Kelt 8.50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Kelt 8.50 by Kelt Marine commenced in 1983 and continued through 1987. During this era, Kelt Marine, founded by Etienne Renault, was recognized as one of the principal French sailboat builders, known for its commitment to practical, well-engineered, and accessible designs. The company's manufacturing ethos emphasized user-friendly boats crafted with "precision craftsmanship and maritime passion."

The Kelt 8.50 stands out with its distinctive, somewhat thick bow, which makes it easily recognizable. While the standard model featured a fin keel, a notable variation included a swing keel version, often referred to as the Kelt 8.50 DI (Dériveur Intégral). This lifting keel option provided enhanced versatility, allowing access to shallower anchorages and improving trailerability for some owners. After Kelt Marine ceased operations in 1986, the successful Kelt designs, including the 8.50, were acquired by Kirie and continued to be produced under their "FEELING" brand, extending their legacy in the sailing world.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kelt 8.50 exhibits capable sailing characteristics, striking a good balance between performance and stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.05, she demonstrates moderate performance across a range of wind conditions, neither exceptionally light-air focused nor overly powered in heavy breezes. Her ballast to displacement ratio, at around 41.37%, is quite healthy, indicating good initial stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 187.9 suggests she is a relatively light-displacement cruiser for her size, hinting at a lively performance for a boat of her vintage.

Owners and reviewers frequently describe the Kelt 8.50 as a boat that "sails beautifully" and offers "excellent sailing performance." It is considered a well-built and versatile vessel suitable for a variety of sailing conditions. Anecdotal evidence from owners suggests the boat performs well to windward, and while some older reviews might have commented on a shallow rudder, owners have generally not reported issues with its handling.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length overall of just under 28 feet, the Kelt 8.50 is celebrated for its spacious, light, and well-designed interior. The layout typically features a roomy, open-plan saloon, which provides a comfortable living space below deck. Forward, there is usually a raised V-berth, offering sleeping accommodations. A notable feature is often a double cabin aft, complete with a large porthole-style window, contributing to the bright and airy feel of the interior. While specific details on headroom are not always available, the design prioritizes interior volume, aiming for comfort during extended cruising. The overall finish quality aligns with Kelt's reputation for precision craftsmanship, with materials likely typical of production fiberglass boats of its era, often including a blend of molded fiberglass and some wood trim. Storage and ventilation are generally considered adequate for a cruiser of this size, making it a practical choice for coastal hopping and family cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kelt 8.50 generally express high satisfaction with their vessels. Many find them to be a "good value," particularly appreciating the generous living space offered below deck. The robust construction and comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently praised attributes. Owners often commend the boat's durability and express intentions to keep their Kelt 8.50s for the long term, a testament to their enduring quality. While some discussions among owners have touched upon potential minor concerns, such as the initial design of the rudder, these are often reported as not posing significant practical problems in use. The active community engagement on forums dedicated to Kelt sailboats further underscores the sustained appreciation for this classic French cruiser.