Own the Ultimate Adventure Machine: 1991 Freeport 110' Expedition Yacht "MELIA" for $1,995,000
This rugged, go-anywhere vessel is ready to explore the world. With transatlantic range, luxurious accommodations, and recent upgrades, MELIA is the perfect yacht for intrepid explorers and adventurer
Few vessels can boast the pedigree and versatility of MELIA, a 1991 Freeport Yachts 110’ expedition yacht with rugged steel construction and the kind of range that makes transatlantic crossings feel like a casual jaunt. Currently lying in Sarasota, Florida, she is available for showings and offers a unique opportunity for anyone looking to explore remote destinations or operate a mothership setup for research or adventure.
At 110 feet in length and with a beam of 27’4’’, MELIA is a striking and spacious vessel. Built at Freeport Shipbuilding, now known as Gulfstream Shipbuilding, her robust construction and thoughtful upgrades make her equally capable as a private yacht, a commercial research platform, or even a support vessel for extended expeditions. Every inch of her design is dedicated to function and durability, ensuring she remains a reliable partner for ambitious seafaring journeys.
Built for Serious Exploration
MELIA’s steel hull is purpose-built for challenging conditions, while her 15,000-gallon fuel capacity provides an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. That’s enough to cross the Atlantic and still have fuel to spare. Her keel-cooled Cummins NTA855 engines, delivering 350hp each, have recently been overhauled with approximately 1,000 hours since major rebuilds in 2015.
This robust propulsion system is paired with two Cummins 6BTA 5.9 commercial generators, each capable of handling the vessel’s electrical load independently. With such redundancy, MELIA ensures uninterrupted power for all systems, even during extended voyages in remote regions.
Practical features like the impressive 2,000-gallon-per-day watermaker, keel-cooled 16-ton air conditioning system, and a walk-in freezer with a commercial-grade ice maker (capable of producing 1,500 lbs of ice daily) ensure MELIA can remain self-sufficient on extended voyages.
These features, combined with her 300-gallon gas storage for tenders and toys, make her an excellent choice for long-range exploration without requiring frequent resupplies. The hydraulic bow thruster, windlass, and recently refurbished Terex 3470 crane with a 34,000-lb capacity and 70-foot boom further underline her capabilities as a workhorse of the sea, ready for both utility and luxury tasks.
Deck Layout and Tenders
On the aft deck, a powder-coated cradle currently holds a 32’ Intrepid Centre Console tender (not included in the sale but negotiable). Forward of the main tender, there’s ample space for additional gear or toys, including another tender, such as the included 22’ Nautica RIB with twin 90hp Evinrude outboards. Deck fittings include flush-mounted padeyes for secure storage, a freshwater hose reel, and access to the lazarette below. Her expansive aft deck and carefully engineered layout ensure ease of operation for adventure gear, diving equipment, and large tenders.
The bridge deck features yet another tender cradle, alongside four Magic Chef drop-in freezers, a full sunshade installed in 2022, and a wall-mounted pressure washer with a 100-foot hose for quick clean-ups after a day of exploration. This upper deck is designed with efficiency in mind, offering ample storage for long voyages while maintaining the flexibility to adapt for various activities.
A Home at Sea
Stepping inside, MELIA’s spacious interior combines practicality with comfort. The main salon features an L-shaped sofa, a dining area for 8-10 guests, and an office with a built-in desk. Overhead, recessed LED lighting on dimmers (upgraded in 2022) creates a welcoming ambience, while Hunter Douglas blinds offer privacy. Large windows provide expansive views, ensuring guests always feel connected to their surroundings.
The nearby galley is spacious and well laid out, with commercial-grade appliances, including a Wolf 48” gas range, refrigerator, freezer, and salamander broiler. A bar with seating for five ensures entertaining is seamless. The galley’s commercial-grade flooring and ample counter space make it as functional as it is stylish, ready to handle everything from intimate dinners to larger gatherings.
Below deck, guest accommodations are arranged along the port side, with three staterooms capable of sleeping up to 11 guests. The forward guest stateroom is en-suite, while the other two share a head. The master stateroom, occupying the entire starboard side, features a king-sized bed, a private office, and a massive walk-in shower. Thoughtfully designed storage solutions throughout the cabins ensure every guest’s needs are met, whether for short trips or extended stays.
Crew accommodations include two staterooms and a dedicated crew head, ensuring up to four crew members can live comfortably. Practical touches like a second full-size washer and dryer in the forward pantry make life onboard efficient and convenient. The layout provides excellent separation between guest and crew areas, ensuring privacy and smooth operations.
Command and Control
The pilothouse is a testament to functionality, with a centreline helm flanked by navigation and communication stations. The settee and table aft allow for comfortable observation or casual planning, while port and starboard access to the Portuguese bridge enhance operational efficiency. Her comprehensive navigation setup and excellent visibility allow MELIA to confidently tackle even the most complex cruising itineraries.
The flybridge above offers a secondary helm, full controls for dockside manoeuvring, and even a six-person hot tub for post-cruise relaxation. This upper deck combines practicality and indulgence, making it a favourite gathering space for guests.
Mechanical Excellence
MELIA’s engine room, accessible via the lower deck hallway or aft through the lazarette, showcases her mechanical pedigree. From the rebuilt transmissions (2016) to the hydraulic systems driving the crane, thruster, and windlass, every detail is designed for reliability. Her sight gauges on all tanks simplify monitoring, while high-capacity pumps and compressors ensure operational readiness at all times. Redundant systems, including dual generators and multiple bilge pumps, underline her capability to handle extended journeys safely and efficiently.
The lazarette is equally well-equipped, housing a dive compressor, tool chests, and a diesel transfer pump with a 100-foot hose for refuelling tenders or toys. This space also includes a walk-in refrigerator and the 1,500 lb/day ice maker, making it a key feature for provisioning on long voyages. The careful organisation of the lazarette ensures it is a fully functional utility space without compromising accessibility or safety.
Recent Upgrades
MELIA has benefited from continuous maintenance and upgrades, including a full exterior repaint and new antifouling in 2022. Her crane was refurbished the same year, and new LED lighting was installed throughout the vessel. Notable earlier works include a complete engine room strip, re-plumbing, and repainting in 2014, alongside significant mechanical overhauls in subsequent years. Each upgrade has been carried out with the utmost care, ensuring MELIA remains a reliable and efficient vessel for years to come.
With her rugged construction, extensive range, and well-thought-out amenities, MELIA is a true explorer yacht. Whether you’re charting remote waters, planning extended stays off-grid, or simply seeking a reliable platform for adventure, she is ready to deliver on every front.
MELIA is listed for sale with SYS International Yacht Sales for $1,995,000. To visit the listing, CLICK HERE
Owning an expedition yacht like MELIA is a significant investment that extends beyond the initial purchase price of $1,995,000. Understanding the technical aspects of operating and maintaining such an explorer yacht is important for prospective owners. Below is a general analysis of the primary operational costs associated with a 110-foot explorer yacht for premium subscribers.
