KELT 5.50
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 18.04 ft |
| LWL | 15.75 ft |
| Beam | 7.87 ft |
| Draft | 3.61 ft/ 0.98 ft min |
| Displacement | 1,190 lb |
| Ballast | 220.5 lb |
| Material | 3.0 |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.3 kn |
Accommodation
| Berths | 2 |
| Heads | 4 |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the KELT 5.50
A fin keel version was also available - draft: 2.46'.
Designed by Gilles Ollier and built by Kelt Marine (FRA) from 1976–1982, the Kelt 5.50 is a compact fractional sloop with 1000 hulls built. Its lightweight displacement of 1190.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 25.98 indicate a design prioritizing speed and agility over heavy displacement comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and day sailors seeking a responsive, easy-to-handle package that is trailerable and manageable for single-handers or couples.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 1190.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 7.16, this boat is not suited for offshore bluewater cruising but is adequate for protected coastal waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 18-foot trailerable fractional sloops from the late 1970s, such as the O'Day 18 or Pearson 18, due to similar LOA of 18.04 ft and emphasis on recreational coastal sailing.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 2.7 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.6 |
| 60° | 2.9 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 5.9 |
| 75° | 3.0 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| 90° | 3.3 | 4.4 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 7.7 |
| 110° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 9.3 | 11.0 |
| 120° | 3.3 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 9.0 | 12.4 |
| 135° | 2.9 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 7.6 | 10.9 |
| 150° | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 8.9 |
| Beat VMG | 1.7 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.1 | 3.0 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 7.7 |
Market Price
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 KELT 5.50yet 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 KELT 5.50? 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 KELT 5.50?
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.
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Used sails that fit the KELT 5.50
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…