Yachts for sale / Schaefer 400

2021 Schaefer 400

Grand Rivers, KY, US 40.2 ft · 12.58 ft' beam 2 cabins
Asking
$339,000
Our Thoughts

This 2021 Schaefer 400 represents a well-maintained, single-owner motor yacht designed for comfortable cruising and entertaining along inland and coastal waterways. At 40.17 feet in length with a 12.58-foot beam and 3.5-foot draft, the vessel offers a practical profile suited to varied water conditions while maintaining generous interior volume for extended time aboard.

The Schaefer 400 layout prioritizes livability and social functionality. The main deck centers on an expansive social area ideal for entertaining, while below, a full salon with galley provides comfortable day-to-day living space. Two staterooms, each with high ceilings and private ensuite heads, allow for genuine guest accommodation or extended cruising comfort. A sunroof floods the interior with natural light and creates an airy atmosphere throughout the vessel.

Power comes from upgraded Volvo Penta sterndrive engines paired with a Cummins generator, supporting both propulsion and onboard electrical systems. The joystick control steering system—a hallmark of modern Volvo Penta drive technology—simplifies maneuvering in tight spaces and delivers intuitive boat handling for owners of all experience levels. The 211-gallon fuel capacity and 66-gallon water capacity support extended cruising without frequent refueling or water stops.

The cockpit showcases premium finishes including full teak decking and a high-quality sound system, creating an elegant entertaining space. A hydraulic swim platform with integrated electric grill and sink transforms the transom into a functional grilling station, perfect for waterside dining and social gatherings. This combination of entertaining features and practical amenities reflects the vessel's design philosophy: a capable, stylish platform for both active cruising and relaxed time on the water.

Located at Green Turtle Bay Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, this one-owner Schaefer 400 is presented as recently serviced and operationally ready, offering a turnkey ownership experience for buyers seeking a mid-size motor yacht with proven build quality and thoughtful equipment selection.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

2021 Schaefer 400 - One Owner | Located at Green Turtle Bay Marina, KentuckyThis exceptionally maintained 2021 Schaefer 400 is a one-owner vessel, equipped with upgraded Volvo D6 engines and a reliable Cummins generator. Designed with comfort and style in mind, the Schaefer 400 boasts a spacious and inviting layout. Both staterooms feature high ceiling along with well-appointed ensuite heads. Perfect for entertaining, the cockpit includes full teak decking, a premium sound system, and a hydraulic swim platform with an electric grill and sink - ideal for social gatherings on the water. Recently serviced and fully ready for the summer season, this Schaefer 400 combines performance, elegance, and livability - truly a home away from home on the water.

