santa cruz 50 sailboat

The Legendary Santa Cruz 50

Santa Cruz 50 Specifications

Note: Hull #'s 1, 2 and 4 differ slightly from the descriptions that follow.

Sail Plan Srawing No. 3 Date 5-1-80 I = 61 J = 19 P = 55 E = 17

Features of the Santa Cruz 50

The Santa Cruz 50 is designed, engineered and constructed with the same care and experience typical of Bill Lee yachts, from the Santa Cruz 27 to Bill Lee's own "Merlin" Hull and deck are hand-laminated of multiple layers of fiberglass mat and roving impregnated with polyester resin. Vacuum bagged balsa core provides stiffness and strength without unnecessary weight. The deck is cored with plywood inserts in areas of high stress. Hull and deck are bonded with polyester adhesive, and through-bolted with the aluminum toe-rail. Deck hardware is through-bolted with stainless fasteners (Type 18-8), and backing plates. where necessary.   Hardware is Mariner, Schaefer, and Nicro-Fico. Winches are Barient. Windows are G.E. mar-resistant Lexan, tinted solar-control bronze. The foredeck hatch is an extra-large Bomar. Other hatches are custom-built by Bill Lee Yachts.   The mast is a double-spreader tapered extrusion with Navtec rod rigging. Navtec U-bolt chainplates tie directly to a cross-arm and the aluminum mast step I-beam for maximum strength. Four function hydraulics are standard.   The electrical system is controlled at a Marinetics breaker switch panel, through a three-position battery switch from two batteries. Included are both an ammeter and a volt meter. Most lights are provided with white and red bulbs for improved night vision. The standard engine is a Pathfinder 50 (42 H.P.) diesel driving an 18" Martec folding propeller through a 1" stainless steel shaft. An optional 85 H.P. Pathfinder diesel will drive the 50 at 12 knots.   The keel for the Santa Cruz 50 is a solid lead casting bolted to the keel stubby with 1" stainless steel (Type 316) bolts. Faired and permanently covered in fiberglass, the keel is bonded to the hull for extra strength, stiffness and crunch-protection. Pedestal steering with a large-diameter wheel drives a 4" rudder shaft through a 12" disc drive.   Interior cabinetry and bulkheads are bonded directly to the hull. There are no floating bulkheads and no liners. Woodwork is beautifully finished Bruynzeel marine mahogany plywood of the highest quality.   Special interior features include a private owner 5 stateroom aft of the main cabin, with separate access from the cockpit, two double bunks, standing headroom, a hanging locker and extra storage in two seat lockers. Opening ports in the cockpit and transom, and flush windows in the hull, give plenty of ventilation and light for the aft stateroom.   The enclosed head offers standing headroom, marine head with holding tank, sink and fresh water pump.   The galley is equipped with a Gas Systems 3 burner stove with oven, fresh and salt water foot-pumps, large stainless steel double sink, large icebox and a trash bin. The famous "Merlin" settee arrangement is standard. The settee floor is raised to allow for storage and the crew's beer icebox. Seating is with the cabin windows at eye-level. The settee bunks are easily convertible from single bunks into doubles. Including the V-berth forward, there are five double bunks on the boat, any of which can be used as singles with lee cloths. Spacious storage is available under all bunks.   Opposite the galley is the navigator's station. This includes a seat, a large chart table with plenty of storage for books, instruments and space for electronics.

The 50's forward cabin is open, light and airy, keeping unnecessary weight out of the ends of the boat, and providing a large open living area, as well as plenty of sail stowage. An extra-large foredeck hatch eases sail handling. A second companionway gives access to the main cabin from the deck, as well as providing ventilation for the galley.   The large cockpit has comfortable secure seating for a cruising crowd. Sheet winches are mounted on a large winch island at the optimum height for efficient operation. The extra large wheel is mounted aft for best visibility and control allowing a variety of steering positions for any helmsman and situation. A lazarette hatch gives access to the transom windows and steering gear, with a large canvas bag for storage.   There are no exotic materials in the Santa Cruz 50. Bill Lee prefers to build with known materials and methods, rather than experiment at the owner's risk. Bill has proven over the years that he can build a light, strong boat without overstepping the bounds of good judgment and solid experience. No production builder of yachts in the Santa Cruz 50's size range can make the same claim. Bill Lee's reputation, backed by quality workmanship, assures you of the finest, strongest, fastest 50-footer you can buy.

