Orion 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Despite its heavy displacement—approaching 40,000 pounds—the Orion 50 benefits significantly from the racing pedigree of its designer, Gary Mull. Unlike the full-keeled heavy cruisers of the same era, the Orion 50 features a more modern underwater profile, typically utilizing a modified fin keel and a substantial skeg-hung rudder. This configuration provides a balance between directional stability in heavy seas and responsiveness in lighter airs.

The vessel was most commonly commissioned with a ketch rig, though some cutter-rigged versions exist. The ketch configuration is particularly praised by shorthanded crews for its ability to "reef by dropping a sail," allowing the boat to remain balanced under a variety of sail combinations. According to anecdotal reports from owners who have transited the South Pacific, the Orion 50 exhibits an easy motion in a seaway, resisting the snappy roll often found in flatter-bottomed modern cruisers. Its tracking is exceptional, largely due to the length of the lateral plane, which allows the boat to hold its course with minimal input from an autopilot or wind vane. While its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio is conservative, the hull's efficiency allows it to maintain high average speeds on long passages, often outperforming its heavier competitors in the "Traditional Cruiser" category.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Orion 50 is a showcase of the "Ta Shing standard," characterized by hand-joined Burmese teak and a level of joinery that has become prohibitively expensive in modern production. The layout typically features a two- or three-cabin arrangement, with a focus on privacy and functionality at sea.

The master suite, usually located aft, provides a sanctuary with a dedicated head and frequently a centerline or offset queen berth. A hallmark of the Mull design is the integration of a functional navigation station and a secure, U-shaped galley that remains usable even when the boat is heeled significantly. The main salon is traditionally configured with a large dinette and a pilot berth or storage lockers outboard, maximizing the use of the beam.

While the Orion 50 does not have direct "sibling" models on the exact same hull (such as a 50.1 or 50.2 variant), it shares significant design DNA with other Ta Shing-built vessels of the era, such as the Norseman 447 and the Taswell series. Buyers should note that because these were semi-custom builds, the placement of bulkheads and the selection of woods may vary from hull to hull, with some later models featuring lighter ash or cherry woods instead of the traditional dark teak.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of an Orion 50 must approach the vessel with an understanding of its age and the specific building techniques of the 1980s. While the hull is a robust solid fiberglass layup, several areas require rigorous inspection:

1. Teak Deck Integrity: Like many Ta Shing yachts of this vintage, the teak decks were originally fastened with screws. Over decades, these screws can provide a path for moisture to enter the deck core. A thorough moisture meter test and percussion sounding are essential to ensure the core remains dry.
2. Chainplate Connections: The Orion 50’s rig loads are substantial. The stainless steel chainplates, where they pass through the deck or attach to internal knees, should be inspected for crevice corrosion, particularly in boats that have spent significant time in tropical climates.
3. Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often made of stainless steel or iron and were glassed into the structure or placed deep in the bilge. Assessing their condition is critical, as replacement often requires significant joinery removal.
4. Rudder Bearing and Skeg: Given the boat's age, the rudder bearings and the structural integrity of the skeg attachment should be checked for play or signs of "wicking" moisture into the fiberglass.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Orion 50 generally find support through the broader Ta Shing and Gary Mull communities. While no dedicated "Orion 50 Association" exists, the Ta Shing Yacht Building company remains in operation and maintains a sense of heritage regarding these classic builds. Technical discussions and owner insights are frequently hosted within the various Mason and Taswell owner groups, as these boats share many of the same mechanical systems and construction details.

The Verdict

The Orion 50 is a sophisticated "sailor's yacht" that offers a rare combination of Gary Mull’s design finesse and the peerless craftsmanship of the Ta Shing yard. It is best suited for experienced cruising couples or families who prioritize build quality and heavy-weather capability over the high-volume interiors of modern Mediterranean-style cruisers.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: One of the finest examples of the Golden Age of Taiwanese boat building.
• Sea-Kindliness: A balanced hull and rig that provides safety and comfort in offshore conditions.
• Timeless Aesthetics: The sleek Mull lines and exquisite teak interior remain highly desirable.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: Teak decks and extensive interior woodwork require significant upkeep.
• Vintage Systems: Most examples will require (or have already undergone) expensive updates to plumbing, electrical, and tankage systems.
• Draft: With a draft of nearly 7 feet, the Orion 50 is restricted from some shallower cruising grounds like the Bahamas.