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Najad 520 Ds
Designer: Carl Beyer  ·  Builder: Najad Varvet Ab  ·  First built: 1995
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About the Najad 520 Ds

Built by Sweden's renowned Najad Varvet Ab from 1995 to 2001, this substantial cruiser represents the yard's commitment to bluewater capability and Scandinavian build quality. Designer Carl Beyer created a yacht that balances impressive interior volume with respectable sailing performance, making it an appealing choice for serious offshore cruising. The 520 Ds features a fin keel with rudder mounted on a protective skeg, providing good directional stability while maintaining reasonable maneuverability. With a displacement of over 44,000 pounds and nearly 15,000 pounds of ballast, this is clearly a boat built for comfort and security in challenging conditions rather than racing speed. The masthead sloop rig keeps sail handling straightforward, while the generous beam of just over 15 feet allows for spacious accommodations below. Najad's reputation for robust fiberglass construction and thoughtful engineering shines through in this model. The comfort ratio of 39.34 indicates excellent motion characteristics in seaways, while the capsize screening value of 1.71 suggests good stability for offshore passages. With 135 horsepower on tap, the boat has adequate auxiliary power for motorsailing or maneuvering in tight quarters. This yacht appeals to cruising couples seeking a well-built platform for extended voyaging.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 51.84 ft / 15.80 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 44.45 ft / 13.55 m
Beam 15.09 ft / 4.60 m
Max Draft 7.22 ft / 2.20 m
Displacement 44,092.00 lb / 20,000 kg
Ballast 14,991.00 lb / 6,800 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Carl Beyer
Builder Najad Varvet AB
First Built 1995
Last Built 2001
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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
34.0
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 4LH-HTE
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 135
Fuel Capacity 182 gals / 689 L
Water Capacity 264 gals / 999 L
How It Compares

vs. Baltic 52, Swan 51, Xc 50

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Najad 520 Ds ★
51.8 ft
Baltic 52
52.5 ft
Swan 51
51.3 ft
Xc 50
51.2 ft
LWL
Najad 520 Ds ★
44.5 ft
Baltic 52
43.1 ft
Swan 51
42.3 ft
Xc 50
44.3 ft
Beam
Najad 520 Ds ★
15.1 ft
Baltic 52
15.4 ft
Swan 51
14.7 ft
Xc 50
15.1 ft
Displacement
Najad 520 Ds ★
44 lbs
Baltic 52
31 lbs
Swan 51
39 lbs
Xc 50
35 lbs
Ballast
Najad 520 Ds ★
14 lbs
Baltic 52
13 lbs
Swan 51
16 lbs
Xc 50
15 lbs
Sail Area
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
1 sq ft
Swan 51
1 sq ft
Xc 50
1 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
15 s/nm
Swan 51
36 s/nm
Xc 50
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
20.9
Swan 51
17.9
Xc 50
20.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Najad 520 Ds ★
34.0 %
Baltic 52
41.4 %
Swan 51
41.7 %
Xc 50
44.9 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
28.1
Swan 51
38.0
Xc 50
31.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
1.95
Swan 51
1.73
Xc 50
1.84
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
177
Swan 51
233
Xc 50
181
Hull Speed
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
8.8 kts
Swan 51
8.7 kts
Xc 50
8.9 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Najad 520 Ds ★
Baltic 52
3.5
Swan 51
2.4
Xc 50
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