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Gem 550
Designer: Rob Humphries  ·  Builder: Central Boating Services  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Gem 550

With limited specifications available in the public record, the Gem 550 represents one of the more elusive entries in the sailboat database. This scarcity of information often indicates either a limited production run or a regional builder whose documentation hasn't been widely preserved in marine archives. Based on the model designation suggesting a 550 configuration, this sailboat likely falls into the mid-range cruising category, designed for sailors seeking a balance between performance and comfort. Boats of this era and type typically featured practical layouts optimized for coastal cruising and weekend sailing, with sufficient accommodations for extended trips while maintaining manageable sailing characteristics for smaller crews. The Gem nameplate, while not as widely recognized as major production builders, suggests a focus on value-oriented sailing solutions. Without detailed specifications, potential buyers should conduct thorough inspections to assess construction quality, rigging condition, and systems integrity. The limited available data makes this boat particularly suitable for experienced sailors who can evaluate its seaworthiness through hands-on examination rather than relying solely on published specifications. For researchers and potential purchasers, the Gem 550 represents an opportunity to discover a potentially undervalued sailing vessel, though due diligence becomes especially critical given the sparse documentation.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.04 ft / 5.50 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.67 ft / 5.08 m
Beam 7.91 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 3.28 ft / 1.00 m
Displacement 1,146.00 lb / 520 kg
Ballast 397.00 lb / 180 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Swing Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Rob Humphries
Builder Central Boating Services
First Built 1976
Number Built 40
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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
34.64
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
110.44
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. 2.83 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.75 ft / 0.23 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 199.00 ft² / 18.49 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 110.44
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