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Cs 50
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: C.s. Yachts Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1987
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About the Cs 50

Designed by renowned Argentinian naval architect German Frers, this sophisticated 50-footer represents a brief but notable collaboration with Canadian builder C.S. Yachts during the late 1980s. With only two years of production from 1987-1988, the CS 50 stands as a relatively rare example of Frers' distinctive approach to performance cruising design. The hull showcases classic Frers characteristics: a fin keel with spade rudder configuration that delivers excellent windward performance while maintaining reasonable comfort for extended cruising. At nearly 28,000 pounds displacement with substantial ballast, this masthead sloop offers the stability and seaworthiness expected for serious offshore sailing. The moderate comfort ratio of 29.85 suggests a design that balances performance with livability, while the favorable capsize screening number of 1.88 indicates good ocean-going capability. With 1,390 square feet of sail area driving the 49.86-foot hull, the CS 50 delivers respectable performance without being overly demanding to handle. The beam of just over 14 feet provides adequate interior volume while maintaining the sleek lines that Frers designs are celebrated for. This yacht appeals to sailors seeking a capable offshore cruiser with racing pedigree, equally suited for extended passages or competitive sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 49.86 ft / 15.20 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 38.38 ft / 11.70 m
Beam 14.16 ft / 4.32 m
Max Draft 8.67 ft / 2.64 m
Displacement 27,557.00 lb / 12,500 kg
Ballast 12,125.00 lb / 5,500 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,390.00 ft² / 129.14 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder C.S. Yachts Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1987
Last Built 1988
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
84
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
24.48
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
44
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
217.61
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
29.85
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
1.88
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. 8.30 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. 1,941.85 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Westerbeke
Engine Model W-70
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 74 gals / 280 L
Water Capacity 134 gals / 507 L
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