The Beneteau 50 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Beneteau 50

Underwater Profile: Bulb keel & spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 50'9" (15.5m)

Waterline Length: 45'5" (13.8m)

Beam: 14'8" (4.5m)

Draft: 7'6" (2.3m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop

Displacement: 28,660lb (13,000kg)

Designer: Farr Yacht Design with Armel Briand

Builder:  Beneteau (France)

Year First Built: 1995

Year Last Built: 2004

Number Built: 200

Owners Association: Beneteau Owners Club

Design Ratios: The Key Performance Indicators

One of the key aspects that set the Beneteau 50 apart is its exceptional performance. This can be attributed to its well-thought-out design ratios.

The yacht has a Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.75, indicating that it has a good balance between sail area and displacement, which translates into impressive speed and maneuverability.

The Ballast/Displacement Ratio of the Beneteau 50 is 31.6%. This suggests that the boat has a moderate ballast, providing it with stability without compromising its performance.

The Displacement/Length Ratio of 171.6 further indicates that the yacht has a moderate displacement, which contributes to its smooth and comfortable ride.

The Comfort Ratio of the Beneteau 50 is 28.9, suggesting that it provides a high level of comfort for its occupants. This makes it an ideal choice for those planning long-distance cruises or live-aboard situations.

The Capsize Screening Formula of 1.98 indicates that the boat has a low risk of capsizing, adding to its safety and reliability.

But what are Design Ratios and how are they derived?

Pros & Cons

The Beneteau 50 comes in a sloop design, which is the most common design for modern sailboats. This design is efficient, easy to handle, and performs well in a variety of conditions.

In terms of strengths, the Beneteau 50 is known for its spacious and comfortable interior, high-quality construction, and excellent sailing performance. It also features a well-designed cockpit that provides good visibility and easy access to controls.

As for weaknesses, some owners have reported that the Beneteau 50 can be a bit challenging to handle in very strong winds. However, this is a common issue with many sailboats and can be mitigated with proper sailing techniques and experience.

The sailing press has generally given the Beneteau 50 positive reviews. It is often praised for its combination of comfort, performance, and value.

The Beneteau 50 is built with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The hull is solid and durable, and the interior fittings and finishes are top-notch.

The Secondhand Market

The Beneteau 50 offers good value for the money. While it is not the cheapest boat in its class, it offers a lot of features and performance for the price.

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They're often available on the secondhand market. The asking price can vary greatly depending on the boat's age, condition, and equipment, but you can generally expect to pay between $150,000 and $300,000.

When compared to other similar sailboats in its class, the Beneteau 50 stands out for its spacious interior, high-quality construction, and excellent sailing performance. It offers a good balance of speed, comfort, and value.

If you're considering buying a Beneteau 50 and haven't sailed one for any distance before, it's a good idea to charter one first. This will give you a chance to experience the boat firsthand and see if it suits your sailing requirements and ambitions. Make a holiday of it!

You can find Beneteau 50s for charter in many popular sailing destinations around the world. Prices vary depending on the location and the season, but you can generally expect to pay between $3,000 and $6,000 per week.

The Competition

Beneteau is a well-known and respected brand of sailboats and powerboats that has been in business since 1884. Beneteau boats are designed to be durable, fast, comfortable, and versatile. Depending on the model and the configuration, Beneteau boats can be used for different purposes, such as cruising, racing, fishing, watersports, or entertaining.

Beneteau boats are also known for their innovative features, such as the removable forward bulkhead on the Oceanis 35, the Air Step hull on the Flyer range, or the IPS system on the Gran Turismo line.

Beneteau boats have many competitors in their class, such as Jeanneau, Catalina, Hunter, Bavaria, or Dufour. Each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and sailing goals.

Some of the factors that you may want to consider when comparing Beneteau with other boats are:

• Built quality: Beneteau boats are generally well-built and reliable, but some models may have a lighter construction than others. For example, some online reviews suggest that Jeanneau boats have a stronger hull than Beneteau boats because they use a glassed-in grid system instead of a glued-in liner system. However, this may not be true for all models or years of production. You may want to consult a professional surveyor or inspect the boat yourself before buying.

• Performance: Beneteau boats are designed to offer a good balance between speed and comfort, but some models may perform better than others depending on the conditions and the sail plan. For example, some online reviews suggest that Catalina boats are more stable and easier to handle than Beneteau boats because they have a deeper keel and a more conservative rig. However, this may also affect their speed and maneuverability. You may want to test sail the boat yourself or compare the specifications and ratings before buying.

• Interior: Beneteau boats are known for their spacious and luxurious interiors, but some models may have more or less room than others depending on the layout and the options. For example, some online reviews suggest that Beneteau boats have more storage and larger cabins than Jeanneau boats because they are designed for charter and family market. However, this may also affect their performance and weight. You may want to check the interior dimensions and features before buying.

• Warranty: Beneteau boats come with a standard warranty of 3 years for parts and labor and 7 years for structural defects. However, some models may have different or extended warranties depending on the year of production or the dealer. For example, some online reviews suggest that Jeanneau boats have a longer general warranty of 5 years. However, this may also depend on the terms and conditions of the warranty. You may want to read the warranty policy carefully before buying.

• Price: Beneteau boats are priced near the top of the market compared to other similar boats. However, some models may be more or less expensive than others depending on the size, configuration, features, and availability. For example, some online reviews suggest that Hunter boats are more affordable than Beneteau boats because they have a simpler design and fewer options. However, this may also affect their quality and performance. You may want to compare the prices and value before buying.