The Mason 53 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Mason 53 was available in two versions: an aft cockpit and a centre cockpit. The aft cockpit version had a larger main salon and a smaller aft cabin, while the centre cockpit version had a smaller main salon and a larger aft cabin with an ensuite head. Both versions could be rigged as a cutter or a staysail ketch.

The sailing press generally praised the Mason 53 for its beauty, craftsmanship, comfort, and performance. For example, Sail magazine described it as "a yacht of uncommon grace and style" that "sails like a dream" in its review in 1984. Cruising World magazine also complimented it as "a superbly crafted vessel" that "offers excellent sailing characteristics" in its review in 1998.

The Mason 53 is no longer in production. The last boat was built in 1989. The exact number of boats built is not known, but some sources estimate around 30 to 40 units.

Owners of the Mason 53 tend to be very satisfied with their boats and often keep them for a long time. They appreciate the boat's solid construction, spacious layout, ample storage, and easy handling. They also enjoy the boat's classic charm and reputation as a proven bluewater cruiser. Some of the common issues that owners report are related to maintenance, such as leaks, corrosion, and outdated systems.

The builders of the Mason 53 are Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd, a Taiwanese company founded in 1977 by two brothers, Tim and George Huang. Ta Shing started as a subcontractor for other boat manufacturers, such as Pacific Seacraft and Passport Yachts, before developing its own brand of sailboats under the name of Mason. Ta Shing also built powerboats under the name of Nordhavn. Ta Shing is still in business today and continues to produce high-quality yachts for various clients.

The Mason 53 can sleep up to six people on board. The boat has three cabins: a forward cabin with a V-berth, an aft cabin with a double berth (or two single berths in the centre cockpit version), and a midship cabin with upper and lower berths. The boat also has two heads, one forward and one aft.

The Mason 53 is a pleasure to sail in most conditions. It is well-balanced, responsive, and stable. It can handle light winds as well as heavy seas with ease. It has a moderate speed potential and can reach up to 9 knots in favourable winds. It is also easy to manoeuvre and dock, thanks to its bow thruster and powerful engine.

The average cost of a secondhand Mason 53 depends on the year, condition, and equipment of the boat. According to some online listings, the price range for a used Mason 53 is between $200,000 and $400,000 USD.

The Mason 53 is comparable to other sailboats in its class, such as the Hylas 54, the Tayana 55, the Valiant 50, and the Passport 51. All of these boats are similar in size, design, and performance. They are all well-built, comfortable, and seaworthy bluewater cruisers. However, they also have some differences in terms of layout, rigging, equipment, and price. For example, the Hylas 54 has a centre cockpit and a sloop rig; the Tayana 55 has an aft cockpit and a cutter or ketch rig; the Valiant 50 has an aft cockpit and a cutter rig; and the Passport 51 has a centre cockpit and a cutter or ketch rig.

The designer of the Mason 53 is Alvin Mason, an American naval architect who specialized in cruising sailboats. He also designed other sailboats for Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd., such as the Mason 33, the Mason 43, and the Mason 64. He also designed sailboats for other builders, such as the Allied Princess 36, the Allied Mistress 39, the Gulfstar Hirsh 45, and the Gulfstar Sailmaster 50.