Back to Search
Andrews 56
Designer: Alan Andrews  ·  First built: 1992
+ Add to Compare
About the Andrews 56

Designed by renowned naval architect Alan Andrews and first launched in 1992, this 56-footer represents a sophisticated approach to performance cruising. Andrews crafted a vessel that balances serious offshore capability with the refined sailing characteristics that made his designs sought after during the performance cruising boom of the early 1990s. The hull configuration features a modern fin keel with bulb and spade rudder arrangement, delivering excellent upwind performance while maintaining the stability needed for extended ocean passages. With a displacement of 22,000 pounds and 10,000 pounds of ballast, the Andrews 56 achieves a remarkably low comfort ratio of 19.61, indicating a relatively lightweight, responsive design that prioritizes sailing performance over interior volume. The masthead sloop rig and fiberglass composite construction reflect the era's focus on reliability and manageable sail handling. This combination makes the boat well-suited for serious coastal cruising and offshore passage-making, particularly for experienced sailors who appreciate a vessel that rewards active sailing techniques. The capsize screening formula of 2.04 suggests good stability characteristics, while the 9.28-knot hull speed promises respectable passage times under sail, making this an appealing choice for performance-oriented cruisers seeking a proven design.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 56.00 ft / 17.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 48.00 ft / 14.63 m
Beam 14.25 ft / 4.34 m
Max Draft 9.00 ft / 2.74 m
Displacement 22,000.00 lb / 9,979 kg
Ballast 10,000.00 lb / 4,536 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG Composite
Designer Alan Andrews
First Built 1992
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
45.45
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
88.81
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
19.61
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
2.04
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 9.28 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2,444.01 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Fuel Capacity 80 gals / 303 L
Water Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
How It Compares

vs. Baltic 55 Dp, Oyster 55, Swan 57Cc Frers

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Andrews 56 ★
56.0 ft
Baltic 55 Dp
55.0 ft
Oyster 55
56.3 ft
Swan 57Cc Frers
57.0 ft
LWL
Andrews 56 ★
48.0 ft
Baltic 55 Dp
47.4 ft
Oyster 55
45.4 ft
Swan 57Cc Frers
42.9 ft
Beam
Andrews 56 ★
14.3 ft
Baltic 55 Dp
16.1 ft
Oyster 55
15.8 ft
Swan 57Cc Frers
15.0 ft
Displacement
Andrews 56 ★
22 lbs
Baltic 55 Dp
38 lbs
Oyster 55
51 lbs
Swan 57Cc Frers
52 lbs
Ballast
Andrews 56 ★
10 lbs
Baltic 55 Dp
16 lbs
Oyster 55
13 lbs
Swan 57Cc Frers
19 lbs
Sail Area
Andrews 56 ★
Baltic 55 Dp
Oyster 55
1 sq ft
Swan 57Cc Frers
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Andrews 56 ★
Baltic 55 Dp
Oyster 55
18.6
Swan 57Cc Frers
15.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Andrews 56 ★
45.5 %
Baltic 55 Dp
41.8 %
Oyster 55
Swan 57Cc Frers
38.3 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Andrews 56 ★
19.6
Baltic 55 Dp
Oyster 55
41.2
Swan 57Cc Frers
46.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Andrews 56 ★
2.04
Baltic 55 Dp
Oyster 55
1.70
Swan 57Cc Frers
1.61
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Andrews 56 ★
88
Baltic 55 Dp
161
Oyster 55
Swan 57Cc Frers
294
Hull Speed
Andrews 56 ★
9.3 kts
Baltic 55 Dp
Oyster 55
9.0 kts
Swan 57Cc Frers
8.8 kts
Find a Andrews 56 For Sale