Hylas 54
Contact Seller
XPresented For Sale By:
David Walters Yachts
United States
| Make | Hylas |
|---|---|
| Model | 54 |
| Year | 2003 |
| Condition | Used |
| Price | US$495,000 |
| Type | Sail |
| Class | Center Cockpit |
| Length | 16.46 m |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Hull Material | Fibreglass |
| Location | Norfolk, Virginia, United States |
| LOA | 16.43 m |
|---|---|
| Length at Water Line | 13.79 m |
| Beam | 4.8 m |
| Max Draft | 2.19 m |
| Keel Type | Other |
| Displacement | 48000 lb |
| Ballast | 20020 lb |
| Dry Weight | 52000 lb |
| Max Bridge Clearance | 22.25 m |
| Engine Type | Inboard |
|---|---|
| Engine Make | Yanmar |
| Engine Model | 4JH3-DTE |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Engine Year | 2003 |
| Power | 125 hp |
| Drive Type | Direct Drive |
| Engine usage (hours) | 4766 |
| Designer | German Frers |
|---|---|
| Guest Cabins | 3 |
| Guest Heads | 2 |
| Fuel Tanks | 4 x 275 gal |
| Fresh Water Tanks | 4 x 283 gal |
| Holding Tanks | 2 x 64 gal |
| Hull Shape | Displacement |
Description
Turn-Key Bluewater Luxury: 2003 Hylas H54 Agua Dulce
2024 Survey Available: Above Average Condition
Additional Photos Coming in Spring
The Hylas 54 has long been regarded as one of the finest bluewater sailing yachts ever built, a German Frers design that blends timeless elegance with serious offshore pedigree. Built to cross oceans in comfort and safety, Agua Dulce represents one of the most extensively upgraded and well-kept examples of the model in recent years.
Fresh from a 2024 survey that reported her in Above Average Condition, Agua Dulce has benefitted from a comprehensive refit between 2023–2025 that leaves her turn-key for world voyaging. Highlights include a complete rebuild of her powerful Yanmar 125HP diesel, new Northern Lights generator, new Raymarine electronics suite, all new lithium house battery bank, new Awlgrip hull and deck paint, new sails, and a custom stern arch with solar, wind, davits, and Starlink internet.
Step below and you’ll immediately appreciate her luxurious three-cabin, two-head layout finished in classic Hylas joinery and accented by refinished bamboo and teak cabin soles. The king-berth master aft, queen-berth VIP forward, and versatile portside guest cabin create private retreats for owners and guests alike, while the raised salon, gourmet galley, and dedicated nav station are designed for comfort both at sea and at anchor.
Fully equipped with watermaker, bow thruster, washer/dryer, air conditioning, Northern Lights generator, and an impressive suite of safety gear, Agua Dulce is ready to take her next owners anywhere on the globe in style and comfort.
2024/2025 Refit:
Note: The new cockpit cushions, port guest cabin cushions, bimini, dodger, and enclosure have been ordered and will be installed in February 2026.
Notable Features:
Complete energy independence: The new lithium house battery system, new Northern Lights generator, 720W solar panel array, hydro-generator, and wind generator – the yacht is capable of complete off the grid living!
For Sale by Original Owners: Agua Dulce is a of the rare one-owner Hylas 54s on the water today. The care and attention to detail the owners have bestowed upon this yacht is notable in every detail.
Significant Mechanical Refit: Every major system of the yacht has been completely updated; from the fresh engine-out complete rebuild of the main engine, new Northern Lights generator, new sails and rigging, and many of the house systems.
Fresh Hull & Deck Paint: Aesthetically, the yacht is in superb condition. The new Flag Blue hull, Snow White deck with Light Grey non-skid, paired with the excellent condition of the exterior varnish and interior condition give the impression of a yacht that has been very well cared for.
