Shogun 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Shogun 50 began production in 2020, quickly establishing itself as the initial flagship model for Shogun Yachts, which was founded in 2019. The design philosophy behind the Shogun 50 is rooted in creating a very light displacement boat that delivers high performance and easy handling, even for day sailing. The Södergrens' goal was to combine spectacular sailing performance with exquisite workmanship, appealing to "rulebreakers and speed makers" who desire an exceptionally lightweight and exhilarating sailing experience.

Shogun Yachts embraced cutting-edge construction from its inception, utilizing carbon fiber with a foam core and vacuum-injected epoxy for the hull and deck laminates. This commitment to advanced composites underscores the company's dedication to performance and minimal weight, a characteristic noted by its displacement being significantly lighter than comparable performance yachts. A distinctive design feature is the unconventional mast placement, positioned further aft than typical, which optimizes the sail plan efficiency by providing a larger foretriangle base. The Shogun 50 made an immediate impact, making its racing debut in significant events like the Sandhamn Open and ORCi European Championship shortly after its introduction. While there aren't noted "MkI vs. MkII" variations, the design allows for significant customization, including different interior layout options.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Shogun 50's design ratios underscore its performance-oriented nature. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 21.52, the Shogun 50 is well-equipped for spirited performance, particularly excelling in light to moderate wind conditions. Its high Ballast to Displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.455 indicates excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a greater amount of wind pressure without excessive heeling. Furthermore, the exceptionally low Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 77 categorizes the Shogun 50 as a very light, performance-focused vessel, aligning perfectly with its design brief for speed and agility.

Anecdotal reports from tests highlight the Shogun 50's rewarding and forgiving handling characteristics. Despite its high-performance pedigree, it is described as a "joy" to sail and "in no way intimidating or demanding," often proving more forgiving than many more conventional yachts. Its lightweight construction and optimized design contribute to an "exhilarating" sailing experience, demonstrating its capability as a racer-cruiser that is both fast and comfortable.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Shogun 50's primary focus is on performance, its interior is designed to offer comfort and practicality, optimized for its role as a cruising yacht. The interior layout is described as "progressive" and optimized for both performance and comfort. Shogun Yachts offers the Shogun 50 with two main layout options, including a traditional three-cabin configuration, allowing for customization to suit owner preferences. The craftsmanship within the interior is noted for its "exquisite workmanship". The mast's aft position, while performance-driven, also contributes to the optimization of the interior spaces. Although specific headroom figures are not consistently available, a 50-foot vessel of this caliber typically provides ample standing room throughout the main living areas.