The Alden 50, a heavy displacement cruiser, was designed and built in the USA by Alden Yachts.
Underwater Profile: Stub keel with centreboard, and skeg-hung rudder
Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)
Length Overall: 50'4" (15.3m)
Waterline Length: 37'1" (11.3m)
Beam: 13'6" (4.1m)
Draft: max 10'4" (3.2m), min 5'6" (1.7m)
Rig Type: Masthead sloop
Displacement: 38,000lb (17,237kg)
Designer: Alden Yachts
Builder: Alden Yachts (USA)
Year First Built: 1996
Year Last Built: 1998
Number Built: 3
1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 15.5
2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 42.9
3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 333
4. Comfort Ratio: 44.7
5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.6
1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 15.5 suggests that the Alden 50 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.
2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 42.9 means that the Alden 50 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.
3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 333, tells us the Alden 50 is clearly a heavy displacement cruising boat. You can load her down with all your cruising gear and equipment and it will hardly affect her waterline. Not an ideal choice for coastal sailing, but she'll come into her own on an offshore passage in testing conditions.
4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 44.7 suggests that crew comfort of a Alden 50 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a heavy bluewater cruising boat. Pitching and rolling will be well damped - your cup of coffee on the salon table stands a reasonable chance of staying there in most conditions.
5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.6 tells us that an Alden 50 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.
What are the pros and cons of a stub keel with a centerboard rather than a fin keel?
That's an interesting question. There are different types of keels that have different advantages and disadvantages depending on your sailing goals and preferences. Here are some pros and cons of a stub keel with a centerboard versus a fin keel:
As you can see, there is no definitive answer to which keel type is better. It depends on your sailing style, preferences, and needs. Some sailors prefer the versatility and shallow draft of a stub keel with a centerboard, while others prefer the performance and simplicity of a fin keel.
Who was John G Alden, and what were the best-known of his sailboat designs?
John G. Alden was a naval architect who opened his design office in 1909 and became famous for his fast and seaworthy offshore boats. He designed a broad range of boats and yachts, many of which have become true classics. Some of his best-known sailboat designs are:
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