KELT 8.50
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.88 ft |
| LWL | 24.75 ft |
| Beam | 10.33 ft |
| Draft | 5.33 ft |
| Displacement | 6,394 lb |
| Ballast | 3,306.9 lb |
| Material | 17.0 |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 358.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 179.2 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 304.7 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 1 |
| Berths | 5 |
| Heads | 5 |
| Water | 39.6 L |
| Fuel | 6.6 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the KELT 8.50
Also known as the KELT 29 and later became the FEELING 29. SWING KEEL VERSION Disp.: 3130 kg./6900 lbs. Swing keel: 370 kg./816 lbs. Grounding shoe: 1100 kg./2425 lbs. tot. Ballast: 1470/3240 BU:2.25'/0.69m BD: 5.67'/1.73m Under the various names it is thought that more than 1200 of this design have been built.
Designed by Gilles Vaton and Patrick Roseo and built by Kelt Marine (FRA) from 1983–1987, the Kelt 8.50 is a compact coastal cruiser with 1200 hulls produced. Its fractional sloop rig and fin keel configuration offer a balanced blend of performance and stability for its 27.88 ft LOA.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, performance-oriented package that is easy to handle single-handed or with a small crew.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 6394.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.23, the Kelt 8.50 is primarily designed for coastal cruising rather than extended bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Beneteau First 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar fractional sloop rigs and target the same market of active coastal cruisers seeking efficient sailing in moderate conditions.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the KELT 8.50 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 27.88ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 3 systems for the KELT 8.50, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a KELT 8.50? 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 8 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your KELT 8.50?
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.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Perkins — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the KELT 8.50
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…