Outbound 52 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of 52 feet, she offers a substantial platform for extended time at sea, providing ample space and the robust construction expected from an Outbound Yacht. She is recognized for her solid build, intelligent design, and ability to be easily handled in demanding conditions by a knowledgeable couple.

History and Design

The Outbound 52 entered production in 2008, a decade after Outbound Yachts was founded by Phil Lambert. Lambert, a former merchant mariner and racing sailor, envisioned a yacht that could blend robust offshore capabilities with genuine liveaboard comfort, a philosophy that deeply influenced the Outbound 52. The builder, Outbound Yachts, has maintained a consistent manufacturing partnership with Hansheng Yacht Building Company in Xiamen, China, since 1997. This collaboration allows them to leverage established boatbuilding expertise while focusing on design and quality control, ensuring a dedication to traditional, robust construction methods. Their hulls are notably crafted using 100% hand-laid solid fiberglass, a technique valued for its strength and durability in offshore conditions.

The design of the Outbound 52 was entrusted to Tim Kernan, one of the esteemed naval architects with whom Outbound Yachts has collaborated. Kernan's design for the 52 aimed to create a center-cockpit yacht that would appeal even to sailors who typically avoided them, featuring clean lines, moderate displacement, and low freeboard. The Outbound philosophy emphasizes low maintenance, system simplicity, good access, and practicality, all of which are reflected in the design of the 52.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Outbound 52 is engineered for exceptional offshore performance and stability, a hallmark of the Outbound brand. With a reported sail area of 1312 square feet and a displacement of 40,000 pounds, her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 17.80. This figure suggests a boat that is well-powered and capable of good performance in lighter air while still being manageable as the wind builds.

Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of 0.35, with 14,000 pounds of lead ballast in a bulb keel, indicates a solid and stable vessel. This substantial ballast contributes to her ability to stand up to a significant amount of wind, providing a stiff and comfortable motion in a seaway. The deep cockpit design further enhances a sense of security while offshore. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 163.38 places the Outbound 52 in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, striking a balance between weight for comfort and stability, and a hull form that supports good speed.

Reviewers have highlighted the Outbound 52's solid and stable feel on the water. She is described as being easily handled by a knowledgeable couple, thanks to features like an in-mast furling mainsail, roller furlers on the staysail and headsail, electric winches, and all lines led to the cockpit. This extensive control from the cockpit allows for efficient and safe short-handed sailing. Her design prioritizes controlling heel angle and balance, resulting in fast, relatively level sailing without sacrificing performance for comfort.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Outbound 52 is designed to provide luxury cruising comforts while maintaining practicality and functionality for extended voyaging. The deep cockpit translates to a surprisingly short companionway, with just three 6-inch steps leading down into the interior.

While specific headroom figures are not provided in the primary data, reviews and owner descriptions indicate a spacious two-cabin layout. A common configuration features a center island berth in the forward cabin, complemented by generous storage, including drawers. The Outbound 52 offers ample space for liveaboard comfort. The builder's philosophy emphasizes ease of access to systems and a finish that reflects quality, which is evident in the excellent finish throughout the boat. The intelligent design inside and out underscores a deep understanding of the challenges and demands of short-handed cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Outbound 52 consistently praise its capabilities as a serious blue water cruiser. The strong camaraderie within the Outbound Yachts owner community highlights the global reach and capabilities of these vessels. Owners often share their sailing adventures and experiences, underscoring the confidence they place in Outbound's commitment to building world-class cruising yachts. This active community is a testament to the brand's enduring legacy and the satisfaction derived from owning an Outbound.

The design, which focuses on low maintenance, system simplicity, and good access, is a frequent point of appreciation among owners. The boat's solid construction and ability to handle adverse conditions are also highly valued, making it a preferred choice for those undertaking extensive cruising and ocean crossings. While specific common problems were not detailed in available public reviews, the overall sentiment points towards a well-built and dependable vessel.