The Beneteau 50, designed by Farr Yacht Design and Armel Briand, is a bluewater cruiser known for its blend of performance, comfort, and elegance. First built in 1995, it quickly became popular among sailors for its versatility, making it suitable for both extended ocean voyages and leisurely coastal cruising. With over 200 units built, the Beneteau 50 remains a favorite among long-distance sailors and liveaboard enthusiasts.
Design and Construction
The hull of the Beneteau 50 is a fin keel with a bulb and spade rudder, designed to provide stability and ease of handling. Its fiberglass (FG) construction ensures a balance between durability and weight. The masthead sloop rig offers a simple and robust sail plan, making it easy to manage, even for short-handed crews. The overall length (LOA) of 50.75 feet provides ample space while maintaining sleek lines for better sailing efficiency. The design prioritizes functionality while also being aesthetically appealing, featuring a large cockpit, wide deck space, and a comfortable interior.
Performance
The Beneteau 50 is designed to be a capable and stable cruiser with decent speed for a vessel of its size. With a sail area of 1,027 ft² and a hull speed of 9.03 knots, it performs well in a variety of wind conditions, offering good acceleration and the ability to handle long ocean passages with ease. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 32.50% ensures stability, while the comfort ratio of 26.35 points to a smooth and enjoyable ride, even in rough seas. Its fin keel and spade rudder setup allows for precise maneuvering, especially important when docking or navigating tighter waterways.
Comfort and Accommodations
One of the standout features of the Beneteau 50 is its interior comfort. With a beam of 14.67 feet, the boat offers a spacious layout that includes multiple cabin configurations, typically featuring 3 or 4 cabins. The generous headroom and natural light contribute to a feeling of openness inside. The water tank capacity of 264 gallons and fuel capacity of 132 gallons ensure that the boat is well-prepared for long voyages without frequent stops. The boat’s layout provides plenty of storage, a large galley, and comfortable living spaces, making it ideal for long-term cruising or living aboard.
Safety and Practicality
The Beneteau 50 is designed with safety in mind. Its capsize screening formula of 1.92 is well below the safety threshold, indicating good resistance to capsizing, even in severe weather conditions. The sturdy fiberglass construction and reliable Yanmar or Perkins diesel engine provide peace of mind during extended voyages. The large fuel and water capacities add to its practicality for long passages, while the masthead sloop rig and modern sail handling systems make it manageable even for a smaller crew.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 50 is an excellent choice for sailors seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and safety in a bluewater cruiser. Its versatile design allows it to handle ocean crossings while still being easy enough to sail on shorter coastal adventures. The boat’s spacious interior, strong build quality, and efficient sailing performance make it a reliable and comfortable option for both experienced cruisers and those looking to take on more adventurous voyages. Its long-lasting appeal is evident in the strong community of owners and its continued reputation as a capable offshore cruiser.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA (Length Overall) | 50.75 ft / 15.47 m |
| LWL (Length Waterline) | 45.42 ft / 13.84 m |
| S.A. (Sail Area, reported) | 1,027.00 ft² / 95.41 m² |
| Beam | 14.67 ft / 4.47 m |
| Displacement | 28,660.00 lb / 13,000 kg |
| Ballast | 9,315.00 lb / 4,225 kg |
| Max Draft | 7.55 ft / 2.30 m |
| Construction | FG (Fiberglass) |
| First Built | 1995 |
| Last Built | 2004 |
| # Built | 200 |
| Builder | Beneteau (FRA) |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design/Armel Briand |
Auxiliary Power/Tanks (Original Equipment) | |
|---|---|
| Make | Yanmar or Perkins |
| Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 132 gals / 500 L |
Accommodations | |
| Water Capacity | 264 gals / 999 L |
Sailboat Calculations | |
| S.A. / Displ. | 17.62 |
| Bal. / Displ. | 32.50 |
| Disp. / Len. | 136.55 |
| Comfort Ratio | 26.35 |
| Capsize Screening Formula | 1.92 |
| S# | 3.67 |
| Hull Speed | 9.03 kn |
| Pounds/Inch Immersion | 2,380.80 pounds/inch |
Rig and Sail Particulars | |
| I | 58.04 ft / 17.69 m |
| J | 19.85 ft / 6.05 m |
| P | 50.89 ft / 15.51 m |
| E | 17.72 ft / 5.40 m |
| S.A. Fore | 576.05 ft² / 53.52 m² |
| S.A. Main | 450.89 ft² / 41.89 m² |
| S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles) | 1,026.94 ft² / 95.41 m² |
| Est. Forestay Length | 61.34 ft / 18.70 m |
Sailboat links | |
| Designers | Bruce Farr |
| Builders | Beneteau |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 50 sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.