The Gallant 53 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Gallant 53, a heavy displacement sloop, was designed by E. G. van de Stadt and built in the UK by Southern Ocean Shipyards Ltd.

'Gallavanter', a Gallant 53 sailboat laid up ashore in Carriacou in the West IndiesA Gallant 53

Published Specification for the Gallant 53

Underwater Profile: Fin keel and spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 53'2" (16.2m)

Waterline Length: 38'9" (11.8m)

Beam: 13'1" (4.0m)

Draft: 7'4" (2.2m)

Rig Type: Masthead sloop, although the one in the pic ('Gallavanter') looks as though it's had a staysail fitted

Displacement: 40,000lb (18,144kg)

Designer: E. G. van de Stadt

Builder: Southern Ocean Shipyards Ltd (UK)

Year First Built: 1966

Year Last Built: 1973

Number Built: 22

Published Design Ratios for the Gallant 53

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 13.3

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 30.0

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 307

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 46.7

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.5

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Gallant 53

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 13.3 suggests that the Gallant 53 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 30.0 means that a sailboat like the Gallant 53 (which doesn't have its ballast concentrated in a bulb at the foot of a deep keel), is likely to benefit from being reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 307, tells us the Gallant 53 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 46.7 suggests that crew comfort of a Gallant 53 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 1.5 tells us that a Gallant 53 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Recent Articles

  1. Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

    Jun 07, 23 01:51 AM

    Looking for used sailboats for sale that are capable of crossing an ocean? These cruising yachts are already in the Caribbean, but what are the risks and benefits of buying out there?

    Read More

  2. 'Shindig', a 40ft Bluewater Cruising Yacht for Sale

    Jun 04, 23 08:32 AM

    If you're looking for a unique Bluewater Cruising Yacht for sale in the Caribbean, then 'Shindig' is certainly worth a look...

    Read More

  3. Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

    Jun 04, 23 06:26 AM

    Here's where people with sailing equipment for sale advertise their stuff entirely free of charge. If you're looking for used sailing gear or other used boating accessories, here's where to find it!

    Read More