From Brochure 2

The Santa Cruz 50 is the most refined and certainly the fastest 50 footer available in the world today. Except for Merlin and a very few Maxi's, there's no faster way to get to Hawaii, Mexico or wherever than on a Santa Cruz 50.

The 50's incredible boat for boat finishes in the '81 Transpac and the sight of eight of them hitting the line in San Francisco's Big Boat Series fit anybody's definition of Class Racing... in a Class by themselves.

The Fast-Is-Fun philosophy of the famous Santa Cruz 27 and the now legendary Merlin has reached a pinnacle of perfection in the 50... Big Boat Performance at a far lower cost to buy, equip, race, cruise, and maintain.

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• Sailboat Guide

1983 Santa Cruz 50 Mark II Hull 27

• Description

Seller's Description

https://www.pacificmarinesales.com/boats-for-sale/1983-santa-cruz-50-mark-ii-hull-27-anacortes-washington-8091426/

Equipment: Yacht owned since 1996. On purchase, the mast and all standing rigging were replaced (Ballenger). The mast is set up to accept slugs or a luff tape. The barrels on the upper turnbuckles were replaced around 2016. 1998 the boom was refurbished. 1998, a Harken, roller furling system was installed. The Vang and outhaul are original, the vang was serviced in 2010. The vang has a small seep, handled with an oilsorb wrap. The Babystay hydraulic cylinder was removed as it was not needed. A more suitable fiber system is indicated. However, the hoses are still in place. 2012, all sheaves at the masthead were replaced with high load Harkens. Offshore masthead spinnaker halyard shackles were also installed. 1998, new spinnaker halyards were installed. 1998, new main traveler system (Harken). The main sheet is due to be replaced. Spinnaker gear is all from 1998, it includes Harken airblocks, both sheets and blocks have all been stored when not in use. 2015, jib halyards were upgraded. 2016, New jib sheets. Masthead light is 360 deg. White and a tri-color lens are available. The rudder, rudder bearings, and upper bearing housing were replaced. (Water Rat Design in Carbon Fiber) The engine was also replaced. Electronics (VHF, SSB, GPS) Replaced 1998 Espar Diesel forced air heat, AC/DC Inverter with input and distribution, along with an AM/FM stereo. The existing Ockam system was retained, the software was upgraded by Ockam, and the GPS interface was added. 2012, the hull above the waterline was refinished with a two-part Imron style finish. 2012, The deck non-skid changed to Kiwigrip. 2012, an aft scoop was added to the transom, adding two feet to the overall length. The bottom paint was removed in 2018, glass bead blasted, new fairing, Interlux paint applied. Thereafter VC Offshore was applied. A final coating of Micron CSC was applied in the summer of 2020, to protect the bottom paint while in dry storage. Realistically, except for the jib, the sails are old, but serviceable from Quantum and include the Dacron main, three oz spinnakers, a oz, a 1&1/2 oz, and a chicken chute (5oz?), and a bulletproof storm trisail. The jib, a new 130% in a 2016 roller furling from Ballard Sails. The jib is removed during the winter storage along with the jib sheets. The main is kept under a sail cover. The engine is a Yanmar 4JH3E, 4 cylinder rated @ 52hp, driving a Yanmar SD 31 Saildrive to a two bladed Max Prop, all installed in 1998. (There also is a GORI folding prop)All service is up to date. An 80 amp alternator keeps the batteries topped up while motoring. A refrigeration compressor is also driven by the engine, the compressor was replaced in 2006. 50-gallon fuel tank, located under the STBD setee, was cleaned in 1998, and again in 2019. (Condition report is available) https://sailboatdata.com/sailboat/santa-cruz-50 https://sailboatdata.com/storage/images/sailboat/drawing/santa_cruz_50_mkii_drawing.jpg

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shown above is the MII version, which featured some changes allowing it to rate more favorably under the IOR.

