Stevens 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Stevens 50's lineage traces back to a design period in the mid-1980s, serving as an updated evolution of the popular Stevens 47/Hylas 47 hull, notably featuring an aft cockpit. The design by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for their seaworthy and performance-oriented vessels, imbued the Stevens 50 with their characteristic philosophy of creating yachts known for their sea kindliness, comfort, and speed.

Queen Long Marine, the shipyard behind the Stevens 50, has a long-standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship, primarily known for its Hylas Yachts brand. From its establishment in 1978, the family-owned company, under the leadership of individuals like Joseph Huang, committed to building high-quality marine vessels. During the era of the Stevens 50's production, Queen Long Marine embraced fiberglass yacht construction in their Kaohsiung, Taiwan, facility, focusing on robust offshore designs. Their ethos emphasized continuous improvement, stringent quality control, and collaborations with leading naval architects, ensuring the Stevens 50 benefited from sound engineering and construction. A notable variation during its production run included a pilothouse version, known as the Stevens 50 PH, offering alternative cruising configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 1153 square feet and a displacement of 31,200 pounds, the Stevens 50's sail area to displacement ratio stands at approximately 18.55. This indicates a moderately powered vessel, capable of respectable performance in a variety of wind conditions, including lighter airs, without being overly demanding. Her substantial ballast of 12,000 pounds, contributing to a ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.38, provides good initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion even in choppy seas.

However, it is her displacement to length ratio of approximately 580 that truly characterizes the Stevens 50 as a heavy-displacement, traditional cruiser. This high ratio signifies a powerful, substantial yacht built for comfort and security rather than outright speed, favoring a steady, comfortable ride over a quick passage. Owners often praise the Stevens 50 for its inherent stability and solid feel offshore, affirming its suitability as a true blue-water cruising boat. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder further contribute to predictable handling and good directional stability, essential for long-distance cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom data is not consistently available, the Stevens 50 is generally regarded as a spacious vessel for its size, offering ample interior volume for comfortable living during extended periods at sea. Typical interior layouts for the Stevens 50 often feature a three-stateroom, two-head configuration, providing privacy and convenience for multiple guests or a large family.

The interior of a Stevens 50, consistent with Queen Long Marine's reputation, typically showcases a quality finish with an emphasis on durable materials suitable for offshore use. While specific details on wood trim or ventilation rely on individual boat configurations and owner upgrades, the general design prioritizes functionality and comfort. The volume below decks allows for well-appointed living spaces, including a substantial salon, a practical galley, and comfortable sleeping quarters, making the Stevens 50 a highly livable yacht for serious cruising. The Stevens 50 PH, for instance, is noted to be more spacious than 50% of similar sailboat designs, emphasizing the builder's focus on interior comfort.