St. Francis 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The St. Francis 50 is designed with a focus on sea-kindliness and consistent daily averages rather than raw sprinting speed. With a displacement that typically falls between 26,000 and 30,000 pounds depending on the load, it maintains a moderate displacement-to-length ratio that allows it to punch through chop without the hobby-horsing common in shorter, more buoyant hulls. According to editorial analysis from Cruising World, the vessel’s hull shape—featuring narrow entries that flare significantly above the waterline—provides a dry ride and prevents burying the bows in following seas.

On the water, the 50 feels balanced and tracks exceptionally well, a trait often attributed to the deep fixed keels rather than daggerboards. While this limits the boat’s ability to point as high as a performance-oriented racing cat, it offers a "set it and forget it" stability that blue-water cruisers value. The sail plan is generous, typically featuring a large fully-battened mainsail and an overlapping genoa. Under power, the twin Yanmar diesel engines (usually 39hp or 54hp variants) are positioned well aft for ease of maintenance and to keep noise out of the primary living areas. Owners often report comfortable cruising speeds of 8 to 10 knots in moderate breezes, with the capability of 200-nautical-mile days in tradewind conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the St. Francis 50 is where its semi-custom nature is most apparent. While the hull remains consistent, the internal joinery—often crafted in light American cherry or beech wood—can vary significantly between hulls. The most common configuration is the "Owner’s Version," which devotes the entire starboard hull to a master suite featuring a queen-sized berth, a dedicated office or vanity area, and a large head with a separate shower stall.

The bridge deck serves as the social heart of the vessel, containing a sprawling U-shaped galley and a large navigation station. Unlike many modern "condo-marans," the St. Francis 50 maintains a lower profile, which results in slightly less vertical clearance in the saloon but significantly reduces windage, improving performance and safety in heavy weather. Sibling variations include a four-cabin layout, frequently found on boats destined for high-end crewed charters, which mirrors the guest accommodations across both hulls. The St. Francis 50 Mark II, introduced later in the production run, refined the cockpit layout and integrated a more ergonomic helm station, offering better visibility of the four corners of the boat.

Popular Mentions & Media

The St. Francis 50 gained significant visibility in the modern cruising era through the YouTube channel "Sailing Zatara," where the family documented their global circumnavigation aboard a Mark II model. This exposure highlighted the boat's capacity for large families and its ability to withstand diverse climates and remote locations. The model was also a recipient of the Cruising World Boat of the Year award in the catamaran category shortly after its debut, cementing its reputation as a premier offshore platform.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a St. Francis 50 should conduct a rigorous survey focusing on areas common to South African builds of this era:

1. Balsa Core Integrity: The hulls and decks are typically balsa-cored for stiffness and weight savings. While the construction is generally excellent, any unsealed aftermarket deck fittings can lead to localized core rot. Inspectors should use moisture meters around all deck hardware and stanchions.
2. Rudder Bearings: Due to the high mileage many of these boats have covered, the rudder bearings and steering linkages often show signs of wear. "Play" in the wheel or stiff steering often indicates the need for bearing replacement.
3. Engine Exhaust Elbows: On earlier models, the configuration of the exhaust system was prone to corrosion. Owners recommend checking for carbon buildup or signs of salt crystallization on the mixing elbows of the Yanmar engines.
4. Gelcoat Crazing: Some hulls have shown cosmetic stress crazing in the gelcoat around the cockpit and transom steps. While usually not structural, it requires professional attention to maintain the vessel’s aesthetic value.

Community & Resources

The St. Francis community is tight-knit, largely supported by the original builder, which still operates in South Africa and provides technical support and original parts for older hulls. The most prominent technical resource is the St. Francis Marine official site, which maintains archives for the 50-foot model.

The Verdict

The St. Francis 50 remains one of the most respected bluewater catamarans for sailors who prioritize safety and build quality over "dock appeal" or extreme internal volume. It is a sailor's catamaran that bridges the gap between heavy cruisers and lightweight performance boats.

Pros:

• Superior Build Quality: Exceptional layup and joinery that holds up well over decades of use.
• Sea-Kindliness: Proven hull design that handles rough Indian Ocean conditions with grace.
• Storage Capacity: Massive payload capacity and storage lockers designed for long-term self-sufficiency.
• Low Windage: A sleek profile that improves handling and reduces "sailing" at anchor.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Low production numbers mean these vessels rarely hit the secondary market and sell quickly.
• Bridge Deck Clearance: While respectable, it is lower than some modern competitors, leading to occasional "slapping" in specific sea states.
• Older Technology: Early Mark I models may require significant electrical and electronics overhauls to meet modern standards.