Selene Yachts For Sale

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Selene Yachts

What is Selene Yachts?

Selene Yachts is a builder of luxury long-range trawler yachts and ocean-going passagemakers. Architect and yacht designer Howard Chen founded the company in 1998 with the goal of combining seaworthy full-displacement hulls, efficient diesel propulsion, practical cruising systems, handcrafted interiors, and residential comfort. More than 450 Selene yachts have been built for owners around the world. Selene yachts are designed primarily for experienced cruising couples, families, and adventurers who value range, stability, storage, redundancy, and liveaboard comfort more than high cruising speeds. Depending on the model, a Selene can be used for coastal cruising, the Great Loop, the Great Lakes, the Inside Passage, Bahamas and Caribbean travel, transoceanic passages, or extended life aboard.

Where are Selene Yachts built?

Selene Yachts are built in Zhuhai, China, near Macau. The company originally operated facilities in Dongguan and Zhuhai, but consolidated production at the larger Zhuhai shipyard in 2018. The facility is equipped to handle fiberglass construction, stainless-steel fabrication, interior joinery, systems installation, testing, and the production of both owner-operated trawlers and larger expedition yachts. Selene’s connection to Taiwan comes from founder Howard Chen, a Taiwanese architect and yacht designer. Buyers ordering a new Selene can participate in the build process, review construction progress, select materials and equipment, and visit the shipyard while the yacht is under construction.

What Selene Yacht models and sizes are currently available?

As of late 2026, the North American Selene lineup includes the compact 42 Archer, the traditional Classic Explorer series, and the contemporary Ocean Explorer series. Current models include: -Selene 42 Archer -Selene 46 Classic Explorer -Selene 49 Classic Explorer -Selene 54 Classic Explorer -Selene 60 Classic Explorer -Selene 62 Classic Explorer -Selene 66 Classic Explorer -Selene 52 Ocean Explorer -Selene 60 Ocean Explorer -Selene 64 Ocean Explorer -Selene 72 Ocean Explorer -Selene 78 Ocean Explorer -Selene 92 Ocean Explorer Selene also offers extensive customization, and additional sizes or configurations may be available for individual projects. Model numbers do not always equal the yacht’s exact overall length. For example, the Selene 52 Ocean Explorer measures 54 feet, 8 inches overall.

What is the difference between the Selene Archer, Classic Explorer, and Ocean Explorer series?

The Selene Archer is the company’s most compact cruising platform. The 42 Archer is designed primarily for coastal cruising and the Great Loop, with a single diesel engine, approximately 1,500 nautical miles of range at 6 knots, two cabins, two heads, walkaround decks, and an air draft intended to make bridge-constrained cruising more manageable. The Classic Explorer series features traditional trawler styling, warm wood interiors, raised pilothouses, Portuguese bridges, full-displacement hulls, and models ranging from 46 to 66 feet. The Ocean Explorer series retains the long-range engineering of the Classic models but adds sleeker exterior lines, larger windows, brighter interiors, more open living spaces, and contemporary finishes. Current Ocean Explorer models extend from the new 52 to the 92. The right series depends largely on cruising plans and design preferences. Archer buyers generally prioritize manageable size and coastal versatility, Classic Explorer buyers prefer traditional passagemaker character, and Ocean Explorer buyers want modern styling without giving up long-range capability.

Are Selene Yachts full-displacement and capable of crossing oceans?

Most Selene Classic Explorer and Ocean Explorer yachts are designed as full-displacement, long-range passagemakers. A displacement hull moves efficiently through the water at moderate speeds rather than attempting to climb onto plane. This allows the yacht to carry substantial fuel, water, stores, cruising equipment, and residential systems while maintaining economical fuel consumption. Ocean-going features available on Selene yachts include full keels protecting the propeller and rudder, watertight bulkheads and doors, raised pilothouses, Portuguese bridges, stabilizers, commercial-duty diesel engines, substantial fuel capacity, watermakers, fuel-polishing systems, and backup propulsion arrangements. The Selene 52 Ocean Explorer, for example, uses a Class A offshore-rated hull and offers more than 3,000 nautical miles of projected range at 6 knots. Not every Selene should automatically be treated as suitable for every ocean passage. Offshore capability depends on the exact model, build specification, loading, maintenance condition, safety equipment, weather routing, crew experience, insurance requirements, and preparation of the individual yacht.

How do Selene Yachts compare with Nordhavn, Kadey-Krogen, Fleming, Outer Reef, and Grand Banks?

