LeComte 52 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the LeComte 52 is a powerhouse characterized by the high-aspect ratios and powerful sail plans typical of William Tripp's "Ocean Racer" series. With a generous waterline and a lead-ballasted keel, the boat exhibits remarkable stiffness, allowing it to carry full canvas well into the upper teens of true wind speed. The hull form features relatively flat sections for its era, which helps it achieve impressive hull speeds on a reach, while the deep-draft configuration ensures it tracks with precision when beating to windward.

According to historical design notes from the William H. Tripp Jr. archives, the 52 was designed to minimize wetted surface area while maintaining enough displacement to ensure a kindly motion in a seaway. Handling is described by owners as "deliberate"; this is not a flighty light-displacement boat but a 52-foot locomotive that requires a strong hand on the wheel and a crew capable of managing large winch loads. The flush deck provides an unobstructed platform for sail changes, a feature highly prized in the offshore racing circuits of the 1960s and 70s where many of these vessels originally competed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the LeComte 52 is a masterclass in Dutch joinery, characterized by the extensive use of hand-rubbed Burma teak and high-gloss varnishes. Because these were often built as semi-custom yachts, several interior variations exist. The most common layout features a spacious main saloon with a dedicated navigation station that would satisfy a professional mariner. The "yacht-quality" finish mentioned in LeComte’s historical brochures is evident in the radiused corners of the cabinetry and the solid wood soles.

The accommodations typically include a large owner’s stateroom aft, taking advantage of the boat's significant beam, and a guest V-berth forward. Between them, the galley is usually positioned to port or starboard, designed for functionality at sea with deep sinks and secure bracing points for the cook. While the flush deck sacrifices some of the standing headroom found in trunk-cabin designs, LeComte mitigated this by utilizing the boat's deep hull form to maintain generous vertical clearance throughout the primary living areas.

Popular Mentions & Media

The LeComte 52 occupies a rarefied space in yachting history, appearing primarily in the archives of major ocean races like the Newport Bermuda Race and the Fastnet. While specific "celebrity" owners are less documented than those of Sparkman & Stephens designs, the model is frequently cited in retrospectives of William Tripp’s work as one of his most refined large-scale fiberglass designs. Its silhouette is unmistakable and often appears in classic yacht photography books focusing on the "Golden Age" of fiberglass ocean racers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a LeComte 52 must approach the vessel with an understanding of its age and complex construction.

• Teak Deck Integrity: The hallmark of a LeComte is its teak-over-fiberglass deck. Over decades, the thousands of screws used to fasten the teak can lead to moisture ingress into the Airex foam core. Any buyer should perform a thorough moisture inspection and "tap test" the decks for delamination.
• Chainplate Anchors: Given the massive loads generated by the 52’s rig, the stainless steel chainplates and their fiberglass reinforcement points should be inspected for crevice corrosion or structural fatigue.
• Osmotic Blistering: While LeComte used high-quality resins for the era, these hulls were built before the widespread use of vinylester resins. Older hulls may show signs of blistering if they haven't been treated with an epoxy barrier coat.
• Original Plumbing and Wiring: Many 52s still carry original Dutch-installed copper plumbing and older electrical panels. A comprehensive refit of these systems is almost always necessary for modern cruising reliability.

Community & Resources

Owners and researchers looking for technical data on the 52 often turn to the William H. Tripp Jr. design archives for original blueprints and sail plans. While a formal factory association no longer exists, the Glen Island Yacht Club in New Rochelle, New York—originally founded by Dolf LeComte—remains a spiritual home for the brand's legacy. Technical discussions are most frequently found within the broader "Classic Plastic" and "William Tripp Design" groups on various sailing platforms.

The Verdict

The LeComte 52 is a vessel for the connoisseur who values structural integrity and timeless lines over modern interior volume. It is a capable blue-water cruiser that commands attention in any harbor.

Pros

• Exceptional Build Quality: Built to a standard of joinery and fiberglass work rarely seen in contemporary mass production.
• Offshore Pedigree: A proven ocean crosser with a stable, sea-kindly motion and high speed potential.
• Timeless Aesthetic: The flush-deck Tripp design remains one of the most beautiful profiles in yachting.

Cons

• High Maintenance: The extensive exterior teak and complex vintage systems require a significant annual budget.
• Handling Requirements: The large sail plan and heavy displacement make it a challenge to sail shorthanded without significant winching upgrades.
• Draft Limitations: The deep keel, while excellent for performance, limits access to shallower cruising grounds like the Bahamas or the Chesapeake Bay.