CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 18.04 ft |
| LWL | 14.44 ft |
| Beam | 7.55 ft |
| Draft | 1.31 ft |
| Displacement | 1,433 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.1 kn |
About the CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU)
Twin keel version draft: .51 m / 1.67 ft. Inboard was optional.
The Beneteau California 5.50 is a compact, lightweight fractional sloop designed by A. Beneteau and built by Beneteau(FRA) between 1981 and 1988, with a total production of 950 hulls. Its extremely low displacement of 1433.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 19.01 define it as a performance-oriented day sailor rather than a heavy cruiser.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal day sailing, racing, and trailerable cruising due to its shallow max draft of 1.31 ft and light weight, making it ideal for sailors with limited storage or those seeking easy transport.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low comfort ratio of 9.66 and minimal displacement, this boat is not recommended for offshore bluewater cruising, as its light hull form prioritizes speed over seakeeping in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other late-1980s trailerable fractional sloops like the O'Day 23 or Catalina 22, which share similar LOA dimensions (18.04 ft) and roles as accessible, easy-to-handle coastal racers.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 18.04ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU)yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU)? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the CALIFORNIA 5.50 (BENETEAU)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…