Selene competes in the premium long-range trawler and passagemaker market. Nordhavn and Kadey-Krogen are among its most direct competitors because both brands offer full-displacement yachts designed for efficient bluewater cruising. Fleming uses semi-displacement hulls that provide greater speed flexibility, while contemporary Grand Banks models emphasize efficient long-range cruising at higher speeds. Outer Reef offers a broad selection of long-range motor yachts and explorer-style models. Selene distinguishes itself through extensive customization, substantial interior volume, handcrafted woodwork, residential accommodations, traditional raised-pilothouse layouts, and a choice between classic or contemporary styling. Selene also offers both single- and twin-engine configurations on selected models, allowing buyers to balance simplicity, redundancy, range, and maneuverability. No brand is automatically best for every owner. A meaningful comparison should consider hull design, displacement, range, cruising speed, draft, air draft, engine-room access, redundancy, interior layout, customization, service support, resale value, and the type of cruising the buyer actually intends to undertake.

What are the most popular Selene Yacht models?

Selene does not publish a current model-by-model sales ranking, but the Selene 49, 54, 60, and 66 Classic Explorers are among the most recognizable models in the brand’s traditional range. The 49 and 54 are attractive to owner-operators, while the 60 and 66 provide more accommodations, storage, equipment capacity, and space for extended cruising. Within the contemporary range, the Selene 60 Ocean Explorer has become a prominent model. The yacht Grato drew exceptionally large crowds and was described by Selene Americas as the most popular boat at the 2026 Anacortes Trawlerfest. The new Selene 52 Ocean Explorer is also significant because it brings Ocean Explorer styling to a smaller platform based on the proven hull of the Selene 49 Classic Explorer. Popular legacy models on the brokerage market include the Selene 43, 47, 53, 57, and 59. Because some older models were modified, lengthened, or renamed over time, buyers should compare the individual yacht’s actual length, hull number, layout, engine configuration, and original build specification.

What range and cruising speed can a Selene Yacht achieve?

Selene yachts are optimized for economical displacement-speed cruising rather than high-speed travel. Many models are operated between approximately 6 and 9 knots when maximizing efficiency and range. Actual performance depends on hull size, engines, displacement, weather, currents, bottom condition, fuel load, equipment, and cruising speed. The Selene 42 Archer has a published range exceeding 1,500 nautical miles at 6 knots. The Selene 52 Ocean Explorer has a projected range exceeding 3,000 nautical miles at 6 knots, supported by 1,400 gallons of fuel. A Selene 72 Ocean Explorer has been reported with approximately 2,700 nautical miles of range at 8 knots. Range can decline dramatically as speed increases, even on a displacement yacht. Buyers planning long passages should review the official performance data for the exact engine package and calculate range with conservative reserves for weather, currents, generator use, fuel that may be unavailable because of tank shape, and possible route changes.

Do Selene Yachts have single or twin engines?

Selene offers both single- and twin-engine configurations, depending on the model and owner’s preferences. Smaller Classic Explorers may be ordered with one or two engines, while larger Ocean Explorers generally use twin diesels. The new Selene 52 Ocean Explorer is equipped as standard with a single 230-horsepower John Deere diesel and a separate hydraulic get-home drive. A single-engine configuration can provide mechanical simplicity, excellent fuel efficiency, easier service access, and lower maintenance costs. A wing engine or hydraulic get-home system can provide backup propulsion if the primary engine becomes unavailable. Twin engines offer independent propulsion systems, greater low-speed maneuverability, and additional redundancy, although they also add maintenance and operating costs. The right choice depends on the owner’s cruising area, mechanical experience, desired range, docking preferences, engine-room access, and approach to redundancy. A buyer should evaluate the entire propulsion system, including shafts, transmissions, exhausts, cooling systems, fuel systems, controls, thrusters, and backup steering—not simply the number of engines.

Can a cruising couple operate a Selene Yacht without a professional crew?

Many Selene yachts in the 42- to 60-foot range are designed to be operated by an experienced cruising couple. Features such as bow and stern thrusters, stabilizers, raised pilothouses, side doors, walkaround decks, protective rails, remote monitoring, and carefully arranged engine rooms help owners handle docking, watchkeeping, maintenance, and long passages. Selene Americas specifically describes the 52 Ocean Explorer as being engineered for confident operation by a cruising couple. Previous large-yacht experience is still valuable. An owner-operator must understand diesel engines, electrical systems, generators, navigation equipment, weather, anchoring, emergency procedures, and passage planning. Training from a qualified captain can make the transition to a larger trawler safer and more enjoyable. Selene models in the 72- to 92-foot range are more likely to be operated with professional crew because of their size, systems, maintenance demands, insurance requirements, guest expectations, and accommodations for captains and crew members. Staffing decisions ultimately depend on the yacht, flag, itinerary, owner experience, and applicable regulations.

Are Selene Yachts good for the Great Loop, Great Lakes, Alaska, Florida, and the Bahamas?

