two harnesses, and four BLA life vests. A Highfield 2.6 tender with a 6hp Suzuki outboard is included. Anchoring options consist of a 30kg alloy Sarca Excell anchor with a removable shank for better stowage and an additional 30kg Sarca Excell kedge anchor with 10m of 10mm chain. Two 100m lengths of 16mm nylon shore lines are stored on drums. A full set of anodes (10 total), a spare new macerator and seat, engine filters, and a shore power lead are also onboard. The vessel comes with new navigation charts for Victoria and Tasmania. The engine was serviced on 27/02/2025.

For sale with DBY Boat Sales Pittwater Office in Newport. Please call Call Now for an inspection. For additional high-resolution photos and detailed inventory, please email Contact Seller


Designer : Graham Radford
Builder : Malcolm Warnock
Water (Potable) Capacity (l) : 700L
Hull Construction Material : Alumium
Hull Type : Aluminium
Deck Construction Material : Aqua Tread
Country Origin : Australia
Length (feet) : 50 feet
Length (m) : 15.2 m
Beam/Width (feet) : 14.5 feet
Beam/Width (m) : 4.4 m
Draft (m) : 2.2 m
Keel/Ballast : Integral/Lead
Dry Weight (kgs) : 13.5 tonnes
Number of Helms : 1
Displacement : 15 tonnes

Engine Notes : Nearly Brand new STEYR Engine - last serviced 27/2/2025
Number Of Engines : 1
Engine Standard : Steyr
Stroke : 4
Engine Hours : 457
Horse Power (hp) : 90
Drive Type : Shaft
Engine Room : Under Cockpit
Generator : IFG
Number of Batteries : 1 x Engine, 8 x House
Fuel Type : Diesel
Number of Fuel Tanks : 3
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) : 700
Propeller : Auto Prop
Steering System : Hydrive Hydaulic
Bow Thruster : Y

Accommodation Notes : Headroom is 2mtrs.
Number of Berths : 2 x queen beds
Number of Showers : 2
Shower Type : Hot/Cold Wet head
Number of Toilets : 2
Toilet Type : Sanimarin Macerator
Air Conditioning : no
Number of TVs : 1
Holding Tank (L) : yes - Grey = 90L, Black - 120L

Galley Notes : Diesel Stove/Oven Microwave No gas applicances.
Stove : 1 oven
Refrigeration : 1
Number of Freezers : 1
Number of Sinks : 1
Entertainment and Appliances Notes : TV and Radio BBQ + gas bottle Coffee pod machine and crockery and cutlery
Anchor / Winch : Muir Hydraulic
Bilge Pump : 3 Pumps
Deck Gear : 9 x Anderson
Mast/Rigging : Dyneema Rigging new in Sept 22 and last inspected 19/2/25.
Sail Inventory : Main, Genoa, Staysail (1 each)
Electrics : 3000W Inverter
Electronics Navigation : Raymarine
Dinghy : Yes on Davits - Highfield with Suzuki outboard with 20hrs max
Covers : Helm, Hatches, Sail Fully enclosed sides for Bimini Cockpit cushions x 6
Safety Gear : Harness
Ground Tackle : 40Kg Sarca Excell
Ice Maker : No
Watermaker / De-Sal : Spectra Cape Horn
GPS : Yes
Number of Fish Finders : no
Has Navigation Lights : yes
Radio : Hand held VHF
Number of Life Jackets : 6
Remarks : Many extras - docking lines x 8 various sizes and lengths of rope boat hooks x 2, fenders x 10 some tools, Fender boards, pilot books, fishing rods x 3, winch handles x 5

Vessel Name : RUBICON
Anti-foul : Anti-foul on 3/3/25