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CaliforniaFormosa 40

1981 DeFever Formosa 40

$ 69,500

San Rafael, California

135 days on marketplace
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1981 DeFever Formosa 40
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Seller Information

Set Sale Marine

Set Sale Marine

California

Set Sale Marine has posted this listing as a marketing courtesy and only advertises on your behalf. All message inquires are delivered to the original poster.

Make
DeFever
Model
Formosa 40
Year
1981
Gross Tonnage
N/A
Length (ft)
40
Beam (ft)
N/A
Draft (ft)
N/A
Fuel
N/A
Engine Hours
N/A
Number of Engines
N/A
Engine Type
N/A
Cabins
N/A

Description

CÆLESTE ARC is a recently restored DeFever 40' Tri-Cabin Trawler, originally built by Formosa Boat Building Co. in Taiwan. With her timeless lines, deep forefoot, flat aft sections, and long full keel, this semi-displacement hull design offers excellent tracking and stability in a wide range of sea conditions. Her full keel protects the twin shafts and props—perfect for coastal or offshore cruising. This is a true classic, not just in pedigree but in presentation. The boat features a well-regarded tri-cabin layout with two private staterooms and a bright midship salon. Lavish use of teak...

Captain's Notes

Step aboard and you immediately feel how thoughtfully this DeFever has been set up for real cruising life. The side decks are generous and secure, making line handling and anchoring relaxed even short-handed. Up top, the flybridge layout invites long passages at the helm with friends gathered around, rather than perching on narrow benches. Inside, the galley is arranged for cooking underway, with smart storage for full-time living rather than weekend picnics. Engine-room access is straightforward, encouraging regular checks and easy service. Ventilation and light are better than many boats of this era, so the interior feels inviting, not cave-like. It’s the kind of trawler that makes slow, purposeful miles feel like a privilege, not a chore.

Why Formosa 40 in California

For this cruising area’s mix of tight harbors, open stretches, and occasional sloppy chop, the DeFever Formosa 40 hits a sweet spot. The tri-cabin layout gives guests and owners real privacy during extended stays aboard, while the bright salon works well as a central gathering space on rainy days. Twin engines offer confident maneuvering in crowded marinas and added redundancy when you’re stretching your range between fuel docks. The covered side decks and solid railings make docking in gusty conditions less stressful. With substantial tankage and a comfortable displacement hull, this design is well suited to slow, economical passages between anchorages, then settling in as a cozy, stable floating home once you arrive.

Last updatedAugust 3, 2025 at 5:33 PM

Listings are provided by sellers and are not verified by Set Sale Marine. Details are not warranted and should be independently confirmed by buyers.

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