50-foot cruising yachts offer plenty of space for long voyages, guests or large charter crews. The five models presented here demonstrate how differently shipyards interpret this size category. The spectrum ranges from versatile mass-produced models, through agile cruisers, to blue-water yachts designed specifically for owners.
The starting prices quoted are as at 2026. To find out how the prices shown are defined, please read here.
Bavaria C57: Plenty of space and up to five cabins
The Bavaria C57 is the flagship of the upmarket C-Line from Giebelstadt. The design by Cossutti Yacht Design combines a 5.28-metre-wide hull with twin rudders, two helm stations and a large cockpit. Two retractable tables can be used to create either an open space or separate seating areas, depending on requirements. Below deck, the layout offers between three and five double cabins. In the standard configuration, the owner’s cabin is located in the bow, with two further cabins aft. The forward cabin can be divided. Between the saloon and the aft starboard cabin, there is also space for a compartment with bunk beds, which can alternatively be used as a utility room. The hull is manufactured using vacuum infusion. The shipyard also highlights the long waterline and the large bathing platform.
Beneteau Oceanis 52: Clear distinction between the charter and owner’s versions
Beneteau offers two distinctly different interior layouts for the Oceanis 52. The standard version, with five cabins, three bathrooms and low-maintenance surfaces, is designed for charter use. The higher-spec owner’s version features three spacious double cabins and an interior finished with real wood veneers. The rig can also be tailored to the intended use. Options include a furling mast and self-tacking jib, a classic mainsail and an enlarged performance rig. The test boat was fitted with the most powerful package.
In the Test of the Beneteau Oceanis 52 In winds of 18 to 20 knots and waves of around two metres, the yacht reached 7.8 knots on a broad reach. It sailed with excellent stability and could be kept on the edge in a controlled manner. However, the twin-rudder system provided very little feedback at the helm. With winds of 18 to 20 knots and waves of around two metres, the yacht reached 7.8 knots on a broad reach. It sailed with good stability and could be kept on a close reach in a controlled manner. However, the twin-rudder system provided very little feedback at the helm.a
Dufour 54: Surprisingly agile and exceptionally versatile
The new Dufour 54 replaces the Dufour 530 as the shipyard’s flagship. Despite being fitted with comfort-oriented test equipment – including a furling mast, a short keel and a hardtop – the Felci design achieved in the YACHT test In winds of eight to ten knots, it reached speeds of up to 6.8 knots and held a course of around 45 degrees to the true wind. The large single rudder provided plenty of control and good feedback. However, the hard-to-reach winches and the low seating position at the helm limit its suitability for single-handed sailing. The optional hardtop provides effective protection from the sun, but makes it difficult to see the sails and, together with the required targa bar, weighs around 280 kilograms.
Below deck, the Dufour 54 offers the widest choice of these five yachts. A total of 16 layout combinations are possible, featuring three, four or five double cabins. The galley can also be fitted transversely against the forward main bulkhead or longitudinally along the saloon side. In the foredeck, there are several owner’s layout options to choose from, as well as the option to divide the space into two charter cabins. On the test yacht, however, some of the floorboards had been laid unevenly and had sharp-edged protrusions. With the compulsory Easy Package costing 47,600 euros, the base price rises from 553,350 to 600,950 euros.
Hanse 510: Spacious interior and responsive handling
The Hanse 510 is the shortest model in this selection, but at 4.91 metres wide it appears remarkably spacious. The designers at Berret-Racoupeau kept the hull just under five metres wide. This may be a factor to consider when calculating berthing space in some Mediterranean ports.
In the Test of the Hanse 510 The 16.5-tonne yacht sprang into life even in winds of eight to ten knots. With the self-tacking jib, it achieved a good six knots close-hauled. With the furling reacher hoisted, the speed increased to eight knots on a half-wind course. Unlike the other models, the Hanse 510 has only one rudder blade. The steering was smooth and well-balanced. The helmsman received significantly more feedback than on the twin-rudder yachts tested. The self-tacking jib and the reacher can be operated from the helm. However, the high loads on the mainsheet also make electric winches advisable here. At the stern there is a garage for a 2.40-metre-long dinghy.
Below deck, there is a choice of layouts with three, four or five cabins. The amount of space and the dimensions of the berths were found to be generous in the test. Criticisms included the bulky central unit of furniture in the saloon and the storage lockers in the cockpit, which were difficult to access.
Jeanneau Yachts 55: Privacy for owners and guests
The Jeanneau Yachts 55 features the most distinctive living layout in the range. The saloon, galley, owner’s cabin and bathroom form a continuous living area in the foredeck. The two aft cabins have their own en-suite bathrooms and separate access from the cockpit. This means that guests and the owner are largely kept separate from one another. The two helm stations are situated well forward. Behind them, there is plenty of space for large seating and lounging areas. Depending on the specification, the transom rail, hardtop and bimini provide extensive protection from the weather and sun. Halyards and sheets can be operated from the helm stations.
In the Review of the Jeanneau Yachts 55 With winds of eight to ten knots, the yacht achieved 7.1 knots close-hauled with the large genoa. With the self-tacking jib, the speed was 6.2 knots. The twin rudders responded directly but provided little feedback at the wheel. Below deck, the owner’s cabin – which spans the entire width of the boat – and the 3.40-metre-long galley are particularly striking. Unlike with Bavaria, Dufour and Hanse, there are hardly any alternative layouts. At the time of the test, there were also no plans to convert one of the aft cabins into a workshop or walk-in storage space. There is no dinghy garage. Further points of criticism included the difficult-to-reach cleats, the noise from the engine in the aft cabins and the rather unstable central unit of furniture in the saloon.
Which cruising yacht is best suited to which purpose?
The Bavaria C57, Dufour 54 and Hanse 510 offer the greatest flexibility in terms of the number of cabins. The Dufour 54 goes one step further with 16 layout combinations, two galley positions and a wide range of fitting-out options. However, the test boat showed room for improvement in the craftsmanship of the floorboards. The Oceanis 52 makes a particularly clear distinction between owner and charter models. Those looking for a boat for private use not only get fewer cabins but also a higher-quality finish. A robust version with five cabins is available for charter companies.
In terms of sailing performance, the Hanse 510 and the Dufour 54 made a particularly convincing impression, especially at the helm. The Hanse also features a garage for the dinghy. On the Dufour, the arrangement of the winches and the low seating position at the helm limit its suitability for single-handed sailing. The Jeanneau Yachts 55 is the model most closely tailored to a specific usage profile. It is suitable for owners who mainly sail with a small crew and wish to keep occasional guests clearly separated from their own living area. However, its interior layout is less flexible in this respect.
Book recommendations
A Brief Guide to Blue-Water Sailing adds the topic of preparing for a long-distance voyage to the model overview. Sönke and Judith Roever cover the choice of boat, rig, sails, power supply, communication, navigation, safety and costs. This helps readers to work out which features of a large cruising yacht are actually needed for longer voyages.
Seamanship covers a broader range of topics. The current edition deals with the design and equipment of yachts, harbour manoeuvres, navigation, sailing in heavy weather, maintenance and maritime law. This reference work is therefore aimed at skippers who, in addition to choosing a yacht, wish to gain a deeper understanding of boat handling and technical matters.
Maximum versatility or a layout tailored specifically to the owner’s needs: which approach would you choose? Join the discussion.