Atlanta 550 ER Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Atlanta 550 ER began its production run in 1972 under the guidance of Klaus Scheeberger, the principal designer for Atlanta Bootsbau. Based in Weitnau, Bavaria, the company quickly established a reputation for producing compact, enjoyable sailing vessels. During the 1970s, the marine industry was transitioning to fiberglass construction, a shift that Atlanta Bootsbau readily embraced, utilizing solid fiberglass for both the hull and deck of the 550 ER. This choice of material ensured durability and ease of maintenance, aligning with the builder's ethos of creating practical boats. Klaus Scheeberger's design philosophy centered on balancing performance with user-friendliness, a characteristic evident across Atlanta Bootsbau's range, including the 550 ER. The company's promising trajectory was tragically cut short following Scheeberger's death in a plane crash around 1975, leading to Atlanta Bootsbau's eventual cessation of operations by 1978. There is no widely documented evidence of significant variations or different Marks (e.g., MkI, MkII) in the Atlanta 550 ER's production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Atlanta 550 ER, often referred to as a "german sailing dinghy" or "ballasted dinghy," is characterized by its lively performance and straightforward handling. With a length overall of 18.21 feet and a reported sail area of 193 square feet, she carries a generous amount of canvas for her displacement of 772 pounds, suggesting she is well-powered and capable of spirited sailing even in lighter winds. Her fractional sloop rig contributes to ease of control and allows for efficient sail trim. A defining feature of the Atlanta 550 ER is its lifting keel, which, combined with a ballast of 143 pounds, provides both stability and exceptional versatility for navigating shallow waters and easy trailering. This design element makes her particularly well-suited for inland lakes, rivers, and protected coastal areas, offering good upwind performance while maintaining the agile feel of a dinghy. Owners can expect a responsive helm and a boat that is "fun and fast," aligning with the core design principles of Klaus Scheeberger.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact dimensions, an overall length of just over 18 feet and a beam of 6.79 feet, the Atlanta 550 ER features a highly practical and minimal interior, typical of a sailing dinghy or a very small pocket cruiser. The interior primarily consists of a cuddy cabin, providing a sheltered space that would be suitable for basic storage of gear or offering very short-term refuge from the elements. Due to its design as a day-sailer with limited overall size, the Atlanta 550 ER does not offer standing headroom or extensive amenities found on larger cruising yachts. The focus of the layout is on maximizing the open cockpit area for sailing, rather than providing comprehensive living accommodations. The hull and deck are constructed from solid fiberglass, indicative of a straightforward and robust build for its era.