Formosa 46 For Sale - Blue Yonder Yachts
1977

YEAR

US$ 49,000

PRICE

45 ft.

LENGTH

Formosa

BUILDER

San Carlos, Sonora

Formosa 46



“Rocinante” is a proven offshore cruising yacht that combines classic build quality with the right modern upgrades where they matter most. Based on a Doug Peterson-influenced hull form, sharing lineage with respected passagemakers like the Kelly-Peterson 44, the Formosa 46 is known for its balanced sailing performance, offshore capability, and comfortable motion at sea. These are boats that have completed circumnavigations and earned a reputation as serious bluewater cruisers.

Built in Taiwan during the era of heavy-displacement, hand-crafted cruising yachts, Rocinante delivers the strength and durability that long-distance sailors look for. Her cutter rig, modified full keel with cutaway forefoot, and skeg-hung rudder provide directional stability, tracking ability, and protection for critical underwater components. She is designed to take care of her crew offshore while remaining manageable for short-handed sailing.

What sets Rocinante apart is that the known weak points of this model have already been addressed. The original teak decks have been professionally removed and replaced with non-skid for reduced maintenance and improved safety. The original fuel tanks have been replaced with custom aluminum tanks, eliminating corrosion concerns. The chainplates have been upgraded and moved external, allowing for straightforward inspection and long-term reliability. These are the upgrades buyers typically face after purchase, already completed here.

She is also exceptionally well-equipped for cruising. Sail handling is supported by Harken roller furling, a Tides low-friction mainsail track, Andersen winches, and Garhauer clutches. Power comes from a workhorse Lehman 80 hp diesel engine with a custom stainless steel exhaust riser. Energy is supplemented by a 1000-watt solar array with smart control, and onboard systems include a Raymarine autopilot, Lowrance chartplotter with sonar, Spectra watermaker, and portable fridge-freezer. Included are two dinghies, a 10’6” AB RIB and a 9’ Achilles roll-up, along with a 20 hp Suzuki outboard, giving immediate versatility at anchor.

Below decks, the layout is practical for real cruising. Two large staterooms are positioned at opposite ends of the boat for privacy, each with adjacent head and shower access. The main salon offers generous seating on both sides, while the galley is functional, secure at sea, and well-connected to both the cockpit and living space. A dedicated navigation station and a separate passageway with pilot berth and engine access reflect a design intended for passagemaking, not just dockside comfort. The interior is finished in rich teak with light panels to maintain an open feel.

The current owners are experienced cruisers who sailed her from the San Francisco Bay area to Mexico in 2023 and have used her for extended cruising in the Sea of Cortez / Pacific Mexico. She has been consistently cared for, hauled during off-seasons, and is currently stored on the hard in San Carlos, Sonora.

Rocinante is well-suited for a couple or small family looking to explore coastal waters or undertake offshore passages with confidence. Located in one of the best cruising grounds in the world and within easy reach of the U.S. border, she offers an immediate and practical entry into serious cruising.

Highlights

  • Lowrance HDS Live chartplotter with Airmar sonar
  • Two dinghies plus 20 hp Suzuki outboard
  • Large storage capacity for extended cruising
  • Classic teak interior
  • Two spacious staterooms with excellent separation
  • Sleeps up to 7

Recent Upgrades

  • Custom stainless steel exhaust riser
  • Heat exchanger replaced (2019)
  • Harken roller furling
  • Tides low-friction mainsail track
  • Andersen winches
  • Garhauer clutches
  • Custom stainless steel dinghy davits
  • Solar arch with 1000-watt array and controller
  • Raymarine Type 3 hydraulic autopilot
  • Spectra 150 GPH watermaker
  • Teak decks removed and refinished with non-skid
  • Fuel tanks replaced with custom aluminum
  • Chainplates upgraded and converted to external design


This vessel is located in beautiful San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, A short 250 mile drive on a safe 4 lane highway from Nogales, Az. San Carlos is a known boating destination/community, featuring breathtaking scenery, quiet anchorages nearby, great fishing, diving, two marinas, 3 haul out facilities and much more.

Sail away on a classic 1977 Formosa 46! All the upgrades where it counts, modern instruments, and a maintained traditional aesthetic make this a must-see yacht!


