Few boats strike the balance between pedigree, capability, and presence quite like the Alden-designed Challenger 50 Ketch. Conceived by renowned naval architect John G. Alden and built by the legendary Challenger Yachts Corp. yard in California, this series is represents a rare class of semi-custom offshore cruisers, of which only a small number were ever produced. Designed as a true passagemaker, the Challenger 50 combines heavy-displacement comfort, long-range tankage, and the versatility of a ketch rig with pilothouse protection, making it ideal for serious cruising and liveaboard life.

“FootSea”, a 1973 example, carries that legacy forward with meaningful upgrades and cruising-ready systems, while retaining the timeless character that defines these yachts.

FootSea is equipped for extended cruising with a focus on energy independence, reliability, and comfort:

• Massive 4,850W solar array (2025) paired with a 400Ah lithium (LiFePO4) house bank
• Victron electrical system, including a Quattro 10kVA inverter/charger and MPPT controller
• Sea Recovery Aqua Whisper watermaker (50 GPH) for true off-grid self-reliance
• Perkins diesel engine (80hp) with head rebuilt (2019), delivering efficient cruising at ~7 knots
• 700 gallons fuel + 700 gallons water capacity — exceptional range for long-distance cruising

On deck, recent investments enhance both safety and usability:

• New 400’ anchor chain (2025) with 120lb Bruce anchor
• Custom stainless steel dinghy davits (2025) ~$10,000 upgrade
• Full cockpit enclosure for all-weather protection
• Achilles 12’ dinghy (included)

Navigation and onboard systems are modernized and fully functional:

• Raymarine chartplotter, radar, depth, and speed instruments
• Robertson autopilot system
• Icom VHF

Below deck, FootSea offers a warm, traditional and ultra-spacious interior with practical updates that improve livability without sacrificing character. This 2-cabin / 2-head layout sleeps 5-6 comfortably inside with additional cockpit accommodations. Galley includes a large front-loading fridge and updated countertops (2020). The interior living space is made all the more clean and inviting with the brightwork refinished in 2020, two Cruisair air conditioning units, and a spacious 16.5 ft beam.

This is a layout designed for extended living aboard and comfort at sea. Boats of this pedigree — Alden design, Hodgdon build, and true offshore capability — rarely come to market, especially at this price point.

Conveniently located in the gorgeous cruising grounds of San Carlos, Mexico, this family-sized pilothouse ketch is waiting to take you and your loved ones on the adventure of a lifetime. If you are looking for a proven offshore cruiser with character, capability, and recent upgrades, FootSea deserves serious consideration.

This vessel is priced to sell. Accepting inquiries from serious buyers only.

Highlights

• New 400ah Lithium battery bank
• Victron electrical suite, including Victron Quattro 10 KVA inverter/charger
• New substantial solar array (2025) – 4,850 Watts
• Raymarine navigation suite
• Custom stainless steel dinghy davits (2025) – $10k investment
• Powerful Perkins diesel engine, with overhaul done 2019
• Perkins 12.5 kw diesel generator
• Huge fuel and water tankage
• Kitchen countertops redone (2020)
• Interior brightwork sanded and varnished (2020)
• New full-batten mainsail with stackpack (2024)
• New Quantum headsail (2025)
• New Harken Ocean headsail furler (2025)
• 400 ft of new chain (2025)
• Two Cruisair self-contained air conditioners
• Watermaker 50gph