Hylas 51 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Hylas 51 commenced in 1991, continuing the legacy of Queen Long Marine, a shipyard with over four decades of marine craftsmanship. German Frers' design philosophy for the Hylas 51 centered on creating a yacht that balanced performance with the substantial comfort required for extended offshore passages. The intention was to deliver a vessel robust enough for the demands of the charter market while appealing to private owners seeking a reliable blue water cruiser.

Queen Long Marine, the exclusive builder of Hylas yachts since 1985, is celebrated for its commitment to robust construction and elegant designs. Their manufacturing ethos emphasizes meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that Hylas yachts are equipped with high-quality, name-brand gear as standard. During the Hylas 51's production run, the builder's focus was on solid fiberglass hull construction, contributing to the vessel's noted reliability for challenging offshore adventures. While standard interior layouts were offered, there was considerable flexibility, allowing owners to customize the accommodations to their preferences. One notably rare variation included an aft-cockpit configuration on a single hull.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hylas 51's design characteristics translate into a noteworthy sailing experience. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.27, she is moderately powered, suggesting a balanced performance profile rather than being optimized solely for light-air conditions. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.44, indicates a stiff and stable yacht, well-equipped to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. This high ballast ratio, coupled with her fin keel and spade rudder, contributes to her reputation as a capable offshore performer.

The displacement to length ratio, calculated at approximately 58.56, suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented boat according to some classifications. Despite this, the Hylas 51 is widely regarded as a solid blue water cruiser. Owners and reviewers often describe the Hylas 51 as fast and exceptionally well-behaved under sail, exhibiting stability and comfort even at anchor. While she is noted for not pounding, some anecdotal reports suggest she can be a "wet boat" in certain conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hylas 51 offers generous volume, reflecting its design as a comfortable cruising yacht. While the maximum headroom is not specified in available data, search insights reveal that layouts were often customizable to owner's choices, with a standard offering of three double cabins, each with an ensuite toilet and shower compartment. A common configuration features two exceptionally large staterooms, both with private heads, including a spacious master stateroom located aft and a unique forward guest stateroom often equipped with two queen berths.

The cabin interiors typically feature warm, wooden furnishings, creating a cozy and traditional yacht ambiance. Beyond the berths, the layout generally includes a fully fitted galley and a comfortable saloon area. Consistent with Hylas's broader design philosophy, the 51 is expected to offer custom-designed interiors, plentiful storage, and functional onboard living spaces, crucial for extended voyaging.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Hylas yachts, including the Hylas 51, benefit from a strong and active community. The official Hylas Yacht Club and the unofficial Hylas Yacht Owners Association Forum provide platforms for owners to connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support. This robust network underscores the deep loyalty and satisfaction associated with the Hylas brand, a testament to the enduring quality and reliability of their vessels. While specific common issues for the Hylas 51 are not widely detailed in public forums, Hylas owners generally praise the solid construction and comfortable motion of their yachts, characteristics that are central to the brand's identity as a builder of serious blue water cruisers.