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• Santa Cruz Santa Cruz 50

Santa Cruz Santa Cruz 50 Boats for sale

1981 Santa Cruz 50

San Diego, California

Make Santa Cruz

Category Sailboats

Posted Over 1 Month

1981 Santa Cruz 50 1981 Santa Cruz 50 AllureAllure is an excellent Santa Cruz 50. She has a low drag, low VCG keel and many other features. Just add food and water and she is ready for the 2015 Transpac!! The Santa Cruz 50s were designed by boat wizard, Bill Lee, who believes Fast is Fun, and this vessel has been carefully engineered and constructed for speed and safety. Bill Lee has proven over the years with his success in big boat races, that by using well known proven materials and methods, quality craftsman and thoughtful design, you can have a light, strong, safe, and fast boat.   The hand-laminated, multiple layered hull and deck have vacuum bagged balsa core providing stiffness and strength without unnecessary weight. Her keel is solid lead casting encased in fiberglass, bolted and bonded to the hull for extra crunch protection. Navtec rod rigging and U bolt chainplates are used on the triple spreader tapered mast for maximum strength. All bulkheads and interior cabinetry are bonded directly to the hull and woodwork finished in top quality mahogany plywood. A yacht with the rare combination of impeccably built cruiser and speedy, strong racer is a unique find, in a class of her own just waiting for you to enjoy the adventure and leave the others in your wake!

1978 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz 50

Kaneohe, Hawaii

Private Seller (808) 531-4277 Photos Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Close Request Information * Name First Name * Email Telephone (optional) Best Time to Contact Anytime Morning Mid-day Evening Question/Comments (optional) Shop Safely: Protect Your Money. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. Contact Seller 1978 Santa Cruz Santa Cruz 50,A Very Sweet, Fun & Fast Ride.She is well maintained and in great condition. A couple can cruise this easy sailing yacht with lots of speed & control. She is handsome, comfortable, a fierce competitor, and will inspire the most experienced race crews at the club level & major long-distance down wind events. She has performed very well in some of the most demanding races including Transpac, Lahaina Return, Kauai Channel Race and the Mexican Regattas.She is wonderful venue for corporate events and intimate social entertaining. She has undergone many recent up grades & equipment additions; aluminum mast & boom 2005 & marine diesel 42 hp engine 2007 with a well maintained foam core fiberglass hull.In 2005 the following was done at KKMI over 6 months under the guidance of Bill Erkelens:New Deck & Cabin top layout & gelcoat. All hardware removed & updated eliminating 9 winches & 8 clutches to bring the boat to modern configuration.Steering station moved aft in cockpitNew Mast, boom, standing & running rigging, boom vang & backstay were replaced (Ballenger Spars.)All Steering gear was renewed, large 52" destroyer wheel installed.New 42 Gal. Fuel Cell installed with hoses & electrical.All electronics renewed: SSB, VHF, Raymarine full functions electronics and EPIRB.Since then:Engine replaced with Vetus 42 HP diesel.Running rigging replaced.All non-opening windows replaced.All Hatches Replaced.Nine new hatches added.New contemporary elliptical rudder installed.Swimstep/sugar scoop modified to blend with hull.Bow modified for longer waterline & contemporary style.Chart-plotter installed.Mainsheet system re-designed & installed.Interior refurbished.SAILS:3 Mainsails (one delivery & one for club racing & one carbon blend racing sail used once)Assorted headsails#4 Dacron is workhorse.Code 0 excellentCode 2 our largest at 105 % excellentWind seeker Very goodAsymmetrical Kite Very GoodStorm Jib Like newTrisail Like newSymmetrical Spinnakers (6+/-) in varied condition (non-perfect, non- terrible)Mast & boom have been pulled & surveyed in 2013.Boat hauled & surveyed in 2013. $150000, 8085314277 Be sure: Get a boat history report|Finance this boat|Get an insurance quote|

