The professional's opinion
This Damien 52 is truly a unique boat. Its main appeal lies both in its design and its history: a first-hand vessel built by its owner from an empty hull, with an interior fully made of solid teak.
The desalinator, the generator, the diesel heating, and the volumes of a 16-meter sailing yacht make it a particularly coherent unit for a travel or living aboard project. It is a boat that must be visited to truly understand its personality and everything that a simple technical sheet cannot show.
Description
JOUBERT-NIVELT DAMIEN 52 FROM 1983 FOR SALE – UNIQUE LONG-CRUISE SAILBOAT WITH 3 CABINS
This JOUBERT-NIVELT DAMIEN 52 from 1983 for sale is a long-cruise sailing yacht measuring 16 meters, particularly unique due to its history and design. It is a first owner, passionately built from a bare hull by its sole owner, on a Joubert-Nivelt lines plan. With its 3 cabins, generous spaces, and autonomy equipment, this yacht is clearly aimed at skippers seeking a vessel for travel, onboard living, or long-distance sailing. Brigitte Plaisance
With 16 meters in length, 4.42 meters in beam, and a draft of 2.10 meters, the Damien 52 has the presence and volume expected of a large travel yacht. Its peculiarity also lies in its truly unique character: it is not a mass-produced unit but a boat built around the owner's project and experience.
The interior has been entirely crafted in solid teak, giving the boat a warm atmosphere very different from that of more recent production sailboats. The 3 cabins allow comfortable living aboard for extended periods, whether as a couple with guests, in a family, or as part of a serious voyage project.
The propulsion is provided by a Perkins 120 HP diesel engine, with a shaft drive. A powerful engine that matches the size and purpose of this nearly 16-meter yacht.
The equipment is clearly oriented towards long-distance cruising and autonomy. The boat notably features a desalination unit, a generator, and a diesel heating system, all elements highly appreciated when planning extended stays onboard and minimizing dependence on port facilities.
This used Joubert-Nivelt sailboat may particularly appeal to a skipper looking not just for a 16-meter sailboat but for a vessel with a genuine history, designed for navigation and offering real autonomy.
A berth in Barcelona can also be considered for purchase or rental.
This Damien 52 is one of those boats that is difficult to fully appreciate only through technical specifications. Its history, solid teak interiors, volumes, and character truly come to life during an on-board visit.
To receive the full dossier, view photos and videos, or schedule a visit to this Joubert-Nivelt Damien 52 for sale, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Features
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Damien 52 truly unique?
Unlike a mass-produced boat, this unit was built from a bare hull by its owner, who has kept it since the beginning. Its history and layout are therefore directly linked to the builder's project.
Why is this boat different from a mass-produced 16-meter sailboat?
Its appeal lies precisely in its uniqueness: first-hand, custom-built from an empty hull, with teak interior fittings and equipment designed around a travel itinerary.
Does this type of sailboat suit a buyer looking for something different from Beneteau, Jeanneau, or Dufour?
Yes. It is precisely one of its advantages: this Damien 52 appeals more to a buyer looking for a vessel with a true personality and its own story than to someone seeking the standards of a large series production boat.
Engine
Location
France 66 · Pyrénées-Orientales
Equipment
Layout and water
- 220V Heating (Diesel)
- Forced air heating (Diesel)
- Manual toilet
Armament and safety
- Survival raft (6 persons)
Kitchen and appliances
- Electric four
- Electric plaque
- 12V refrigerator (x 2)
Electricity
- Alternator
- Service battery (2 x 220 Amp)
- Engine battery (2024 model)
- Battery charger
- 12V Circuit
- Generator set (type unspecified) (engine connected to a 200 Amp alternator (alternator from 2025))
- Docking
Electronics
- AIS receiver
- GPS
- Autopilot
- Radar
Engine and propulsion
- Shaft Line Transmission
Deck and exterior
- Annexe (2.50 m HIGHFIELD from 2023)
- Buoy
- Galvanic current for hull protection
- Desalinator (from 2024 30L/h)
- Electric windlass
- Small boat outboard motor (HONDA 4hp 2023)
- Anchoring (x 2)
- Electric bilge pump
- Cruise Control
- Cockpit table
Sails and rigging
- 1 jib
- 1 fisherman sail
- Spinnaker sock (x 2)
- Genoa on furling system (heavy and light)
- Main sail (used once + 1 time in heavy weather)
- Asymmetric (asymmetric and symmetric) spinnaker
- Dinghy cover
- Trinquette