  • length: 45 ft. (13.72 m.)
  • price: US$ 49,000
  • builder: Formosa
  • draft: 6.46 ft. (1.97 m.)
  • max speed: 8 kn
  • beam: 12.92 ft. (3.94 m.)
  • cruising speed: 6.5 kn
  • built: 1977


  • Sail
  • Fiberglass hull
  • 2 cabins
  • 2 heads
  • sleeps 7

Dimensions

Builder Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd.
Designer Adaptation of Kelly-Peterson 44 design by Doug Peterson
Popular Length 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
LOA 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
LWL 39.58 ft / 12.06 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Maximum Draft 6.46 ft / 1.97 m
Ballast Weight 10,000 lb / 4,536 kg (encapsulated)
Displacement Weight 33,000 lb / 14,969 kg
Keel Type Fin
Rudder Type Skeg-hung
Hull Material Fully molded Fiberglass
Hull Hull-to-deck joint is fully through-bolted and bonded with teak cap rail
Boat Class(es) Cutter
Headroom 6.33 ft / 1.93 m

Propulsion

Engine #1 Ford Lehman, 4-cyl
Engine #1 Power 80 hp
Engine #1 Type Inboard
Engine #1 Fuel Diesel
Engine #1 Drive Type Direct, with dripless shaft seal
Engine #1 Propeller 3-blade, bronze
Comments Complete top-end rebuild with new heat exchanger (2019).

Custom stainless exhaust riser with fiberglass water lift muffler.

Tanks

Fuel Tankage x2 (Aluminum) – Total 160 Gal
Water Tankage x4 – Total 200 Gal
Holding Tankage x2 – Total 30 Gal with manual and deck pump-out
Comments Original fuel tanks replaced with a pair of custom aluminum tanks.

Accommodations

Below decks, headroom is 6 ft. 3 in. throughout, with slightly reduced clearance in the passageway to the aft cabin. The interior is exceptionally well-ventilated and naturally lit, with 14 opening portlights, three large overhead hatches, and two companionways.

Descending the main companionway, a large, functional navigation station is located to starboard, with a forward-facing chart table, storage below, and a cushioned seat with additional storage. To port is a full-sized U-shaped galley, ideally positioned adjacent to the cockpit and open to the main salon. The galley offers extensive counter space, two large storage cabinets with teak sliding doors, mounted spice racks, five drawers for utensils and general storage, and access to a dedicated dry storage locker.

Forward of the companionway is the main salon, featuring a U-shaped settee and a central dining table. The rich teak interior is complemented by white upper panels and overhead surfaces, creating a bright and open feel. The salon includes shelving and bookcases with louvered doors to port and starboard, opening portlights on both sides, an overhead hatch, and well-placed handholds throughout. The settee can serve as a single berth, while the dinette comfortably seats six and converts into a double berth. Storage is abundant beneath and behind the seating.

The forward stateroom is finished in teak and offers ensuite access to the head and shower, with a secondary entry from the main salon for “day head” use. The V-berth includes an insert to form a double berth. Storage includes under-berth compartments, shelving above the berth, multiple lockers with louvered doors, a large hanging locker to starboard, and additional drawers and storage to port. Natural light and ventilation are provided by an overhead hatch and two opening portlights. Access to the chain locker is also provided.

Aft of the main companionway, a passageway leads to the owner’s stateroom. This area includes a pilot berth, currently used for storage, and provides excellent access to the engine compartment through two removable sliding panels.

The private owner’s stateroom is located fully aft and features a queen-sized berth with a 6-inch mattress. The cabin includes a private head and shower with an opening portlight, as well as direct access to the cockpit via a dedicated companionway. Storage is extensive, with multiple lockers and a large three-door hanging locker. Ventilation and light are provided by an overhead hatch and four opening portlights.

