1987 DeFever 48 Tri Cabin

Boarding is straightforward and comfortable from either side deck or through the transom door, and the first thing that hits you is how right this boat feels. Wide teak decks, varnished rails, solid handholds, and excellent protection all around make moving about the boat feel safe and natural—whether you’re handling lines at the dock or making your way forward underway. The covered aft deck quickly becomes a favorite spot, functioning as an outdoor living room with seating, storage for cruising gear, and easy, protected access up to the flybridge.

This is a classic trawler layout that has been owned, maintained, and upgraded with purpose. Nothing feels wasted, and nothing feels neglected. With three true staterooms, two heads, and a bright, open main salon, the boat lives much larger than her length suggests. Naiad stabilizers take the edge off longer passages, while solar, watermaker, and dual generators give you the freedom to stay comfortably at anchor for extended periods.

Inside, the salon strikes a great balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern livability. Teak flooring, burl wood accents, granite counters, and comfortable seating create a space that feels warm and welcoming without being dated. The galley is designed for real use, not just weekend entertaining, and the dual-helm setup with full instrumentation at both stations makes running the boat intuitive and confidence-inspiring.

What really sets this vessel apart is how well she’s set up for long-range cruising and life aboard. A true stand-up engine room, thoughtful systems redundancy, generous storage throughout, and proven Lehman power make her an excellent candidate for extended coastal cruising, the Great Loop, or simply enjoying a slower, more comfortable pace on the water. This is a boat you can step aboard and start cruising, not a project or a compromise—just a solid, honest trawler that’s ready to go.

Defever 48 Aft Deck & Exterior

The covered aft deck is a comfortable, functional space for relaxing or entertaining and provides a practical platform for storing cruising toys. Wide side decks lead forward with excellent visibility and security. Flybridge access is protected and easy, with multiple handholds. The flybridge seating area is shaded by a bimini forward of the radar arch, and the Zodiac tender is stored here when not deployed by the electric davit.

Defever 48 Main Salon, Helm & Galley

Stepping inside, the main salon is bright, open, and welcoming, combining classic solid wood finishes with a clean, modern feel. Custom teak flooring runs throughout, complemented by a burl-wood dining/coffee table and granite galley countertops. An L-shaped Ultraleather settee provides comfortable seating, with window treatments and wall sconces adding warmth.

Forward to starboard is the Stidd captain’s chair with excellent sightlines and direct deck access. Both helm stations are fully instrumented, providing redundancy and confidence underway.

The galley is well designed for cruising and everyday use, featuring granite countertops, a large stainless sink, electric Princess cooktop, Brevel microwave/convection oven, ice maker, Engel refrigerator/freezer under the settee, and an additional upright refrigerator/freezer.

DeFever 48 Master Stateroom

Aft of the salon is the owner’s stateroom, featuring a centerline queen berth with padded alcove headboard, teak bedside tables, ample drawer storage, and cedar-lined hanging lockers. A custom mattress was installed in 2020. The private head to port includes a vanity sink and full stall shower. A washer/dryer combo is located in the starboard compartment, and a 32” Samsung Smart TV completes the space.

DeFever 48 Mid Stateroom

The mid stateroom offers twin over/under berths, a full-length hanging locker, and convenient access to the engine room. This space works well for guests, crew, or additional storage while cruising.

DeFever 48 Forward Stateroom

The forward stateroom features twin over/under berths, a cedar-lined hanging locker with storage drawers, and excellent ventilation from four opening ports and an overhead hatch. Headroom is generous at approximately eight feet, giving the space an open feel. A 32” Samsung Smart TV is installed.

DeFever 48 Master Head

The owner’s head is private and accessed directly from the aft stateroom. It is well laid out and functional, featuring a vanity sink with storage and a full stall shower. This space is designed for everyday use while cruising or living aboard, offering comfort, privacy, and room to move without feeling tight.

DeFever 48 Guest/Forward Head

The forward head serves both the forward and mid staterooms and is conveniently located just forward of the main salon. It features a dedicated stall shower, vanity sink, and thoughtful use of space, making it comfortable for guests and practical for extended cruising. Easy access from the main living area also makes this head ideal for day use.

DeFever 48 Flybridge

The flybridge is well laid out and protected, featuring a custom white leather Stidd captain’s chair, full instrumentation, spotlight and windlass controls, and excellent visibility. A new bimini was installed in 2025, providing shade and comfort underway or at anchor.

DeFever 48 Electronics and Navigation

Both helms are equipped with full engine and transmission gauges, ensuring redundancy and situational awareness. The electronics package includes Raymarine Axiom displays, radar, AIS, dual autopilots, forward-looking sonar, satellite TV, SSB, EPIRB, and a high-power onboard WiFi system—well suited for coastal and offshore cruising.

DeFever 48 Engine Room & Mechanical

The stand-up engine room is accessed from the mid stateroom and offers excellent access for service and inspection. Power is provided by twin Lehman 135hp diesels with approximately 4,100 hours. Naiad stabilizers were serviced in 2024. Mechanical systems include dual generators, built-in fuel polishing, watermaker, inverter, upgraded charging systems, extensive battery banks, and LED lighting.

DeFever 48 Deck, Hull & Systems

This vessel is set up for independence with solar panels, strong ground tackle, fresh-water washdowns fore and aft, deck lockers, Magma grill, spare parts, safety gear, and maintenance records. Bottom paint was completed mid-2024, varnish has been renewed, and the flybridge deck was repainted in 2025.

DeFever 48 Tender & Davit System

The Zodiac Cadet 340 tender is well equipped with helm seating, GPS/fishfinder, bimini, running lights, and bilge pump, powered by a 20hp Tohatsu four-stroke with power trim and tilt. A MarQuipt Lowboy 600-lb electric davit handles launch and retrieval.

Listing MLS by Yachtr.com