2021 Schaefer 400 Motor Yacht for Sale – One-Owner Cruising and Entertaining Vessel in Kentucky
The 2021 Schaefer 400 represents a thoughtfully designed cruising motor yacht built for owners who value a balance between comfortable long-distance capability and refined entertaining spaces. Located at Green Turtle Bay Marina in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, this one-owner Schaefer 400 combines European-style motor yacht design with practical American cruising features, making it well-suited for inland waterway exploration, coastal cruising, and waterfront entertaining.
Overview and Design Philosophy
At 40.17 feet in length with a 12.58-foot beam and 3.5-foot draft, the Schaefer 400 sits comfortably within the mid-range cruising yacht category, offering sufficient size for extended trips while maintaining shallow-water accessibility and manageable handling characteristics. The relatively moderate draft makes this vessel particularly well-suited for cruising the Great Lakes, the Intracoastal Waterway, and inland systems like the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers—a significant advantage for owners based in Kentucky who may explore both protected waters and coastal destinations. The design philosophy behind the Schaefer 400 emphasizes livability and social functionality. Rather than prioritizing fishing features or performance-oriented specifications, this model concentrates on creating multiple comfortable gathering spaces, sleeping accommodations, and galley amenities that support extended cruising and entertaining. The one-owner history and recent service work indicate consistent maintenance and a clear understanding of the vessel's operational requirements.
Accommodations and Interior Layout
The Schaefer 400's interior arrangement reflects a focus on guest comfort and overnight cruising capability. Two full staterooms provide sleeping accommodations, each featuring high ceilings that enhance the sense of space and reduce the claustrophobic feeling common in smaller yacht cabins. Both staterooms include ensuite heads, eliminating the need for guests to navigate shared facilities—a significant quality-of-life feature for extended cruising with family or friends. The lower-deck salon functions as the social and dining hub of the vessel. This dedicated salon space, separate from the helm area, allows entertaining and meal preparation to proceed independently from navigation and boat operation. The integrated galley supports meal preparation for both casual entertaining and extended cruising, with storage and appliance arrangements typical of mid-size motor yachts. The combination of two staterooms, ensuite heads, and a full salon creates a layout that genuinely supports living aboard or extended cruising schedules rather than serving primarily as a day-boat platform. The inclusion of a sunroof in the salon area enhances natural light and ventilation, creating a more open and airy feeling in the interior spaces—a particularly valuable feature in a cruising vessel where weather and daylight hours significantly impact the onboard experience.
Cockpit, Deck, and Entertaining Features
The Schaefer 400's cockpit is configured as a primary entertaining and social space rather than a fishing or high-performance platform. Full teak decking throughout the cockpit area provides the aesthetic warmth and traditional craftsmanship associated with quality motor yachts, while also offering practical non-slip surface characteristics in wet conditions. Teak decking requires regular maintenance but delivers a level of visual refinement and durability that synthetic alternatives cannot match. A premium sound system installed in the cockpit supports entertaining and casual cruising, allowing owners to enjoy music and entertainment while on deck or during dockside gatherings. This level of audio quality integration reflects an owner-focused approach to onboard comfort and lifestyle rather than a bare-bones utilitarian specification. The hydraulic swim platform with an integrated electric grill and sink represents a sophisticated transom design that transforms the aft deck into a functional entertaining station. The electric grill enables waterfront dining and social gatherings without requiring charcoal, propane, or complex fuel management. The integrated sink provides fresh water access for food preparation and cleanup, eliminating the need to shuttle supplies to and from the galley. This configuration is particularly effective for entertaining guests at anchor or in marinas, where the swim platform becomes an extension of the social space and creates a casual gathering area separate from the main cockpit.
Helm and Joystick Control
The Schaefer 400 features joystick steering control integrated with its Volvo Penta sterndrive propulsion system. Joystick control represents a significant advancement in usability for cruising motor yachts, allowing the helmsman to move the vessel in any direction using a single intuitive control input rather than managing separate throttle and steering inputs. This technology reduces operator fatigue during docking and close-quarters maneuvering, particularly valuable for owners who may operate the yacht single-handed or with minimal crew. The main-deck social area includes a dedicated helm station, maintaining sight lines and operational control while keeping the helmsman integrated with the social environment rather than isolated in a separate wheelhouse. This layout allows the operator to maintain boat control while remaining engaged with guests and social activities—a practical consideration for cruising yachts where the owner often serves as both captain and host.
Propulsion and Power Systems
The Schaefer 400 is equipped with upgraded Volvo D6 engines paired with Volvo Penta sterndrive propulsion. The D6 represents a mid-range displacement diesel engine widely respected for reliability, fuel efficiency, and smooth operation in cruising applications. Volvo Penta sterndrives provide proven sterndrive propulsion with integrated trim and tilt functionality, allowing the operator to adjust engine angle for shallow-water running and to facilitate hauling for maintenance. The fuel capacity of 211 gallons supports extended cruising operations, with range dependent on cruising speed and sea conditions. The water capacity of 66 gallons provides adequate fresh water storage for the vessel's two staterooms and galley facilities during multi-day cruising. A Cummins generator provides electrical power generation for the vessel's 120-volt AC systems, including air conditioning, galley appliances, water heating, and entertainment systems. The Cummins brand reflects a commitment to reliability and parts availability, particularly important for owners who may cruise in remote areas where service support becomes a consideration.
Why This Vessel Suits Cruising Owners
