Passport 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Passport 50 traces back to 1994, marking its entry into the Passport Yachts lineup. The vessel was conceived by Robert Perry, a legendary figure in yacht design, known for his influential contributions to iconic Passport models like the Passport 40. Passport Yachts, founded by Wendell Renken in 1979, quickly established a reputation for designing and building robust offshore sailing boats in Taiwan, catering to those who sought both performance and comfort for extended voyages. The Passport 50 aligns perfectly with this manufacturing ethos, emphasizing quality construction and ease of handling crucial for serious cruisers. While specific design goals for the Passport 50 focused on a blend of modern innovation with traditional features, a notable variation in its production included both aft cockpit and center cockpit versions, offering owners flexibility in deck layout.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport 50 is characterized as a moderate weight sailboat, built for stability and offshore endurance. With a reported sail area of 1,000 square feet, its Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 15.24. This ratio suggests that while not an out-and-out light-air performer, the Passport 50 is well-powered for a cruising boat of its size, capable of making good progress in varied conditions without being excessively tender.

Its substantial ballast of 13,000 pounds, contributing to a Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 38.2%, indicates a stiff and stable vessel. This high ballast ratio ensures the boat can stand up to significant wind, providing a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway and excellent righting capability. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 256 further classifies the Passport 50 as a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser. This design choice contributes to its comfortable motion offshore, allowing it to punch through choppy seas rather than being tossed about. The cutter rig, featuring divided sail area, is particularly well-suited for offshore sailing, offering versatility in sail configuration and easier handling in stronger winds. The fin keel provides efficient hydrodynamic lift, while the skeg-hung rudder offers robust steering control and protection, both critical attributes for an offshore vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom for the Passport 50 is not detailed, Passport Yachts are generally known for their intelligently designed interiors and a focus on liveaboard comfort. The builder's commitment to semi-custom builds means that interior layouts often vary significantly according to owner specifications, but common features found in Passport yachts include generously sized living spaces, ample storage, and high-quality finishes. Typical arrangements on a 50-foot cruiser would include a spacious main salon, a well-appointed galley designed for offshore use (often featuring poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments with both front and top openings), multiple private cabins, and at least two heads. The use of fine wood trim and joinery, often characteristic of Taiwanese-built yachts of this era, would contribute to a warm and traditional aesthetic. Interior courtesy lights have often been upgraded to LED by owners, indicating a focus on modernizing and improving efficiency. The availability of both aft cockpit and center cockpit versions of the Passport 50 would significantly influence the interior layout, with center cockpit versions typically offering a more expansive aft cabin.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Passport Yachts, including the Passport 50, consistently praise the brand for its commitment to quality of construction and offshore capability. The Passport 50 is widely regarded as a solid, capable blue-water cruising boat, known for its stability and comfort during long passages. The semi-custom nature of Passport builds fosters a strong sense of ownership and satisfaction, as each yacht is meticulously crafted to meet individual desires. The enduring appeal of Passport yachts is evident in the vibrant community of owners who actively engage in forums and discussions, often sharing experiences and contributing feedback that influences future designs. While no specific common weaknesses for the Passport 50 were readily identified in general searches, the overall consensus points to a highly respected and sought-after vessel among serious cruisers.