Vindo 50 MS Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Vindö 50 MS is deeply rooted in the rich boat-building tradition of Carl Andersson and Nötesunds Varv AB. Carl Andersson, a third-generation boat builder, was the primary naval architect for many iconic Vindö designs, including the 50 MS. The yard, known for its meticulous workmanship and thoughtful layouts, transitioned significantly around 1965 from predominantly wooden boat construction to Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The Vindö 50 model, including its MS variant, embraced GRP construction by the late 1960s, a testament to the yard's adaptability while maintaining its signature aesthetic.

Production of the Vindö 50 MS commenced in 1974, continuing the Vindö legacy of yachts celebrated for their unique blend of classic elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. A hallmark of the brand, evident in the 50 MS, was its distinctive mahogany superstructure, which lent an undeniable aesthetic appeal and set it apart from contemporaries 7, 8, 15, Builder Article. The design philosophy prioritized quality, style, and comfort, ensuring that each vessel possessed pleasing lines and excellent seakeeping abilities. While the 50 MS is specifically a ketch-rigged motorsailer, the Vindö 50 model was also offered in a masthead sloop configuration. Some variations in layout included a center cockpit with a stern cabin, as seen in a 1976 model, or a "Captains Cabin" variant that integrated a larger salon instead of a separate aft cabin.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Vindö 50 MS, designed as a motorsailer, exhibits a set of characteristics that prioritize comfort, stability, and ease of handling over outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.63, the boat is categorized as a heavy cruiser, suggesting a moderate performance in lighter winds but a robust and stable motion when the breeze picks up. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio, at around 0.435, indicates a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heeling. This high ballast ratio, combined with a long keel hull type, contributes to the boat's reputation for being extremely seaworthy and directionally stable, making it a reliable platform in various sea states.

The Displacement to Length ratio, approximately 258.34, further classifies the 50 MS as a mid-range to heavy displacement traditional cruiser. This robust build translates to a comfortable ride, particularly in choppier conditions, and a strong resistance to pounding. The ketch rig, with its divided sail plan, is generally favored for cruising due to its versatility in sail trim and easier handling of smaller individual sails, making it manageable for a short-handed crew. Anecdotal evidence consistently points to Vindö yachts possessing excellent seakeeping abilities, a quality undoubtedly instilled in the 50 MS, 7].

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Vindö 50 MS exemplifies the yard's commitment to quality, style, and comfort, consistent with the renowned craftsmanship of Nötesunds Varv AB. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the boat's design prioritizes a cozy and well-appointed living space. The interior finish heavily features high-quality wooden materials such as mahogany, teak, and acajou, contributing to a warm, traditional, and elegant ambiance.

Typical layouts found on the Vindö 50 MS often include a center cockpit arrangement, which can allow for a separate aft cabin, offering privacy and additional sleeping quarters. Other variations, such as a "Captains Cabin" design, featured a larger, more integrated salon area without a dedicated aft cabin, maximizing the main living space. Owners can generally expect well-thought-out arrangements, providing comfortable sleeping berths, a functional galley, and a head, all finished with the meticulous woodworking that is a hallmark of the Vindö brand, 15]. Storage is typically generous, catering to the needs of cruisers, and the overall impression is one of a classic, well-built interior designed for extended periods afloat.