1980 50sf

[seacolt]

1980 50 foot convertible. Looking for information on performance, sea keeping, factory issues, handling, fuel burn, cruise and top end.interior layout. Bridge layout. Or any other insight someone may have. I’m Coming out of a 46 sf. 1976

 

[Cricket]

The 52c, which is a 50c with 2 feet added to the cockpit is a MUCH better boat. There's a reason Hatteras switched to the 52c so quickly after the intro of the 50c.

 

[Sea Horse]

Best of my knowledge the 1980 50 Convertible was the same hull as the later 52 Convertible. Interior lay out was the same with the 52 being stretch from the 50 mold adding two feet to the cockpit. Only thing I was told by many was the 50 with Detroit Diesels 892's had an issue with exhaust curling back into the cockpit which was the reason for the 52 which had side exhaust. By stretching the cockpit two feet and modifying exhaust out the side at the waterline it eliminated the cockpit fumes issue. I have not personally been on a 50 to verify but I do own a 52. Great head sea boat a real tank. Mine does not like a quartering sea and fights the auto pilot all day but that is in a three ft plus ocean sea. Think the 50 & 52 are great value in the used boat market especially if you find one that's been re-powered. With the 892's she will run about 18 knots cruise with fuel burn around 50 to 55 GPH from what I have read. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[Cricket]

Pretty sure the additional 2 feet was about improving performance, they probably should have added 3 or 4 feet instead of 2 that really would have helped getting the stern to run higher.
Many side exhaust 52's and 45's have added a Y at the side outlet for an additional exhaust discharge thru the transom to relief back pressure when the stern is squatting, something like a 3" or 4" hole.

 

[ageless]

the cockpit fumes in my 55' are enough to keep anyone from wanting to be back there--only boat I have ever gotten nauseated on (and only in the pit)

 

[rustybucket]

The only time we have cockpit fumes is when I'm throttling in reverse (to chase a fish). If we've been on the troll a long time it can get a bit 'foggy' down there when backing down lol.

Other than that we get zero station wagon effect. So far the 52 has been perfect for us and may very well be our 'forever' boat, she is a TANK.