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beneteau cyclades 50.5 review
Sailing yacht · 56 ft (17 m) · Lefkada
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- beneteau
- Model
- cyclades 50.5
- Length
- 56 ft (17 m)
- Guests
- 10
- Cabins
- 5
Verdict
A roomy charter-oriented cruiser with strong interior volume, twin-wheel control and easy living for groups, but it is more about comfort and stability than spirited sailing performance.
Pros
- +Large beam creates generous interior and cockpit space
- +5-cabin, 10-guest layout suits charter use
- +Twin-wheel helm improves cockpit access
- +Strong water and fuel capacities for cruising
Cons
- −Heavier cruiser, not a performance-focused yacht
- −Wide beam can make marina handling less convenient
- −Age and charter use may increase wear and maintenance needs
- −Draft and sail plan favor steady cruising over agility
The Beneteau Cyclades 50.5 is a late-2000s family and charter cruiser designed around space and practicality. With a broad beam, masthead sloop rig, twin wheels and a layout commonly seen with five cabins and three heads, it prioritizes onboard volume and easy circulation rather than aggressive sailing lines.
On the water, the boat is best understood as a stable, moderately powered cruiser. Its displacement and cruising-focused sail plan suggest predictable behavior and respectable passagemaking, but not the light feel or upwind punch of a more performance-oriented yacht. Handling is straightforward for an experienced crew, though the wide aft sections and size can make close-quarters maneuvering more demanding.
Inside, the Cyclades 50.5 benefits from the beam most of all: cabins are usable, saloon space is substantial, and the boat suits groups or charter guests well. The 980-liter freshwater capacity and around 400-liter fuel tank support longer cruising, which adds to its liveaboard appeal.
In value terms, it remains attractive as a large-volume cruising yacht that can serve charter fleets well, especially for buyers prioritizing accommodation over speed. The main trade-off is that age, layout complexity and charter history can weigh on maintenance, so survey condition matters more than headline specifications.
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