1997 Thompson Santa Cruz 3100

Guntersville, Alabama

Make Thompson

Model Santa Cruz 3100

Category Cruiser Boats

1997 Thompson Santa Cruz 3100, Midcabin family express with a very roomy interior. Solid fiberglass hull with a wide beam and excellent headroom. Spacious floorplan w/double berths fore and aft (each with a privacy curtain), a complete galley, enclosed head w/sit-down shower, cedar lined closet, a convertible dinette and lots of storage. Cockpit has a double-wide seat at the helm, pivoting wrap around seat port side and bench seat at the transom. Hull length 31ft 9in, length w/pulpit 33ft, beam 11ft 4in, weight 11,200 lbs. A very stable vessel. Twin LX5.7L Mercruiser Engines, Mercruiser Bravo Two Outdrives, Engine Times: 665 hours, Onan 3kW GenSet Time: 690 hours. Bimini Top, Mooring Cover, Cockpit Cover, Full aft deck canvas w/vinyl windows, Full aft deck canvas w/screens, Guest 5 Remote Control Spotlight, Boat Leveler Hydraulic Trim Tabs, Trim Indicators, Uniden Oceanus UHF Marine Radio, Lewmar 600 Windlass, Simpson Lawrence Fast Set Delta Anchor, Morse Performance Control Cables, Guest 30 amp Battery Charger, Onan 3kW Generator, Guest Dual Battery Switches, Raymarine GPS Receiver, Raymarine Radar/Chart Plotter, Humming Bird In-Dash Digital Depth Finder w/alarm, Ritchie 3in compass, Panasonic DVD/CD Player, Pioneer Stereo - AM/FM/CD player w/4 Speakers, Insignia 19in and Insignia 15in Color TVs' Samsung Microwave Oven, Oster Counter Top Oven, Kenyon Alcohol/Electric Combination 2 Burner Stove, Norcold Dual Voltage Refrigerator, Magma Stainless Steel Combination Stove & Gas BBQ, Marine Air Systems Passport II Central Heat & Air - 12,000btu, ShurFlo 2.8 gpm Pressure Water System (42 gal), Seaward Water Heater - 6 Gallon, Jabsco Electric Flush Pump (30 gal holding tank), Spare Propellers, Shore Power Cord Set 50ft, 2 Bow Rail Fender Racks & 4 Fenders w/covers, Swim Platform, Aft Deck Shower, Weaver Industries dingy clips w/quick release pins, Engine Low Oil Pressure alarms, Xintex Cabin Fume Detector/Alarm System $26600

1987 Westcoaster Bayrunner

Somis, California

Make Westcoaster

Model Bayrunner

Category Fishing Boats

16' Bayrunner made by Westcoaster (AKA Klamath, Valco). Perfect fishing boat for Southern California and Baja. Take it on lakes and the ocean. Don't think twice about towing distances or gas. Easy for one man to handle. Park it in your driveway. This is a sound, dry riding, welded hull fishing boat. Setup for fishing. Perfect for two men. Refurbished and improved in 2020-21, boat and trailer. The welded hull is 1987, but everything else is much newer. Yamaha 50Hp with under 200 hours (2017). The boat has been through sea trials, including a recent circumnavigation of Santa Cruz Island, getting everything just right. It's ready to go. I put in over 300 hours, and many thousands of dollars that I’ll never get back, into this Bayrunner. I intended to keep it but, part with it I must. Center Console with Aluminum Top and new Cloth Cover. REFURBISHED IN 2020-21 with new: all wiring, wood-seats-flooring-ribs, foam flotation, steering wheel and cable, Hummingbird Helix 10 chartplotter/fish finder, 3-hatch-cover-storage compartments, kicker motor mount, 21 gallon built-in-bow-gas-tank (balances the boat), roof, and all the all-weather-zip-and-snap-cabin-cover. The cover keeps the boat dry for storage, and the boat glass provides the option to leave the cabin glassed portion on while running. SETUP for FISHING: 6 Rocket Launchers, Two FishFighter-Sliding-Rails 3’, Scotty Rod Holders, Scotty Manual Downriggers, Bait Tank, Fish Box (120 Qt. Igloo Cooler). Ready for Hummingbird Riptide Trolling motor (not included) (included: bow mount, conduits, battery box). Trailer Refurbished in 2020: Rewired, new LED Taillights, 2" Ball, new Bow Roller & Jack Stand, new tires, bearings repacked, new side carriages. Bunks reset. Side carriage and bunks sit just right. You can float the boat on to the trailer if you wish. New jack stand with 6” wheel helps trailer maneuverability when you're rolling it by hand. The boat is currently located in Somis, California. I live in Oregon. My friend Eric who lives in Somis, CA is showing the boat. We recently circumnavigated Santa Cruz Island with this boat and on the west end handing Force 5 winds and six-foot waves just fine. Bayrunners are well matched to the coastal waters of Southern California and Baja. You can call me for more information, email me, and/or go to the website I made for this boat: bayrunner16 (just add .com). For the security of all parties, California AAA handle the closing and title. I look forward to hearing from you. Mark