Modern Equipment: Agua Dulce has been refit with modern cruising electronics and electrical systems such as new electronics, lithium-ion batteries and power management, stereo equipment, the latest generation Starlink high-speed internet antenna, and more!
Equipped for World Voyaging: From the custom stern arch, watermaker, 3-zone A/C system, new Splendide ventless washer/dryer, upgraded lighting, bow thruster, step-down transformer to accommodate European power, and more, Agua Dulce is extensively equipped with all the best gear for unlimited voyaging! Also included is a 2020 Highfield 310 tender with new 2025 Tohatsu outboard and 2019 Torqeedo Travel 1003C electric motor.
Additional Units Included
- 2019 Highfield 310 Classic
Interior Accommodations and Layout
The interior of Agua Dulce is defined by her warm teak joinery, louvered cabinetry, and tasteful UltraLeather upholstery. The refinished bamboo and teak soles gleam under upgraded LED lighting, while large portlights, Manship deck hatches, and Oceanair shades create a bright yet private atmosphere. Her three-cabin, two-head arrangement provides generous accommodations for six, with the aft master stateroom rivaling those of much larger yachts.
Interior Styling and Additional Features:
Main Salon:
The raised salon is the social heart of the yacht, offering sweeping views through large fixed portlights. To port, a U-shaped settee wraps around a solid bamboo teak table with teak compass rose inlay, converting into an additional double berth when needed. To starboard, a long settee doubles as a sea berth with lee cloths. Custom cabinetry and integrated audio/visual systems—including a new 32” Samsung smart TV—enhance the space.
Master Stateroom
Aft, the king-size master berth (larger than the standard Hylas 54 queen) is flanked by abundant cabinets, cedar-lined hanging lockers, and outboard portlights for ventilation. The ensuite head features a dedicated stall shower, freshwater electric toilet, and the convenience of a Splendide washer/dryer. Centerline kingsize berth with custom mattress (larger than standard H54).
Master Head
VIP Stateroom
VIP Head
Port Guest Cabin
Galley
The seaworthy galley runs along the passage to the master, with deep refrigeration and freezer compartments (new Frigoboat system 2023), Force 10 propane stove, microwave, trash compactor, and Corian counters with ample storage. Ventilation is excellent thanks to three opening portlights.
Navigation and Electronics
Electronic Systems
Navigation Station
Cockpit and Helm
Construction and Key Features of the Hull
The Hylas 54 is built to German Frers’ exacting standards with strength, stiffness, and offshore safety in mind. Agua Dulce’s solid hand-laid fiberglass hull incorporates isophthalic resins and a gelcoat barrier to resist osmotic blistering, supported by longitudinal stringers and athwartship floors for rigidity. Her fin keel with moderate draft strikes an ideal balance between upwind performance and shoal-draft access, while the semi-skegged rudder provides excellent directional stability and protection offshore.
In 2025, Agua Dulce benefitted from a complete cosmetic refit: the hull was professionally refinished in Flag Blue Awlgrip with a contrasting red boot stripe and gold cove stripe, giving her a timeless and striking profile. The bow features a stainless steel striker plate for added protection when anchoring. Below the waterline, the hull form is known for its sea-kindly motion and carrying capacity, making the Hylas 54 one of the most proven passagemakers in her class.
Construction and Key Features of the Deck
The deck of the Hylas 54 is constructed of hand-laid fiberglass with end-grain balsa coring for exceptional strength, insulation, and weight savings. High-load areas and hardware mounts are reinforced with solid laminates and aluminum backing plates, ensuring durability for serious offshore use.
In 2025, Agua Dulce underwent a complete exterior refinish. Her deck was sprayed in Snow White Awlcraft with a fresh Light Grey KiwiGrip non-skid, providing both a crisp aesthetic and secure footing in all conditions. The teak toe rail and handrails were refinished with Awlwood for long-lasting beauty and minimal maintenance.
