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Dickerson 50
Designer: Kaufman & Assoc.  ·  Builder: Dickerson Boatbuilders  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Dickerson 50

Built during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this substantial cruising yacht represents Dickerson Boatbuilders' commitment to creating seaworthy vessels for serious offshore sailing. The Maryland-based builder earned a reputation for constructing robust, traditionally-styled sailboats that prioritized structural integrity and sailing performance over interior luxury. This model embodies the classic characteristics that defined Dickerson's approach to yacht design. The hull features substantial construction with generous beam and displacement, creating a stable platform well-suited for extended ocean passages. The traditional keel and rudder configuration provides predictable handling characteristics that experienced sailors appreciate during challenging conditions. The design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness over speed, making this yacht particularly attractive to cruising sailors planning extended voyages or those who prioritize safety and reliability. The spacious cockpit and well-planned deck layout facilitate safe sail handling, while the interior typically offers practical accommodations for long-term cruising. While Dickerson boats never achieved the production numbers of larger manufacturers, they developed a loyal following among sailors who valued the builder's attention to structural details and sailing characteristics. Today, these boats are sought after by experienced cruisers who recognize their offshore capabilities.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 38.75 ft / 11.81 m
Beam 13.75 ft / 4.19 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 33,500.00 lb / 15,195 kg
Ballast 14,000.00 lb / 6,350 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,142.00 ft² / 106.10 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Kaufman & Assoc.
Builder Dickerson Boatbuilders
First Built 1982
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
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
17.66
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
37.47
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
1.71
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. 8.34
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. 1.0
How It Compares

vs. Gozzard 44, Passport 50, Taswell 50

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dickerson 50 ★
50.0 ft
Gozzard 44
50.0 ft
Passport 50
50.0 ft
Taswell 50
50.1 ft
LWL
Dickerson 50 ★
38.8 ft
Gozzard 44
37.3 ft
Passport 50
39.0 ft
Taswell 50
41.9 ft
Beam
Dickerson 50 ★
13.8 ft
Gozzard 44
14.0 ft
Passport 50
13.5 ft
Taswell 50
15.0 ft
Displacement
Dickerson 50 ★
33 lbs
Gozzard 44
28 lbs
Passport 50
34 lbs
Taswell 50
40 lbs
Ballast
Dickerson 50 ★
14 lbs
Gozzard 44
11 lbs
Passport 50
13 lbs
Taswell 50
11 lbs
Sail Area
Dickerson 50 ★
1 sq ft
Gozzard 44
1 sq ft
Passport 50
Taswell 50
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dickerson 50 ★
17.7
Gozzard 44
20.1
Passport 50
Taswell 50
15.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Dickerson 50 ★
Gozzard 44
Passport 50
38.2 %
Taswell 50
28.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dickerson 50 ★
37.5
Gozzard 44
31.4
Passport 50
Taswell 50
37.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dickerson 50 ★
1.71
Gozzard 44
1.85
Passport 50
Taswell 50
1.76
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Dickerson 50 ★
Gozzard 44
Passport 50
255
Taswell 50
242
Hull Speed
Dickerson 50 ★
8.3 kts
Gozzard 44
8.2 kts
Passport 50
Taswell 50
8.7 kts
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