Sailing Performance & Handling
The Stevens 50 PH is fundamentally an offshore passage-maker designed to prioritize stability and "sea-kindliness" over light-air agility. With a displacement that leans toward the heavier end of the cruiser-racer spectrum, the boat utilizes its momentum to punch through head seas that would stall lighter yachts. The Bill Dixon-designed hull features a relatively deep fin keel and a massive skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides exceptional directional stability when running downwind or in quartering seas.
According to technical retrospectives found at Dixon Yacht Design, the emphasis of this era of design was on creating a hull that remained balanced even when heavily loaded for long-term cruising. Under sail, the 50 PH is known for a "stiff" profile, meaning it resists excessive heeling due to its generous beam and substantial lead ballast. While the raised pilot house adds windage compared to the standard Stevens 50, the hull’s powerful aft sections and moderate entry ensure that performance remains respectable in a breeze. Owners typically report that the boat "finds its groove" in 15 to 20 knots of wind, where its long waterline length allows it to consistently achieve hull speed.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Stevens 50 PH is where Queen Long Marine’s craftsmanship truly shines. The pilot house configuration allows for a split-level living space that was revolutionary for its time. The upper salon provides 360-degree visibility, a feature that transforms the experience of long passages by allowing the crew to keep watch from a protected, climate-controlled environment. The joinery is typically finished in high-grade Burmese teak, a hallmark of the yard that Hylas Yachts continues to celebrate today.
The model was primarily offered in a three-cabin, two-head layout. The master stateroom is situated aft, featuring a centerline queen-sized berth and an en-suite head with a separate stall shower. The forward section of the boat usually houses a VIP V-berth and a smaller guest cabin with bunk beds, though some custom variations exist. A significant sibling to this model is the "standard" Stevens 50, which utilizes the same hull but features a traditional center-cockpit deck layout without the raised pilot house windows. While the standard version offers a lower profile, the 50 PH is often preferred by circumnavigators for the massive engine room access located beneath the salon floor and the increased natural light below deck.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Stevens 50 PH should focus their inspections on the specific challenges associated with Taiwanese builds of this vintage:
- Teak Deck Integrity: Most Stevens 50 PH models were delivered with thick teak side decks. If these are original, they are likely reaching the end of their lifespan. Look for failing caulking, "proud" screw heads, and signs of water penetration into the sub-deck.
- Stainless Steel Metallurgy: While Queen Long Marine used high-quality materials, the stainless steel chainplates and fuel tanks from this era can be prone to crevice corrosion. Rigorous inspection of the chainplates where they pass through the deck is mandatory.
- Window Seals: The large, iconic pilot house windows are a potential point of failure. Over decades, the seals can dry out, leading to leaks that damage the teak cabinetry below. Evidence of water staining around the salon settee is a major red flag.
- Blistering: Although the hulls are robust, some vessels from the 1980s have shown signs of osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and a haul-out inspection are essential to ensure the hull remains sound.
Community & Resources
The Stevens 50 PH is supported by a dedicated network of owners who share a lineage with the Hylas brand. The most prominent resource for technical data and historical documentation is the Hylas Yachts Owners Association, which welcomes Stevens owners due to the shared builder and design philosophy. This community is instrumental in sourcing replacement parts for older Queen Long Marine hardware and sharing refit strategies for the Dixon-designed hull.
The Verdict
The Stevens 50 PH is a "tank" of the high seas, offering a level of security and interior luxury that remains competitive even by modern standards. It is an ideal vessel for a couple or family intending to live aboard and cross oceans, provided they are willing to maintain the complex systems of a 50-foot yacht.
Pros
- Exceptional "bulletproof" construction from Queen Long Marine.
- True pilot house visibility makes for comfortable all-weather cruising.
- Massive interior volume and storage capacity for blue-water supplies.
- Stout rig and skeg-hung rudder provide peace of mind in heavy weather.
Cons
- High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and aging systems.
- Significant windage can make docking in crosswinds challenging.
- Deep draft may limit access to some shallow-water cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