# Cabins 2
# Heads 2
Types of Heads Macerators
# Berths 3
Types of Berths Available Queen berth, double berth, single berth, pilot berth
# People Accommodated (Sleeping) 7

Galley

Fridge / Freezer 12v fridge/freezer, top-loading, access through countertop

Encel portable fridge-freezer

Stove 3-burner propane range with oven, gimbaled

Solenoid safety shut-off valve for LP gas

Sink Double S/S with hot and cold pressure faucet

Electronics and Navigation Equipment

AIS Receiver Integrated into Lowrance HDS
Autopilot Raymarine Evolution w/ oversized Type-3 Hydraulic Linear Drive
Chartplotter Lowrance HDS Live chartplotter w/ 600W Airmar Sonar
Compass On binnacle
Depth Sounder Integrated into Lowrance HDS

Raymarine (extra)

GPS Integrated into Lowrance HDS
Rudder Angle Raymarine
Stereo Pyle
VHF Standard Horizon Matrix w/ integral AIS and GPS

Electrical Systems

Batteries x6 Trojan T105 deep-cycle
Battery Switch Blue Sea Systems
Battery Monitor Xantrex
Electrical System Blue Sea Systems 120vAC (60Hz) and 12vDC
Inverter Xantrex
Smart Regulator Xantrex 60-Amp MPPT charge controller
Solar Panels 1000 Watt array on solar arch
Alternator Balmar, high-output, 3-stage controller (NEW)

Sails & Rigging

Mainsail Yes, fully battened with double reefing points and Tides marine low-friction mast track

Garhauer full-width traveler

Jibs / Headsails 130 Genoa
Roller Furling Harken (for Genoa)
Spinnaker Pole / Whisker Pole Mast-mounted
Winches Andersen winches
Mast Keel-stepped
Standing Rigging Original hidden chainplates replaced with upgraded external plates
Boom Vang Rigid
Preventer / Boom Break Boom brakes for downwind control

Boom gallows

Lines Led Aft Spectra reefing lines with single-line, cockpit-led reefing
Comments Garhauer clutches (NEW)

Deck

The original teak decks have been professionally removed and refinished with durable non-skid, significantly reducing maintenance issues while improving safety underfoot. The hull-to-deck joint is fully through-bolted and bonded, capped with a solid teak rail for added strength and traditional styling.

At the bow, a single anchor roller is integrated into a stainless steel pulpit. Ground tackle is managed by a Lofrans horizontal windlass with foot-operated controls. Lifelines with stainless steel stanchions run the full length of the deck, connecting the bow pulpit to the aft rail system for secure movement underway.

The foredeck is spacious and uncluttered, transitioning into wide, easily navigable side decks and a clean coachroof layout, allowing safe access forward and aft.

The center cockpit is large, recessed, and well-protected, accessible from both side decks. High cockpit coamings provide security, and the cockpit is self-bailing with teak grating underfoot. The O-shaped seating comfortably accommodates up to eight people and can serve as a practical sleeping area for two during passages. A teak cockpit table with integrated drink holders adds functionality for entertaining. The cockpit is protected by a substantial dodger, and a large lazarette provides excellent storage capacity.

The vessel features both forward and aft companionways, each fitted with louvered boards for ventilation and security.

Aft, the deck offers a large open area suitable for working or relaxing. A robust stainless steel arch supports mounted solar panels, while a deck-mounted stainless steel davit system facilitates dinghy handling. Additional features include a rail-mounted barbecue and two rod holders. The coachroof aft of the cockpit carries the mainsail traveler and provides access to the private aft stateroom via the secondary companionway.

Anchors Rocna 33kg, 150’ of ⅜” HT chain spliced to 150’ of ¾” nylon braid

Backup anchor/rode

Windlass Lofrans horizontal windlass
Bow Pulpit Yes, stainless steel
Bow Rollers Yes
Deck Washdown Yes
Dinghy 10’6” AB hypalon/aluminum RIB with anchor and fishfinder

9’ Achilles hypalon roll-up dinghy

Dinghy Davits Custom stainless steel
Outboard 20hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard
Gates Yes
Lifelines Yes
Navigation Lights Mounted to bow pulpit
Swim Ladder Stainless Steel, mounted to transom

Covers & Cushions

Dodger Yes, with full sunshade
Wheel/Tiller Cover Binnacle cover
Mainsail Cover Stackpack type with integrated Lazy Jacks

Mechanical Systems

Fire Extinguishing Yes
Fuel Filters Racor
Hot Water Heater 10-Gal heater via 115vAC and engine heat exchanger
Transmission Velvet drive
Watermaker Spectra 150GPH

Safety Equipment

Life Raft Switlik 6-person liferaft
EPIRB McMurdo G5 SmartFind Plus 406 GPS EPIRB
Comments Ditch bag with manual reverse-osmosis desalinator

 

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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.

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