Worldcruiser 50 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Worldcruiser 50 is a quintessential "heavy cruiser," characterized by a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio often exceeding 350, placing it firmly in the category of vessels that rely on momentum and hull form for stability rather than light-air agility. On the water, this translates to a remarkably sea-kindly motion; the vessel is designed to "part" waves rather than bounce over them, a trait frequently noted in archival design summaries by Bud Taplin. Its long keel and skeg-hung rudder provide exceptional directional stability, allowing the boat to track straight for hours with minimal helm correction—a vital characteristic for solo or short-handed circumnavigators.

While its theoretical hull speed is roughly 7.8 knots, the Worldcruiser 50 requires a stiff breeze to reach its potential. It is not a "light air" boat, and its high ballast ratio (approximately 41%) ensures that it remains "stiff" and upright well after lighter coastal cruisers have been forced to reef. The Capsize Screening Formula for the design is approximately 1.64, a value that signifies a high degree of safety for extreme offshore conditions.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Worldcruiser 50 reflects its semi-custom pedigree, often finished to a standard that exceeds production boats like the Westsail. The yard utilized high-quality teak joinery and focused on maximizing storage for multi-year voyages. Headroom is noted as being above average, typically exceeding 6'4" throughout the main saloon. Because these vessels were often built to order, the layout can vary; however, most feature a large center-cockpit or aft-cockpit configuration with a dedicated navigation station and a massive galley designed for use at sea.

Sibling models include the Worldcruiser 44, which was primarily built as a two-masted schooner. The Worldcruiser 50 benefited from the yard’s shift toward larger, more voluminous hulls that could carry the significant tankage required for global roaming, including water capacities near 200 US gallons.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As these vessels were built during the 1980s, prospective buyers should focus on age-related structural concerns common to heavy fiberglass hulls of that period:

• Osmotic Blistering: While Worldcruiser utilized robust laminates, early 80s resins are susceptible to blistering. A thorough hull survey is required to check for "Westsail-style" pox if the hull has not been barrier-coated.
• Deck Core Integrity: Like its smaller siblings, the Worldcruiser 50 used plywood or balsa coring in the decks. Inspection should focus on areas around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where leaks can lead to localized rot.
• Chainplate Inspection: Given the boat’s mission as a blue-water voyager, the stainless steel chainplates—which are often buried behind teak cabinetry—should be inspected for crevice corrosion.
• Aging Systems: Many of these boats were fitted with large Perkins or Westerbeke diesel engines. Buyers should verify the state of the fuel tanks, which are often integrated or difficult to remove.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for the Worldcruiser 50 is the Westsail Owners Association, which maintains technical archives and a close connection to Bud Taplin’s original Worldcruiser parts and service business. Owners often collaborate via the Worldcruiser/Westsail Parts site for technical drawings and replacement hardware specifically designed for Taplin’s hull variants.

The Verdict

The Worldcruiser 50 is a formidable, "bulletproof" voyager for sailors who prioritize safety and comfort in heavy weather over racing performance.

Pros:

• Exceptional "motion comfort" in high seas.
• High-quality, semi-custom interior joinery.
• Immense tankage and storage for long-term cruising.
• Strong lineage from a builder with a "go-anywhere" reputation.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Deep draft and large displacement limit access to shallow anchorages.
• Extremely rare on the second-hand market.