This 2009 Hunter 50 Center Cockpit in San Diego, CA is far more than a spacious production cruiser. Extensively upgraded for serious passagemaking and comfortable off-grid living, she combines Hunter’s easily managed sailing characteristics with the systems, redundancy and energy independence expected aboard a modern long-range cruising yacht.

Her protected center cockpit is one of the boat’s defining features. A custom fiberglass hard dodger with opening Lexan windows, glare-reducing eyebrow and substantial stainless-steel handholds works in conjunction with the factory cockpit arch and custom supporting structure. Separate Sunbrella enclosures—with clear Isinglass panels for colder conditions and Phifertex screens for warmer weather—allow the cockpit to remain a comfortable living and watchkeeping area in a wide range of climates.

Sail handling has been configured with short-handed cruising in mind. Hunter’s backstayless B&R rig and cockpit traveler arch are complemented by renewed and upgraded standing and running rigging, new mainsail and jib, a furling asymmetrical spinnaker, furling storm sail and whisker pole. A Hydrovane self-steering system provides an independent means of steering offshore, while the B&G electronic autopilot incorporates a robust Octopus hydraulic drive and multiple control options.

Close-quarters handling is assisted by a powerful 24-volt bow thruster, while the Gori three-blade folding two speed 20% overdrive propeller reduces the engine speed and saves 20% at normal running speed. Bruntons SigmaDrive are designed to provide efficient propulsion with reduced drivetrain vibration. The auxiliary engine has also benefited from numerous reliability upgrades, including a high-output Balmar alternator, renewed pumps, starter, hoses and compartment ventilation. Automatic Fireboy systems protect both the engine and generator spaces.

Navigation and communications equipment have been comprehensively modernized. The B&G package includes a 12-inch Zeus3 chartplotter, Broadband 4G radar, a secondary Vulcan display, Triton instruments and extensive autopilot controls. An independent EM-TRAK Class B AIS transceiver supplements the VHF’s AIS receiver. Starlink Maritime and Iridium GO provide both high-speed and satellite communications capabilities, with professionally mounted external antennas.

The electrical system is a particularly notable feature. A 1,200Ah Victron lithium house bank, dual 3,000-watt MultiPlus inverter/chargers and approximately 1,600 watts of solar capacity provide substantial onboard energy independence. The installation includes Victron monitoring and battery-management equipment, three MPPT solar controllers and a separate universal-voltage charging arrangement capable of accepting shore power from 100 to 230 volts. This allows the yacht to connect to electrical supplies in cruising destinations around the world without complicated system changes.

That considerable electrical capacity supports an all-electric galley with a custom stainless-steel gimballed oven, induction cooktop and microwave. Three refrigerator/freezer systems provide excellent cold-storage capacity, while a 30-gallon-per-hour Cruise RO watermaker can operate from the battery and solar system. A Splendide washer/dryer, diesel cabin heating and twin 16,000-BTU Webasto air-conditioning units further enhance her suitability for extended cruising or full-time living aboard.

Below deck, the Hunter 50 offers the volume and privacy for which the model is known. The spectacular aft owner’s stateroom features a queen-size island berth, extensive custom cabinetry and closets, abundant storage and a private en suite head. The area beneath the berth has been converted into a substantial tool and equipment space—an especially practical feature for extended voyaging.

Forward, guests enjoy a private VIP stateroom and second head. Between the two cabins is a bright, inviting salon with additional custom cabinetry, a dedicated navigation station and a thoughtfully updated galley. Stainless-steel handholds have been added throughout the accommodation, while both heads have benefited from renewed pumps, shower drainage equipment and odor-resistant sanitation hoses.

On deck, safety and practicality have received equal attention. Stainless-steel handrails extend around the yacht, while the bow area has been strengthened and configured for safer anchor and sail handling. Ground tackle includes an oversized Rocna primary anchor, upgraded support structure, a Lewmar V-Series windlass installed in 2023 and a Fortress backup anchor. Custom forward-deck dinghy mounts provide an alternative to the raised stern davits, which also carry dedicated mounts for the liferaft, sea anchor, communications equipment and scuba tanks.

A 2017 Highfield 310 Ultralight tender with a 9.8-hp Tohatsu outboard completes the cruising package. Recent exterior improvements include new underwater lighting and transducer, along with fresh bottom paint and a striking Awlgrip “Marlin Blue” hull finish completed in January 2026.

This Hunter 50 Center Cockpit represents an unusual opportunity to acquire a proven, highly customized cruising yacht in which the major investments in power generation, rigging, communications, sail handling, climate control and liveaboard comfort have already been made. She is equally well suited to ocean passagemaking, extended coastal cruising or serving as a luxurious and remarkably self-sufficient home afloat.