Life jacket, personal floatation device, PFD

Fremont, California

Blue and Yellow, Kent, Type III PFD, Child, 30-50 lbs, new; Orange, Sterns, Type II PFD, Infant, up to 30 lbs, like new condition; {2 Yellow Sterns, shown in center of photo, SOLD!} EACH jacket/vest/PFD is $15.00 Additionally, a storage bag is in excellent condition is $20.00. For viewing and delivery we are offering to help a buyer. Occasionally, we travel the I-880 and Highway 17 corridor between Berkeley and Santa Cruz and are willing to meet in a public area near the Interstate/Highway. Please assume this is available for sale as I will remove the listing when sold. Your phone number with any questions is helpful, thank you.

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Santa Cruz 52

When ‘fast is fun’ is designed to cruise, you get a swift passagemaker.

There’s really no way to talk about the Santa Cruz 52 without stating the obvious: It’s fun to go fast. Bill Lee, who designed the SC52 along with several other sleek and speedy sailboats of varying sizes, actually adopted “Fast is Fun” as his mantra, one he continues to abide by nearly 30 years after the first SC52 was constructed in Santa Cruz, California.

Known in the big-boat sailing community today as “The Wizard,” Lee was born in Idaho in 1942, but was raised in California sailing El Toro dinghies in Newport Beach. 

He graduated in 1965 with a mechanical engineering degree from Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, California, and worked in the  defense industry. Lee caused a stir in the 1970s when he introduced what would become a new classification of boats­—the ultra-light displacement boat or ULDB.  His designs attracted plenty of attention. 

In 1973, he designed the Santa Cruz 27, a masthead sloop with a short boom. It was his most popular design with 145 boats built. Four years later, he designed the 68-foot Merlin, which won the 1977 Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Honolulu, crossing in only eight days, 11 hours, with a top boat speed of 28 knots. 

Lee went on to design other go-fast boats that were significantly lighter than their competitors at the time, primarily due to his integrated construction method and use of lightweight materials. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Lee added a 33, 40, 50 and 70 to the Santa Cruz series. The Santa Cruz 52 joined the fleet in 1992. Twenty-nine SC52s were built at the company’s yard in Santa Cruz. 

First impressions

The Santa Cruz 52’s  slim hull and sleek overall profile radiate the potential for fast sailing. When asked to describe the boat, Lee once said, “We crossed a Swan with a rocket ship.”

Santa Cruz resident Skip Ely has owned and sailed his 1995 Santa Cruz 52 Elyxir for 25 years. 

“The hull shape is similar to Swan boats weighing 40,000 pounds, while the 52 weighs half that,” he said. “I believe there is still no comparable boat that races and cruises so well. The aspects that make it a great racer contribute to her ability to outperform other cruisers, while remaining a well-appointed cruising boat.”

Construction

Lee figured out early on in his career that big fiberglass boats needed to lose weight if they were expected to go fast. Cruising boat interiors are almost always overloaded with heavy furniture. Lee found the solution in the use of Kevlar for strength and balsa wood for its near weightlessness. He also developed a building process that integrated the boat’s furniture during the hull construction, so that these appurtenances would actually increase its strength. 

“This is a very comfortable boat,” Ely said. “The furnishings are structural, so the boat is strong and light. They didn’t finish the hull and then send in carpenters to install everything else, which would add unwanted weight.”

Ely’s words dovetailed with what Lee has often declared. “It’s no longer necessary to equate strength with weight.”  The message is echoed in an SC52 sales brochure.“ Every piece of furniture, every panel, every cabinet, is fully and carefully bonded to the hull and deck, providing an integrated hull support structure.”