Practical cruising features abound: wide side decks with robust stainless steel stanchions, lifelines, and grab rails provide safety at sea; a side boarding ladder can be deployed port or starboard for versatile access; and the stern platform incorporates a folding swim ladder and handheld shower. Two propane lockers, four dorade ventilators with offshore caps, and a stainless steel striker plate forward underscore her offshore pedigree.
A custom stern tower extends her voyaging capability, integrating solar panels, Starlink high-speed performance internet antenna, a wind generator, outboard motor lift, and dinghy davits—all while keeping the foredeck clear and uncluttered for sail handling. The overall deck layout is engineered for easy single- or short-handed sailing while maintaining the elegance and bluewater practicality that define the Hylas brand.
Center Cockpit
The center cockpit of the Hylas 54 is one of her most defining features, offering both security offshore and comfort at anchor. Deep and well-protected, the cockpit is framed by high coamings, wide benches with teak planking, and a thoughtful arrangement of sail controls led aft for easy short-handed operation.
At the helm, a leather-wrapped stainless steel folding wheel provides excellent visibility forward and to the sails. A dedicated pod houses the Raymarine chartplotter, autopilot controls, and VHF command mic, while engine and bow thruster controls are within easy reach. A large binnacle-mounted compass and well-organized instrument layout ensure the helm is equally suited to passagemaking and harbor maneuvering.
Forward in the cockpit, a varnished teak table with folding leaves provides a central gathering place for dining or entertaining, with the security of substantial stainless steel grab rails. New Sunbrella bimini and dodger with drop-down enclosures (to be installed in February 2026) will deliver full weather protection, while matching new cockpit cushions add comfort and style.
Generous storage lockers, well-placed winches, and excellent overhead coverage make this cockpit both functional and inviting—a true all-weather living space and command center at sea.
Mast, Rigging, and Sails
The Hylas 54 is renowned for her powerful yet easily managed cutter rig, and Agua Dulce is exceptionally well-equipped for bluewater sailing. Her triple-spreader Selden mast features electric in-mast furling for the mainsail (motor rebuilt in 2024), allowing effortless reefing and sail handling from the safety of the cockpit. Both genoa and staysail are set on Selden Furlex furling systems, offering versatility and balance across a wide range of wind conditions.
Her standing rigging was fully replaced in 2019 and inspected again in 2025, ensuring reliability and peace of mind offshore. Running rigging is led aft to the cockpit through rope clutches, with a full suite of self-tailing Antal and Lewmar winches—including electric primaries—making sail trim manageable for a short-handed crew. A carbon fiber whisker pole mounted on the mast adds efficiency for downwind passages.
Additional rigging features include a rigid boom vang, running backstays, and a mast-mounted LED foredeck light for night operations. The cutter configuration, combined with robust deck hardware and thoughtful control line placement, reflects the German Frers design ethos: a yacht that can be easily handled by two yet remains capable of serious ocean passagemaking.
Sails:
Winches:
Ship Systems
Engine and Mechanical
Agua Dulce is powered by the reliable Yanmar 4JH3-DTE 125HP turbocharged diesel. In 2025, the engine was fully rebuilt and has logged just 250 hours since, effectively resetting its service life and ensuring dependable performance for years to come. Paired with a new Flex-O-Fold 4-blade propeller (2025), she delivers smooth, efficient thrust whether maneuvering in close quarters or powering through adverse conditions offshore.
Engine access is one of the strong suits of the Hylas 54. Located beneath the companionway, the Yanmar is surrounded by wide-opening panels on all sides, allowing excellent visibility and reach to belts, filters, the shaft seal, and all major service points. Maintenance is further simplified by a Groco plumbed oil change system, which serves the engine, generator, and transmission, making routine service clean and straightforward.
Fuel systems are designed with offshore redundancy in mind, including dual Racor 500 fuel/water separators with vacuum gauge and a bypass valve for polishing. A SidePower SP155TC bow thruster provides confident handling in tight quarters, while a Raymarine hydraulic autopilot with spare computer ensures reliable course-keeping at sea. Power demands are supported by a new Northern Lights 6kW generator (2025, only 101 hours), complemented by solar, wind, and hydrogeneration for long-range independence.