The 2021 Schaefer 400 appeals to owners seeking a capable cruising platform that prioritizes comfort, entertaining capability, and livability over performance or fishing functionality. The one-owner history and recent service work indicate that the vessel has been maintained according to manufacturer recommendations and is ready for immediate use. The moderate length, draft, and beam make this yacht manageable for owners who may operate without professional crew while still providing genuine sleeping accommodations and entertaining spaces that justify extended time aboard. The combination of two staterooms, ensuite heads, a dedicated salon, a premium cockpit entertaining setup, and thoughtful galley integration creates a vessel that functions as a genuine floating home rather than a weekend cabin. For owners based in Kentucky or the Upper South who value exploring inland waterways, the Great Lakes, or the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Schaefer 400's shallow draft and moderate size offer practical advantages that larger yachts cannot match. The recent service completion and one-owner provenance reduce the uncertainty often associated with used yacht purchases, allowing qualified buyers to focus on the vessel's operational characteristics and layout rather than addressing deferred maintenance or unknown service history.
Length
40.2 ft
Beam
12.58 ft'
Year
2021
Builder
Schaefer
Model
400
Cabins
2
2021 Schaefer 400 **Q: What type of boat is the 2021 Schaefer 400 and what is it designed for?
The 2021 Schaefer 400 is a 40-foot motor yacht designed as a cruising and entertaining platform. It combines a spacious two-stateroom layout with a full-featured cockpit and lower-deck salon, making it well-suited for families and groups who want to spend extended time on the water with comfort and style. The vessel emphasizes livability and social entertaining rather than high-speed performance, with a focus on relaxation and exploration of inland waterways and coastal areas.
What propulsion system does the Schaefer 400 use and how does joystick control improve handling?
The 2021 Schaefer 400 is powered by upgraded Volvo Penta sterndrive engines paired with joystick control steering. Joystick control allows the operator to move the boat in any direction with a single intuitive input, eliminating the need for separate throttle and helm wheel adjustments. This system makes docking, maneuvering in tight spaces, and station-keeping significantly easier, especially for single-operator boating or when navigating challenging marina conditions on inland waterways.
How is the interior layout arranged, and what accommodations does the Schaefer 400 offer?
The Schaefer 400 features a two-stateroom design with a main-deck social area and a lower-deck salon with galley. Both staterooms include high ceilings and well-appointed ensuite heads, providing private facilities for guests and crew. The lower-deck salon serves as the primary living space with dining and food preparation areas, while the main deck is optimized for entertaining and relaxation. This arrangement separates sleeping quarters from common areas, making the boat practical for extended cruising with multiple guests.
What entertainment and outdoor features does the cockpit include?
The Schaefer 400 cockpit is designed for entertaining with full teak decking that provides an elegant, durable surface for outdoor gatherings. A premium sound system allows music throughout the entertaining space, while a hydraulic swim platform with electric grill and sink creates a functional grilling and food-service station. These features make the boat ideal for hosting social events on the water, from casual dinners to larger gatherings with family and friends.
What generator and power systems are included on this vessel?
The 2021 Schaefer 400 is equipped with a reliable Cummins generator that provides onboard electrical power for the air conditioning, galley appliances, entertainment systems, and other hotel loads when the main engines are off. This generator supports extended cruising and anchoring comfort by maintaining power for climate control, refrigeration, and all onboard conveniences without requiring the main engines to run continuously.
What is the fuel and water capacity, and how does this support cruising range?
The Schaefer 400 carries 211 gallons of fuel and 66 gallons of fresh water. The fuel capacity supports extended cruising on inland waterways and coastal routes, while the water capacity provides adequate supply for showers, galley use, and heads for a family or small group during multi-day cruising. Together, these systems enable the boat to operate independently from shore facilities for reasonable cruising intervals.
How does the sunroof contribute to the interior environment and comfort?
The Schaefer 400 includes a sunroof that brings natural light and ventilation into the lower-deck salon and interior spaces. This feature enhances the sense of openness below deck, reduces reliance on artificial lighting during daytime cruising, and allows fresh air circulation throughout the cabin. The sunroof also creates a more inviting atmosphere in the main living areas, making extended time below deck more comfortable and enjoyable.
What makes the Schaefer 400 suitable for entertaining and social gatherings?
The Schaefer 400 is purpose-built for entertaining with multiple dedicated social spaces: the main-deck area with premium sound system and teak decking, the transom grilling station with electric grill and sink for food service, and the hydraulic swim platform for water access and relaxation. The spacious cockpit layout, combined with the lower-deck salon for covered entertaining, provides flexibility for hosting guests in various weather conditions and creating memorable experiences on the water.
What is the draft of the Schaefer 400, and how does it affect where you can cruise?
The Schaefer 400 has a draft of 3.5 feet, which allows it to navigate shallow-water areas and inland waterways that deeper-draft vessels cannot access. This moderate draft makes the boat practical for cruising rivers, lakes, and coastal regions with varying water depths, while still maintaining the stability and seaworthiness needed for open-water cruising. The 3.5-foot draft is a key advantage for exploring diverse cruising grounds without grounding concerns.
Is the 2021 Schaefer 400 a one-owner boat, and what does recent service history indicate?
Yes, the 2021 Schaefer 400 is a one-owner vessel, which typically indicates consistent maintenance practices and familiarity with the boat's service needs. The listing notes that the boat has been recently serviced and is fully ready for the summer season, suggesting that mechanical systems, engines, and generator have been inspected and maintained. One-owner history and recent service are positive indicators of a well-cared-for vessel prepared for active use.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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