Steven Davis, who with Tim Dornberg purchased the 1997 SC52 Vela two years ago, praised the boat’s interior. 

“The best thing about the Santa Cruz 52 is that while it’s fast and a thrill to sail, it’s also outfitted with a cruising interior and very comfortable,” he said. 

What to look for

The earlier SC52s are now approaching 30 years old and could be showing signs of age. Although some owners have modified their boats, “most are still pretty much as they were delivered from the yard in Santa Cruz,”  Davis said.

“We race it hard, put it away wet, and it still looks great,” Ely said. 

But technology has changed the way sailplans are configured, and many owners are choosing asymmetrical kites over symmetrical spinnakers. 

“The asymmetrical kites would still be on a pole, which allows the kite to be pulled back and squared to the wind,” Davis explained. “This setup allows for the best of both worlds.”

Potential buyers should take note of whether the boat has upgraded to furling headsails and new navigation and communication electronics, given the advancements in technology since the boat was introduced. The addition of electric winches, dodgers, biminis and other equipment could impact the boat’s value.

Davis said a common SC52 upgrade involves swapping out the original rudder for one with a high aspect ratio, the primary benefit being fingertip control with the new design and less drag.

The boat was made with a 9-foot fin keel or a 7-foot shoal model.

A masthead sloop, the boat has anodized aluminum spars, although carbon fiber was an option. The big wheel on the raised helm station is hard to miss, as is the large cockpit and open transom. The seats serve double duty as lockers. There’s a swim step on the stern, four opening Lewmar deck hatches and eight portholes flood the interior with light. The boat has a bow roller and an optional windlass.

The SC52 is intelligently designed below deck with a wide open saloon, two private cabins, two heads, port and starboard pilot berths, a large dinette, a spacious nav station with full-size chart table, and all electronics and instrumentation within easy reach. There’s a full galley set up for cooking while under way. According to Ely, even the boat’s pilot berths are comfortable and well placed. The saloon has 6 feet 4 inches headroom. The forward head has a separate shower. The owner’s stateroom has ample space, which Lee claimed was his favorite place to sleep. The Kevlar-reinforced bow is backed by a watertight collision bulkhead.

The teak-and-holly sole adds a feeling of warmth and luxury. There’s plenty of ventilation provided by the deck hatches and eight opening Lewmar ports. The galley features a three-burner LPG stove with oven and broiler, an 8-cubic-foot refrigerator/freezer, and a watermaker. The boat carries 143 gallons of fresh water. 

The SC52 relies on a 62-horsepower Yanmar 4JH2-HTBE diesel engine for auxiliary power. The boat carries 86 gallons of fuel. The engine easily pushes the boat, which weighs significantly less than other performance cruisers of similar size. 

The SC52 gets high marks for its handling ability.

“When sailed shorthanded, due to the light displacement and powerful sailplan, she will sail at wind speed upwind in light air without overlapping headsails,” said Ely. “Her hull was designed to perform well on all points of sail and is very stable. She will sail upwind in heavy wind with comfort exceeding heavier cruising boats such as Swans.”

Ely waxed enthusiastically about a recent sail off the California coast. “In 7 knots of wind we can sail 7 knots of boat speed up wind. We keep it at 5 or 6 knots but the boat wants to go eight and pound.”

The Santa Cruz 52 is a sleek, lightweight, well-constructed sloop, designed for comfortable extended cruising or ocean racing.

LOA  53’; LWL 46’ 6”; Beam 14’; Draft 9’ ; Displ. 21,000 lb.; Ballast 9,100 lb.; Sail area 1,327 sq. ft.