Altogether, Agua Dulce’s engine room and mechanical suite were designed with the voyaging sailor in mind—powerful, redundant, and exceptionally easy to access for inspection and maintenance.
Plumbing and Tankage
Electrical System
Agua Dulce has been comprehensively refit with a state-of-the-art electrical system designed for long-range cruising and self-sufficiency. At the heart of the system is a lithium house bank composed of four Victron 330Ah LiFePO? batteries (totaling 1,320Ah), monitored and protected by a Victron Lynx Smart BMS, Cerbo control module, and Touch 70 display. This powerful bank ensures abundant, lightweight, and efficient energy storage well suited for bluewater passagemaking.
The system is supported by multiple charging sources for redundancy and independence:
A Victron MultiPlus 3kVA inverter/charger provides seamless 120/240V AC power, while a 240V Acme isolation transformer ensures compatibility and safety when connecting to international shore power. Dedicated AGM start batteries support the engine, generator, windlass, and bow thruster, with independent chargers to keep all systems optimized.
LED lighting is installed throughout, including navigation, spreader, foredeck, and bimini-mounted cockpit lights, along with mast uplighting for enhanced deck safety. Connectivity and modern comforts are ensured with a Starlink high-performance antenna, modem, and router integrated into the system.
With a thoughtful balance of cutting-edge lithium technology, renewable generation, and proven redundancy, Agua Dulce’s electrical system is engineered for true global voyaging without reliance on shore power.
Anchoring and Mooring:
Audio and Visual Equipment
Safety Equipment
- Winslow 8 person life raft mounted in a hard vestibule at the stern rail – Requires recertification
- ACR 406 EPIRB
- ParaSail storm anchor
- Padeyes in the cockpit
- Jack lines
- Jim-Buoy throwable
- Lifesling 2 man overboard rescue system
- Osculati Life Dan Buoy man overboard rescue system
- (3) ABC Fire extinguishers
- FE 241 Automatic fire suppression system in the engine compartment
- Propane leak detector and alarm
- CO2 Detector and alarm
Tender
- 10’ 2” 2020 Highfield 310 Hypalon inflatable tender with aluminum floor
- Tohatsu 9.8HP fuel-injected outboard (NEW 2025) with 12-hours
- Torqeedo Travel #1003C electric outboard motor (2019)
Broker's Comments
The Hylas 54 is one of the most sought-after bluewater sailing yachts ever produced, and Agua Dulce stands out as one of the finest examples to come to market in recent years. What makes this yacht especially remarkable is her pedigree as a rare one-owner vessel, lovingly maintained and continuously upgraded since new. Few Hylas yachts carry such a consistent history of care and investment.
Between 2023 and 2025, Agua Dulce benefitted from a comprehensive refit that touched every major system—new Awlgrip hull and deck paint, a full rebuild of her Yanmar engine, new Northern Lights generator, new Raymarine electronics suite, new lithium battery bank, new sails, and a custom stern arch (2019) with solar, wind, davits, and Starlink. Every significant component has been refreshed or replaced, leaving her truly turn-key for extended voyaging.
For buyers seeking a Hylas 54, the value here is clear: Agua Dulce combines the proven pedigree of the German Frers design with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the yacht has been in the hands of the same conscientious owners from day one. Her extensive refit work sets her apart from her peers and ensures she will continue to hold strong resale appeal in the years ahead.
In short, Agua Dulce is not just another Hylas 54—she is one of the best, most comprehensively upgraded examples available, representing a rare opportunity for discerning buyers seeking a true bluewater passagemaker without compromise.
Disclaimer
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.
Presented For Sale By:
David Walters Yachts
United States
Presented For Sale By:
David Walters Yachts
United States
