BENETEAU 50
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 50.75 ft |
| LWL | 45.42 ft |
| Beam | 14.67 ft |
| Draft | 7.55 ft |
| Displacement | 28,660 lb |
| Ballast | 9,314.5 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 58.04 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 19.85 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 50.89 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 17.72 ft |
| FLforestay | 19.9 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,063 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 576.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 979.3 sq ft |
About the BENETEAU 50
Also available with shoal draft fin with bulb. (draft: 5.92') Rig dimensions are for "standard rig'. Also called MOORINGS 503, 504, 505, STARDUST 505, depending on layout.
The Beneteau 50 is a performance-oriented cruising sloop designed by Farr Yacht Design/Armel Briand and built by Beneteau (FRA) from 1995–2004, with a total production of 200 hulls. It combines a lightweight displacement of 28660.0 lb with a beam of 14.67 ft to deliver strong sailing credentials, though owners frequently report significant structural and mechanical maintenance challenges.
- Best for:
- This boat suits active coastal cruisers and short-handed racers who prioritize speed and modern handling over heavy bluewater robustness, provided they are prepared for rigorous maintenance of the deck core and steering systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- While the low capsize ratio of 1.92 and fin keel suggest good stability, the high frequency of rudder/shaft failures and deck core moisture issues raises serious concerns about long-term offshore reliability without extensive prior survey and repair.
- Comparables:
- It compares to the Jeanneau 52 and O'Day 50 as a large, beamy sloop from the late 1990s, but distinguishes itself with a lighter displacement and more aggressive hull form than the heavier, traditional cruising designs of that era.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(5 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 6.0 | 7.2 | 7.9 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.7 |
| 60° | 6.4 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| 75° | 6.7 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 |
| 90° | 6.5 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.2 | 9.6 |
| 110° | 6.2 | 7.6 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.6 | 10.0 |
| 120° | 6.1 | 7.5 | 8.3 | 8.9 | 9.3 | 9.7 | 10.4 |
| 135° | 5.5 | 6.9 | 7.9 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.4 | 10.3 |
| 150° | 4.6 | 5.9 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 9.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.2 |
| Run VMG | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 9.0 |
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
120 listings · boat years 1987–2017 · median $159,900
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 50.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
26 reported issues across 9 systems for the BENETEAU 50, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a BENETEAU 50? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 26 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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