General Market Price Data

$294,000 1993 Vancouver, BC

$334,000 1997 California

$389,000 2000 California

SAILING’s Value Guide

(5-sailboat rating system)

PRICE: The asking price for a Santa Cruz 52 during autumn of 2020 ranged from a low of $294,000 for a 27-year-old boat in Canada to $389,000 for a 2000 model in California.  3 sailboats

DESIGN QUALITY: Bill Lee, a mechanical engineer turned naval architect, designed the Santa Cruz 52. He is perhaps best known for Merlin, a 68-foot ocean racing yacht weighing a mere 25,000 pounds, which he designed and built in 1977. The Santa Cruz 70 and other ultralight displacement boats followed.  4 sailboats

CONSTRUCTION QUALITY: The SC52’s hull is made from blister-resistant materials and a vacuum-bagged balsa core. There is a watertight Kevlar-mat collision bulkhead in the bow. Spars are anodized aluminum but carbon was an option. The interior framing is a key component in the boat’s overall structure, strength, and weight.  4 sailboats

USER-FRIENDLINESS: Despite being designed as a go-fast yacht, the SC52 is outfitted with a comfortable, cruising interior. The boat can be easily sailed by a couple on an extended global voyage or by a short-handed crew in an ocean race. 3.5 sailboats

SAFETY:  With its balanced sailplan and rugged construction, the boat provides secure and stable sailing in rough seas. It surfs smoothly downwind with spinnakers in a heavy breeze. The boat’s roomy cockpit has substantial combings and drains quickly through the open transom.  3.5 sailboats

TYPICAL CONDITION: Most of the boats for sale in autumn 2020 were in excellent condition with evident maintenance and upgrades. 4 sailboats

REFITTING:  Owners have made various changes over the years, such as adding furling headsails, electric winches, dodgers and biminis. Replacing the older-style rudder with a high-aspect model, which allows fingertip control and less drag, is among the most common upgrades.  3 sailboats

SUPPORT: Santa Cruz Yachts is no longer in business. Bill Lee, who still lives in Santa Cruz can be contacted through his website, www.fastisfun.com. There’s a sizable racing fleet of SC52s in California and some of the boats participate in the TransPac and other well-known ocean races. 2.5 sailboats

AVAILABILITY: Of the 29 Santa Cruz 52s built, at least three were for sale in the United States and Canada in autumn 2020. 3.5 sailboats

INVESTMENT AND RESALE:  The Santa Cruz 52 tends to hold its value. The average selling  price was $300,000 in 2020 despite having been built nearly 30 years ago. 3.5 sailboats

OVERALL ‘SVG’ RATING: 3.5 sailboats

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Boats for Sale

50' santa cruz 50 racers and cruisers.

ARCHIVED: This is a previously listed vessel and is no longer offered for sale If you would like assistance locating a similar vessel, Click Here to contact the listing broker.

1981 Santa Cruz 50 " Emily Carr "

The Santa Cruz 50's were designed by boat wizard, Bill Lee. He believes Fast is Fun, and this vessel has been carefully engineered and constructed for speed and safety. Bill Lee has proven over the years with his success in big boat races, that by using well known proven materials and methods, quality craftsman and thoughtful design you can have a light, strong, safe, and fast boat. Her owners can vouch for this and had one great ride across the Pacific last year. Many new upgrades!

The hand-laminated, multiple layered hull and deck have vacuum bagged balsa core providing stiffness and strength without unnecessary weight. Her keel is solid lead casting encased in fiberglass, bolted and bonded to the hull for extra crunch protection. Navtec rod rigging and U bolt chain-plates are used on the triple spreader tapered mast for maximum strength. All bulkheads and interior cabinetry are bonded directly to the hull and woodwork finished in top quality mahogany plywood. A yacht with the rare combination of impeccably built cruiser and speedy, strong racer is a unique find, in a class of her own just waiting for you to enjoy the adventure and leave the others in your wake!

• Specifications
• Description

 Forward of the ring bulkhead there is room for a V berth. The main cabin settees can

 either be two singles each side, or with the back rest out, they form a double.

 The aft quarter berths have split cushions for drop cloths.

