Kraken 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Kraken 50 exhibits the stable, predictable motion characteristic of a heavy-displacement cruiser. With a displacement-to-length ratio designed for comfort rather than surfing, the boat tracks exceptionally well in offshore conditions, reducing helmsman fatigue. It utilizes a twin-rudder configuration; however, unlike modern Mediterranean cruisers where twin rudders are used to maintain grip at high heel angles, the Kraken 50’s rudders are protected by deep skegs and the long profile of the keel, ensuring steering remains functional even after a strike.

The sail plan typically features a Solent rig, which allows for a large reacher for light winds and a smaller, self-tacking jib for heavy-weather upwind work. In editorial testing by Sailing Today, the vessel was noted for its ability to maintain momentum through a chop, a byproduct of its 18,500kg (40,785 lbs) displacement. While it may not point as high as a flat-bottomed performance cruiser, its sea-kindliness in a Force 6 or higher is where the design excels, offering a "dry" ride due to its high freeboard and protective center-cockpit coamings.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Kraken 50 is designed for living "in" rather than "on" the boat, with an emphasis on security while moving about at sea. The raised saloon provides nearly 270 degrees of visibility, a feature common in deck saloon models that allows the crew to keep watch from the warmth of the navigation station. The joinery is typically finished in high-quality hardwoods, with substantial fiddles and handrails located precisely where needed for heavy-weather transit.

The standard layout features a three-cabin configuration. The master suite is located aft, taking full advantage of the beam to provide a walk-around island berth and a private en-suite head. Forward, a VIP guest cabin occupies the V-berth, while a third cabin—often configured with twin bunks—is situated to port. A notable variation includes the "Utility Room" option, where one of the guest cabins is sacrificed for a dedicated workshop and laundry space, a popular choice for circumnavigators. The galley is located in the walkway to the aft cabin, providing a secure, U-shaped workspace that braces the cook effectively on either tack.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Kraken 50 has gained significant visibility through the Ocean Sailor platform, an editorial venture led by Dick Beaumont that focuses on blue water safety and technical deep-dives. The yacht has been featured extensively in Ocean Sailor Magazine as a case study for "Zero Keel" technology and heavy-weather preparation. It has also been the subject of technical reviews by major European publications, including Yachting Monthly and Die Yacht, often cited as a benchmark for the "New Wave" of traditionalist blue water cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As the Kraken 50 is built to a high specification in relatively low volumes, "common" failures like those found in mass-production boats are rare. However, prospective buyers should focus on the following technical areas:

• Complex Systems Integration: Because Kraken 50s are often delivered "all-inclusive" with generators, watermakers, and hydraulic furling, the primary concern is the maintenance of these interconnected systems. A surveyor should verify the service logs of the sophisticated Victron or Mastervolt power management systems typically installed.
• Keel-Cooling Systems: Some Kraken models utilize internal keel-cooling for the engine and refrigeration. While this eliminates raw-water intake issues (like weed clogging), it requires specific maintenance of the internal coolant loops.
• Braid-on-Braid Rigging Tension: Due to the Solent rig’s complexity, checking the tension and wear points of the various furling lines and stays is essential, as the loads on the headstay are significant when flying the reacher.
• Seal Checks: Given the boat’s manufacturing in Turkey and Poland across different production years, buyers should inspect the seals around the large deck-saloon windows to ensure no UV-degradation has occurred in tropical climates.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for Kraken owners and enthusiasts is the Kraken Yachts Technical Support portal and the associated Ocean Sailor community. Unlike older brands with decentralized forums, Kraken maintains a relatively close relationship with its hull owners, often hosting technical seminars and "Blue Water Med" rallies. Technical documentation is generally robust, provided directly by the manufacturer's Istanbul design office.

The Verdict

The Kraken 50 is a specialist tool designed for the specific task of crossing oceans with maximum peace of mind. It sacrifices light-air agility for structural invincibility and heavy-weather comfort.

Pros:

• Unrivaled Safety: The integral "Zero Keel" and Kevlar-reinforced stem offer protection levels rarely seen in production boats.
• True Blue Water Ergonomics: Interior layouts are optimized for safety at sea, not just aesthetics at the dock.
• High Standard Specification: Most hulls are sold with comprehensive offshore equipment (generator, watermaker, sails) as standard.

Cons:

• Weight: The heavy displacement makes the boat sluggish in winds under 8-10 knots without a specialized light-air sail.
• Draft: The fixed deep keel limits access to some shallow-water cruising grounds compared to lifting-keel competitors.
• Price Point: The high build quality and "all-in" equipment list place it at a premium price bracket compared to mass-market 50-footers.