Shipman 50 Information, Review, Specs

The model’s inception was driven by Jernej and Japec Jakopin, the founders of J&J Design, who sought to create a vessel that a couple could sail at double-digit speeds without the physical toll of a traditional heavy boat. While the Shipman name originated in Sweden in the 1960s with the classic Shipman 28, the 50-footer marked the brand's transformation into a high-tech boutique builder under the Seaway umbrella.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Shipman 50's performance is governed by its extraordinary power-to-weight ratio. With a Sail Area/Displacement ratio often exceeding 25 (depending on the rig configuration), the boat feels more like a sportboat than a cruiser in light air. In a blow, the high ballast ratio (approximately 40%) and a deep 2.35m or 3.00m T-bulb keel provide the stiffness necessary to carry sail long after other 50-footers have been forced to reef.

On the helm, the boat is described as exceptionally sensitive and communicative. Because the hull is vacuum-infused carbon, it lacks the "dampening" flex of polyester glass, resulting in a rigid platform that accelerates instantly in gusts. The twin-wheel configuration offers excellent visibility forward, and the primary winches are positioned close to the helm, facilitating the "singlehanded" design brief. According to editorial testing by Yachting World, the boat’s ability to maintain high average speeds—often exceeding 10 knots on a reach in moderate conditions—changes the mathematics of passage planning, effectively shortening 24-hour runs by 30-50 miles compared to traditional cruisers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Shipman 50 is defined by its "deck saloon" configuration, which raises the galley and dinette to provide 360-degree visibility through large wraparound windows. This design allows the navigator or off-watch crew to monitor the surroundings from a protected, climate-controlled environment. The joinery typically utilizes lightweight honeycomb-core panels with thin wood veneers (often teak or cherry) to keep the boat’s weight centered and low.

The standard layout features a three-cabin arrangement: a spacious master suite forward with a private head, and two symmetrical double cabins aft. While the 50-foot hull remained consistent, the Shipman 50 eventually paved the way for larger siblings like the Shipman 63 and 72, which utilized the same "Performance/Protected" design language. A rare variant of the 50 exists with a lifting keel, though the majority were built with the fixed deep-T keel for maximum racing-grade stability. The yacht’s headroom is notable, maintaining nearly 2.0 meters throughout the main salon, a feat achieved by the slightly raised coachroof profile.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Shipman 50 achieved significant industry recognition early in its life cycle, winning the 2004 European Yacht of the Year in the "Innovation" category. It has also been a frequent subject of technical study in naval architecture for its pioneering use of carbon in production. In the cruising world, the model gained fame through the voyages of owners who documented high-speed Atlantic crossings, often highlighting the boat’s ability to outrun weather systems that would catch slower vessels.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Shipman 50 should approach the vessel with the same scrutiny required for a racing yacht, given its high-tech construction.

• Carbon-Epoxy Integrity: While carbon fiber does not suffer from osmosis like traditional fiberglass, the sandwich core (often PVC foam) must be checked for delamination or moisture ingress, particularly around through-hull fittings or areas where hardware was added post-factory.
• Keel Attachment: Given the high righting moments and the rigidity of the carbon hull, the keel grid and attachment bolts require ultrasonic testing if the boat has any history of groundings.
• Rigging Fatigue: Many Shipman 50s were fitted with Hall Spars carbon masts and rod rigging. Rod rigging typically requires replacement every 8-10 years, and the mast should be pulled for a professional NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) scan.
• Window Seals: The large deckhouse windows are a signature feature but have been reported to develop leaks or "crazing" over decades of UV exposure. Resealing these is a specialized task due to the expansion rates of the carbon structure versus the acrylic or glass.
• Hydraulics and Electronics: Many units were heavily automated to facilitate shorthanded sailing. Buyers should verify the service history of the hydraulic backstays and the autopilot drives, which work harder on a light, fast boat.

The Verdict

The Shipman 50 remains a benchmark for sailors who refuse to choose between the speed of a Mediterranean racer and the safety of a blue-water cruiser. It is a "pilot's boat" that rewards active trimming but provides a safe haven when the weather turns foul.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of double-digit cruising speeds that traditional boats cannot match.
• Shorthanded Logic: Intelligently laid out for a couple to manage without professional crew.
• Panoramic Living: The deck saloon offers one of the best views in its class.
• Build Quality: High-end epoxy construction results in a stiff, durable hull.

Cons:

• Complex Systems: High reliance on electronics and specialized materials increases maintenance costs.
• Rigidity: The stiff carbon hull can feel "noisy" compared to the softer ride of a heavy fiberglass boat.
• Refit Costs: Specialized repairs for carbon fiber require skilled technicians not found in every marina.