Dean 5000 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dean 5000 was a product of Dean Catamarans during its later operational years, with production spanning from 2010 to 2014. Peter Dean, hailing from a lineage of marine craftsmanship in New Zealand and establishing his shipyard in Cape Town, South Africa, founded Dean Catamarans with a clear vision: to build catamarans prioritizing safety and comfort for private ownership and serious offshore cruising. The company consistently delivered vessels known for their robust construction, a hallmark that distinguished them from lighter alternatives in the market and instilled confidence in owners undertaking blue-water passages. The Dean 5000's design reflects this ethos, focusing on the rigorous demands of ocean sailing and the provision of a secure and comfortable home at sea.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a large cruising catamaran, the Dean 5000 boasts a length overall of 50.49 feet and a generous beam of 26.25 feet, providing substantial volume and deck space. With a reported sail area of 1528.48 square feet, she is configured as a fractional sloop, featuring a solent rig and a self-tacking staysail. This rig setup offers versatility and ease of handling, crucial for a vessel of her size designed for short-handed cruising. Her substantial waterline length of 49.7 feet contributes to a theoretical hull speed of approximately 9.45 knots, indicating a strong performance potential for a cruising catamaran. Owners and reviewers have noted her good sailing performance, suggesting a capable and responsive motion under sail. With twin keels and a maximum draft of 4.92 feet, the Dean 5000 combines stability with reasonable access to shallower anchorages, a significant advantage for a vessel of this size.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dean 5000 is designed to offer expansive and comfortable living spaces, consistent with Dean Catamarans' reputation for quality joinery and high-end equipment in their semi-custom interiors. Typical layouts often feature three cabins, providing ample sleeping arrangements for owners and guests. Headroom is generous, with approximately 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) reported, allowing comfortable movement throughout the living areas. While specific interior details can vary due to the semi-custom nature of Dean builds, one can expect a well-appointed salon, a practical galley, and comfortable sleeping cabins, often with en-suite or shared heads. The focus on robust construction extends to the interior, with durable materials and finishes suitable for extended offshore living.