• Force 10 2-burner propane stove with oven with propane safety switch

• 12V Adler-Barbour refrigeration                                         

• Furuno radar

• Horizon Intrepid VHF with Ram Mic

• Icom single side band and antenna tuner

• Furuno Weatherfax model 207

• Garmin GPS Map 215

• B&G Hercules 690 sailing instruments

• (4) B&G 20-20 displays on mast, (2) Hydra displays, (1) 690 display

• Sony CD/Stereo

• Auto Pilot

Sails purchased in 2003 or earlier

 Mainsails:

• Santa Cruz Sails

• North 3DL

• Dacron Delivery

• #1 Ullman

• #2 Ullman

• #3 Ullman

Spinnakers:

• 3/4-oz   Reacher

• 3/4-oz   All purpose

• 1.2-oz   Reacher

• 1.5-oz   80% Shy Kite

Storm Sails:

• Trysail

• Storm Jib

All self tailing, all 2 speed except as noted:

• Primaries: (2)  Barient 32 3 speed

• Secondaries: (2)  Barient 28

• Mainsheet: Harken 46

• Cabin Top: (2)  Barient 23s, (4)  Harken 40s

a ll self tailing, all 2 speed except as noted:

• Primaries: (2)   Barient 32 3 speed
• Secondaries: (2)   Barient 28
• Mainsheet: Harken 46
• Cabin Top: (2)   Barient 23s, (4)   Harken 40s

• Backstay

• Vang with 3 release locations

• Flattening reef

• Yanmar 4JHDTE engine; new in about 1997

• Racor Fuel Filter

• Extensive updates and service in 2008

• 18x14 Martec Propeller

• Major “out of the boat” service 2008 by List Marine including the following:

• Disassemble, evaluate engine and clean as needed

• Replace worn and leaking sea water pump

• Clean and reseal intercooler unit

• Replace faulty oil cooler unit

• Overhaul leaking turbo charger unit

• Clean and reseal heat exchanger

• Overhaul starter motor and alternator

• Replace all engine cooling hoses and clamps

• Clean and inspect oil cooler lines, replace as needed

• Replace transmission dampener plate and leaking transmission seal

• Adjust valve clearances

• Re torque cylinder head

• Repaint

• Service all fluids

• Engine was last inspected and serviced by List Marine in Feb 2013

Propeller: 2 blade folding Martec 18x14  - right hand

• (2) 75-gallon water tanks

• (1) 60-gallon fuel tank

• (1)   6-gallon holding tank

• 12V and 110V wiring

• Hear Interface Freedom 20 Inverter

• (1) 8D battery, (1) group 24 battery

Hull material:

• Fiberglass w/ balsa core

Recent surveys, including a core sample, show no water intrusion in the balsa core

Deck material:

• Emergency Rudder and mounting

• LifeSling

• Jacklines

• Life Jackets

• 2x manual bilge pumps, plus 12 V bilge pump

• Fortress FX37 aluminum anchor with chain and rode

• Cat II EPIRB

• 8-person life-raft; valise; last certified 2006 – AS IS

Bay Marine Recent Upgrades

• Full hull inspection and repair of one delam forward
• Replace worn idler sheave in steering
• Rebuild starboard vang quick release, replace inline ball valve
• Fully inspect hydraulic system and repair leaks as needed
• Service propeller shaft packing
• Install new Groco serviceable water strainer
• New Whale Titan bilge pump
• New galley sink ball valve
• Secure batteries
• Renew grounding copper in lazerette

More Recent upgrades

• Retrofit the toilet waste plumbing and create an exterior removal location. 
• Replaced the LP regulator and gauges and fittings and updated the hose configuration.   
• New front speakers, and re-wired aft speakers. 
• New clear coat on the interior. 
• Replaced the pressurized galley sink fixture.    
• Replaced the refrigerator compressor and cooling plate. 
• New refrigerator top to sit flush with the counter top. 
• Rebuilt of the forward hatch
• Cleaned, brightened, and oiled teak on topsides.
• Completely repainted the entire ceiling, except the teak strips and molding which were clear coated. 
• New paint on the forward bulkhead, inside some storage compartments, forward bunks, around the companion way and other stained teak areas. 
• Removed and resealed teak on foredeck and house. 
• Removed and resealed all deck hardware and winches on the house (except for turning blocks at base of mast). 
• Updated companionway area.
• Treated the teak around the forward hatch and companionway with penetrating epoxy, both inside and out, Then applied UV resistant polyurethane. 
• Stripped and refinished one spinnaker pole
• Starbuck Canvas modified the existing spinnaker pole covers to fit properly. 
• Rebuilt the winches on the cabin top and made custom backing plates for them. 

All seller's personal effects are excluded from the sale of the vessel.

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