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
