The Alden 54 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Based on the above ratios, the Alden 54 is likely to perform well under sail, as it has a reasonable amount of sail area for its displacement, a high ballast ratio that provides stability and stiffness, a moderate displacement that allows it to carry cruising gear without compromising speed, a comfort ratio that indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat, and a capsize screening formula that suggests a safer choice for ocean passages.

The Alden 54 is not in production anymore. Production ended in 2002, after 17 years of building this model. According to the Alden Yachts website, there were 25 Alden 54s built in total.

There were two main versions of the Alden 54 built: the centre cockpit version and the aft cockpit version. The centre cockpit version has a larger aft cabin with an ensuite head and shower, while the aft cockpit version has a smaller aft cabin with a separate head and shower. The centre cockpit version also has a smaller cockpit and a larger deckhouse than the aft cockpit version.

Both versions have similar layouts in the forward part of the boat, with a V-berth cabin, a head with shower, a saloon with settees and a table, a U-shaped galley, and a navigation station.

Depending on the version and the configuration of the boat, an Alden 54 can sleep up to seven people on board. The centre cockpit version has a double berth in the aft cabin, two single berths in the V-berth cabin, and three more berths in the saloon (one on each settee and one on the pilot berth). The aft cockpit version has a double berth in the aft cabin, two single berths in the V-berth cabin, and two more berths in the saloon (one on each settee).

The sailing press generally gave positive reviews to the Alden 54, praising its quality, beauty, comfort, and performance. For example, Sailing Magazine described it as "a superbly crafted yacht that combines traditional styling with modern technology", Cruising World called it "a handsome yacht that sails well and offers exceptional comfort", and Sailboat Cruising said it was "a classic cruiser with an enviable pedigree".

The Alden 54 was originally designed with a cutter rig, which has a single mast with two headsails (a jib and a staysail) and a mainsail. However, some owners have opted for a ketch rig, which has a second, smaller mast (the mizzen) behind the main mast, with a mizzen sail and a mizzen staysail. The ketch rig offers more sail area and more flexibility in sail trim, but also more cost and complexity.

The Alden 54 has a centreboard keel, which is a type of keel that can be raised or lowered by a mechanism inside the boat. The centreboard keel allows the boat to reduce its draft (the depth of the hull below the waterline) from 10'6" to 5'6", making it easier to navigate shallow waters or anchorages. However, the centreboard keel also adds more weight and moving parts to the boat and requires more maintenance and care.

The average cost of a secondhand Alden 54 varies depending on the year, condition, equipment, and location of the boat. According to YachtWorld, a website that lists boats for sale worldwide, the current asking prices for Alden 54s range from $295,000 to $695,000 USD.

The Alden 54 is comparable to other similar sailboats in its class, such as the Hylas 54, the Hinckley Sou'wester 52, the Oyster 53, and the Swan 53. These boats are all high-end cruising yachts that offer similar levels of quality, comfort, performance, and style. However, each boat has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the preferences and needs of the owner. For example, some boats may have more modern features or designs than others, some boats may have more or less draft than others, some boats may have more or less sail area than others, etc.