Del Rey 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Del Rey 50 is a quintessential heavy-displacement cruiser, designed more for momentum and sea-kindliness than for light-air agility. With a displacement that likely exceeds 45,000 pounds, the hull requires a significant breeze—typically 12 knots or more—to truly wake up. However, once moving, the boat’s high polar moment of inertia and long keel (or modified fin with a substantial skeg) provide exceptional tracking. Technical data from the Seven Seas Cruising Association Equipment Survey highlights that owners value the boat for being "big and fast offshore," where "fast" refers to the ability to maintain high average speeds in heavy weather without punishing the crew.

The ketch rig offers a versatile sail plan, allowing for easy balancing and "reefing by dropping a sail" in squally conditions. The split rig is particularly advantageous for short-handed couples, as it breaks the total sail area into smaller, more manageable components. While it may not point as high as a modern performance sloop, the Del Rey 50 excels on a reach, where its waterline length and stability allow it to power through offshore swells with a dry deck.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Del Rey 50 is designed for long-term habitation, prioritizing privacy and storage over open-concept aesthetics. As a center-cockpit design, the layout typically features a large engine room located beneath the cockpit sole, often providing "stand-up" access that is rare in 50-footers. The primary accommodation consists of a massive aft "owner’s stateroom," often accessed via a walkthrough corridor that houses the galley or a navigation station.

Materials are dominated by heavy teak, frequently featuring the hand-carved details that were a signature of William Garden's designs of this era. According to editorial mentions in Latitude 38, the boat is exceptionally roomy below, with enough separation of space to accommodate families with teenagers comfortably. Most versions feature two large heads and a dedicated salon that can seat six to eight adults. Sibling models include the Bounty 50 and the Force 50; while these share significant design DNA and hull lines, the Del Rey 50 variant is often distinguished by its specific deckhouse profile and West Coast interior finishings.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Del Rey 50 has a notable presence in the West Coast cruising subculture. It is a recurring participant in the Baja Ha-Ha rally and has been featured in the Latitude 38 Puddle Jump rosters, documenting successful crossings to French Polynesia. Because of its rarity and classic lines, it is frequently cited in "Blue Water" forums as a stout alternative to more common cruisers like the Formosa or CT-54.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Del Rey 50 with a focus on the structural and system-wide realities of a 40-year-old heavy cruiser:

• Teak Deck Leaks: Like many boats of this era, the Del Rey 50 often came with screw-fastened teak decks. Water intrusion through thousands of screw holes can lead to significant core rot in the sub-deck. Buyers should look for evidence of soft spots or previous "glassed-over" deck repairs.
• Tankage Condition: The boat boasts an impressive 400 gallons of both fuel and water, but these tanks are often integrated or made of iron/steel. If original, they may be reaching the end of their service life, and replacement in a 50-foot hull can be a major "engine-out" surgical procedure.
• Chainplates and Standing Rigging: Given its blue-water mission, the ketch rig’s chainplates are under high load. These are often buried behind cabinetry and require careful inspection for crevice corrosion.
• Hull Blisters: While the hulls are thick and robust, West Coast boats of this vintage are prone to osmotic blistering if they have not undergone a modern epoxy barrier coat treatment.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for Del Rey 50 owners is the broader community of William Garden design enthusiasts. Technical discussions and owner modifications are often shared through the William Garden Yacht Registry and various blue-water cruising forums. Because many parts were custom-built or sourced from long-defunct West Coast yards, owner associations remain the best source for identifying original hardware and architectural plans.

The Verdict

The Del Rey 50 is a formidable, "go-anywhere" ketch for the sailor who values tradition and safety over modern speed and minimalism. It is a vessel designed to be a home on the water, capable of carrying a massive payload of supplies and fuel to the most remote corners of the globe.

Pros:

• Extremely stable and sea-kindly in heavy offshore conditions.
• Massive interior volume with a true master aft cabin.
• Incredible tankage (400 gal fuel/water) for long-range independence.
• Classic William Garden aesthetic that commands respect in any harbor.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• High maintenance requirements for the ketch rig and extensive exterior teak.
• Potential for costly repairs related to aging tanks and cored decks.