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Skye 54
Designer: Kaufmann & Ladd  ·  Builder: Mao Ta Shipyard, (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Skye 54

Built by Taiwan's Mao ta Shipyard starting in 1983, this substantial cruising sailboat represents the collaborative design work of Kaufmann & Ladd during an era when Taiwanese yards were establishing their reputation for quality fiberglass construction. The masthead ketch rig configuration makes this vessel particularly appealing to serious cruisers seeking versatility in sail handling and heavy weather options. With a displacement of over 40,000 pounds and a healthy ballast-to-displacement ratio, this boat exhibits the characteristics of a capable offshore cruiser designed for comfort and stability rather than racing performance. The fin keel with rudder on skeg arrangement provides a good balance of tracking ability and maneuverability, while the fiberglass construction with balsa core offers strength with reasonable weight savings. The comfort ratio of 36.74 places this design firmly in the motion-comfort category preferred by cruising sailors, particularly those planning extended passages. The capsize screening formula of 1.75 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work, though crews should still exercise appropriate seamanship in heavy conditions. The generous sail area and ketch rig provide excellent flexibility for various wind conditions, making this an attractive option for coastal cruising and blue-water passages alike.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 53.42 ft / 16.28 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 43.33 ft / 13.21 m
Beam 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
Max Draft 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Displacement 40,585.00 lb / 18,409 kg
Ballast 16,500.00 lb / 7,484 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,322.00 ft² / 122.82 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG w/balsa core
Designer Kaufmann & Ladd
Builder Mao Ta Shipyard, (Taiwan)
First Built 1983
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
 17.99
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
 40.66
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
 222.72
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
 36.74
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
 1.75
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. 8.82 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.19
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. 2,322.34 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 14.66
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 61.00 ft / 18.59 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.50 ft / 5.94 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 55.80 ft / 17.01 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.30 ft / 5.27 m
SA Fore 594.75 ft² / 55.25 m²
SA Main 482.67 ft² / 44.84 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,077.42 ft² / 100.10 m²
Est. Forestay Length 64.04 ft / 19.52 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Pathfinder
Engine Type Diesel
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