Design and Construction
Frers’ hull form gives the 50 a contemporary silhouette while preserving the traditional Swedish character the yard is known for. The forward underwater body is rounded almost like an egg, which yields soft motion in a seaway at any angle of heel, and the plumb stem keeps the bow fine forward for cleaner entry than many competitors in the sector. A modern hull shape delivers surprising interior volume, and the wide beam of 16 ft 5 in is carried aft to open the transom. Twin rudders with self-aligning bearings and tow angles set by Frers give superior control under sail and vibration-free motoring, while the deck plan stays clean and uncluttered with high all-round coamings sheltering the cockpit.
The build uses solid fiberglass hull and deck with lead ballast, and the interior is a single-level sole throughout — a practical feature the yard initiated with the HR41 of the mid-1970s. Modern hull stiffeners run up to deck level using longitudinal and horizontal reinforcements, reducing the number of closed bulkheads and letting the accommodation feel light and open. A walk-in engine room sits amidships with access from a large port door, a lifting stair, and a removable aft panel, all lined with thick perforated aluminium for sound control.
Rig and Handling
The rig is modern and easy to handle, centered on a 25 m carbon furling mast that reduces heeling and weather helm while improving upwind performance anchor. The lighter mast also cuts pitching and pumping in choppy seas. Seldén electric furling serves both in-mast and headsail as standard, with electric sheet winches, and the mainsail is an Elvström FatFurl in-mast furling sail with Epex membrane, roach, and vertical battens. Top shrouds and lowers lead to separate chain plates — a Hallberg-Rassy invention that eases deck passage and sheeting. A slightly overlapping foresail makes tacking easy, and an inner removable heavy-weather sail can be flown without runners.
On the water, the boat kept moving in the faintest cat’s-paws off La Rochelle when others stalled, and testers clocked 7–7.5 knots in 8 knots true, 8 knots in 10, and over 9 knots in 11–12. Writing in Yachting World, the tester found her the most pleasure and performance on the helm for a center-cockpit yacht, fast and enjoyable even in light breezes up to 12 knots.
Accommodations
Below decks the 50 feels closer to a 55–58 footer. The single-level interior runs from the aft cabin to the forward cabin with no steps, and the saloon can take traditional armchairs or a settee berth to port. A U-shape galley to starboard is standard, though many buyers choose the larger linear galley with Corian worktops and fiddles that double as handrails. The aft cabin is palatial, with split berths standard and a central double chosen by most; the master berth has raised sides to limit rolling. Forward and midships cabins share a sizable heads, and the compact midships cabin can take a bunk above its double. Natural light and indirect LED lighting are abundant, with good ventilation throughout.
Equipment and Systems
Standard sail-away equipment is extensive: a Yanmar 4JH110CR of 110 hp with hydraulic shaft drive, a 12 kW generator, electric cooking, fridge and freezer, PU teak deck, and a retractable Sleipner Side-Power bow thruster. The Mastervolt Combi Pro charger/inverter shifts automatically between shore power and inverter. A 3.5 kW inverter runs the induction stove without the genset, and a 50 kWh lithium bank recharges rapidly, mounted mostly under the forward berth to cut voltage drop. The navstation gives full access to labelled wiring looms, and the engine room holds an oil change pump and running-change fuel filters on varnished mahogany.
Known Issues
The master-cabin headboard sits right by the transom, which some consider noisy when berthed stern-to. The galley bin is small, with a custom sweep-in top suggested as the better solution. These are minor blemishes on an otherwise thoroughly considered layout.
The Verdict
The Hallberg-Rassy 50 is a refined thoroughbred that uses every inch of a modern Frers hull to deliver effortless sailing and ocean-capable comfort. It is certified CE category A for unlimited ocean voyages, and testers across Europe praised its blend of volume, build, and helm engagement.
Pros
- Carbon furling mast cuts heel, weather helm, and pitching while boosting light-air performance
- Single-level interior with exceptional volume for a 50-foot center cockpit
- Walk-in engine room with superb access and sound insulation
- Extensive standard equipment including bow thruster, generator, and lithium bank
Cons
- Master berth headboard by transom may be noisy stern-to
- Galley bin too small for practical use
- Central aft double berth is an option despite near-universal take-up