Yes, but the best Selene model depends on the destination. The Selene 42 Archer was specifically developed as a coastal cruiser and Great Loop boat. It has a published air draft of 13 feet, 10 inches, two cabins, two heads, a single diesel engine, and more than 1,500 nautical miles of range at 6 knots. For the Great Lakes, larger Classic and Ocean Explorers provide protected pilothouses, substantial fuel capacity, climate control, stabilizers, storage, and accommodations for extended trips between distant ports. Selene owners also cruise extensively in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. One owner reported covering nearly 5,000 miles during a five-month voyage through the Inside Passage, Gulf of Alaska, and Kenai Peninsula. For Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean, owners should evaluate draft, air conditioning, generator capacity, watermaker output, tender storage, solar power, refrigeration, and stabilization at anchor. Selene owners have reported cruising between the Chesapeake Bay and the Bahamas while using solar panels and a watermaker to remain at anchor for extended periods.

Are Selene Yachts good liveaboard boats?

Yes. Selene yachts are particularly well suited to extended living aboard because their displacement hulls provide substantial interior volume, storage, fuel capacity, freshwater capacity, machinery space, and carrying ability. Typical layouts include a raised pilothouse, full galley, residential salon, multiple staterooms and heads, laundry equipment, generous refrigeration, covered exterior spaces, and a large flybridge. Long-term cruising equipment can include chilled-water air conditioning, generators, stabilizers, watermakers, lithium house batteries, solar panels, fuel-polishing systems, hydraulic davits, navigation electronics, vessel monitoring, and backup propulsion. Many of these systems are included as standard equipment on the new Selene 52 Ocean Explorer. Selene also provides considerable customization. Depending on the model, an owner may be able to select interior wood, upholstery, countertops, cabin arrangements, office spaces, crew accommodations, galley equipment, propulsion, stabilization, electronics, battery capacity, tender handling, and other cruising systems.

How much does a new or used Selene Yacht cost?

The cost of a Selene depends on model, engines, interior layout, equipment, customization, delivery location, taxes, duties, commissioning, and currency conditions. As of August 2026, Selene Americas published base prices of approximately $1.76 million for a 46 Classic Explorer, $1.95 million for a 49 Classic Explorer, and $1.96 million for a 52 Ocean Explorer. Published base pricing was approximately $3.01 million for a 60 Classic Explorer, $3.13 million for a 60 Ocean Explorer, and $8.95 million for a 92 Ocean Explorer. Prices and specifications are subject to change. A heavily customized yacht may cost substantially more than its published base price. Stabilization, navigation electronics, generators, lithium battery banks, solar systems, watermakers, hydraulic equipment, premium interior materials, crew accommodations, and delivery expenses can materially affect the final investment. Used Selene prices vary widely according to age, model, engine hours, maintenance, refit history, location, tax status, electronics, stabilization, generators, and cruising equipment. An older yacht with updated machinery and systems may be a better value than a newer yacht carrying significant deferred maintenance.

What awards and recent recognition has Selene Yachts received?

Recent recognition has focused on Selene’s cruising capabilities, owner community, and prominence within the trawler market. At the 2026 Anacortes Trawlerfest, Selene Americas described the Selene 60 Ocean Explorer Grato as the most popular boat at the show after the yacht attracted large crowds throughout the in-water event. This was event recognition rather than a juried design award, but it demonstrated strong interest in the contemporary Ocean Explorer series. In August 2026, Jeff Merrill of JMYS and Selene Americas received the Yacht Brokers Association of America’s CPYB Dedicated Service Award. The annual honor recognizes professionalism, ethics, industry participation, and support for the Certified Professional Yacht Broker program. The award was presented to Merrill personally rather than to a Selene model. Founder Howard Chen previously received the 2018 Innovation Manager award from organizations in Taiwan for his work in yacht building, manufacturing, quality management, and product development. Selene has also highlighted its ISO quality certification and the extensive real-world voyages completed by its owners as evidence of the brand’s engineering and construction standards.

Why should I buy a pre-owned Selene Yacht through Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales?

A Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales broker can help a buyer locate, evaluate, negotiate, and close on a pre-owned Selene Yacht. This is especially valuable because Selene yachts are semi-custom vessels: two examples of the same model and year may have different engines, stabilization systems, electrical architectures, layouts, woodwork, electronics, generators, battery systems, tenders, and long-range equipment. A JBYS broker can assist with: -Comparing Classic Explorer, Ocean Explorer, Archer, and legacy models -Locating publicly listed and privately available Selene yachts -Reviewing build sheets, equipment lists, and service records -Analyzing comparable sales and market value -Arranging showings and sea trials -Coordinating hull, machinery, and systems surveys -Scheduling diesel-engine inspections, fluid analysis, and generator testing -Reviewing stabilization, electrical, plumbing, and navigation systems -Negotiating price, survey findings, and closing terms -Coordinating financing, insurance, registration, documentation, and transportation -Addressing foreign ownership, importation, tax, duty, and cruising-permit considerations Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales has more than 50 years of company experience and nine offices located throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Florida. Its brokers understand Great Lakes, coastal, Florida, and extended cruising markets and can help determine whether a particular Selene’s condition, maintenance history, equipment, and asking price support the buyer’s intended adventures.