Back to Search
Scorpio 53
Designer: Robb Ladd  ·  Builder: Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1998
+ Add to Compare
About the Scorpio 53

Designed by Robb Ladd and built by Taiwan's respected Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. starting in 1998, this impressive 53-footer represents a thoughtful approach to offshore cruising. The masthead ketch rig provides excellent sail handling options for shorthanded crews, while the substantial displacement of 36,000 pounds and healthy ballast ratio deliver the stability serious cruisers demand for ocean passages. The fin keel with spade rudder configuration offers a nice balance between performance and directional control, making this yacht well-suited for both coastal exploration and blue-water adventures. With a comfort ratio of 30.07, the Scorpio 53 falls into the range preferred by cruising sailors who prioritize motion comfort over racing performance. The capsize screening formula of 1.90 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work. Ta Chaio's reputation for solid fiberglass construction adds confidence for those considering extended cruising. The 72-horsepower engine provides adequate power for the yacht's displacement, while the theoretical hull speed of nearly 9 knots suggests respectable sailing performance in moderate conditions. This design appeals to sailors seeking a well-built, traditionally-rigged cruising yacht capable of handling serious offshore passages while maintaining reasonable sailing characteristics.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 53.00 ft / 16.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
Beam 15.67 ft / 4.78 m
Max Draft 6.67 ft / 2.03 m
Displacement 36,000.00 lb / 16,329 kg
Ballast 14,500.00 lb / 6,577 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Robb Ladd
Builder Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (TAIWAN)
First Built 1998
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
40.28
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4236M
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 72
Fuel Capacity 300 gals / 1,136 L
Water Capacity 250 gals / 946 L
How It Compares

vs. Endeavour 52, Hunter 54, Mason 53, Oceanis 523 Beneteau, Tayana 52

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Scorpio 53 ★
53.0 ft
Endeavour 52
52.3 ft
Hunter 54
54.0 ft
Mason 53
53.5 ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
52.8 ft
Tayana 52
52.4 ft
LWL
Scorpio 53 ★
45.0 ft
Endeavour 52
42.3 ft
Hunter 54
46.0 ft
Mason 53
39.8 ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
45.9 ft
Tayana 52
42.1 ft
Beam
Scorpio 53 ★
15.7 ft
Endeavour 52
15.0 ft
Hunter 54
15.8 ft
Mason 53
14.8 ft
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
16.4 ft
Tayana 52
15.0 ft
Displacement
Scorpio 53 ★
36 lbs
Endeavour 52
35 lbs
Hunter 54
40 lbs
Mason 53
38 lbs
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
37 lbs
Tayana 52
38 lbs
Ballast
Scorpio 53 ★
14 lbs
Endeavour 52
14 lbs
Hunter 54
15 lbs
Mason 53
14 lbs
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
13 lbs
Tayana 52
14 lbs
Sail Area
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
1 sq ft
Hunter 54
1,300 sq ft
Mason 53
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
1,292 sq ft
Tayana 52
1 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
Hunter 54
42 s/nm
Mason 53
132 s/nm
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Tayana 52
99 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
16.7
Hunter 54
17.8
Mason 53
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
18.4
Tayana 52
16.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Scorpio 53 ★
40.3 %
Endeavour 52
41.4 %
Hunter 54
38.0 %
Mason 53
37.2 %
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
35.3 %
Tayana 52
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
32.4
Hunter 54
Mason 53
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Tayana 52
35.8
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
1.84
Hunter 54
Mason 53
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Tayana 52
1.78
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
207
Hunter 54
183
Mason 53
274
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
172
Tayana 52
Hull Speed
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
8.7 kts
Hunter 54
Mason 53
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Tayana 52
8.7 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Scorpio 53 ★
Endeavour 52
2.6
Hunter 54
Mason 53
Oceanis 523 Beneteau
Tayana 52
2.3
Find a Scorpio 53 For Sale