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Topic: Hardy 50 used boat report: Form and function in perfect harmony (Read 20 times)
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While the power of association – the marketing mantra which asserts we judge each other by the co*pany we keep – might lead you to think that these connections with the RNLI and Raymarine would push sales of the Hardy brand into the big league, the larger models at least remain strangely elusive. The Hardy 50 featured here, for example, is one of just six built.
Looking back it seems the Hardy 50 was always destined to be a niche player. Its very creation came about at the request of sea-school owners David and Kim Griffiths, who wanted something a little larger than their Aquastar 48.
In addition to plenty of space, the vessel also boasts an RCD A ‘Ocean’ rating. This means it’s capable of operating in seas of up to 23ft and winds of up to Force 9 (strong gale, 41-47 knots), making the Hardy 50 a truly formidable all-weather seagoing vessel.
Hull designer Andrew Wolstenholme is the master of semi-displacement hulls and the Hardy 50’s is as good as it gets
It’s this capability and the potential for adventures it opens up that first attracted Hardy 50 owners Nick and Julia Hawes to our featured boat, Pasiphaë, which is being offered for sale by Berthon, Lymington, for £535,000 VAT paid.
In fact, the Hawes currently own two Hardys, the other being the first 62 to roll off the line back in 2013. This definitely puts them in the Hardy super-enthusiast bracket – so what’s the appeal?
“Well, I previously had a Princess V48 and was wondering what to go for next,” says Nick. “We went to a Nelson rally but then looked at the Hardy range and just fell in love with their boats. We viewed a 42 but, with its extra space, decided the 50 had to be the one for us.
High guardrails add to the feeling of security on the Hardy 50’s side decks
“Julia was new to boating and was a little bit nervous of walking along side decks so I wanted something that would be safe – and with its high guardrails all the way round, the Hardy 50 is just so safe.
“When we took it out on a sea trial, I just loved its capabilities. We bought the boat back in 2018 and since then we’ve done some good trips from Lymington to the West Country and have been across the Channel and to the Channel Islands.
“We cruise at about 17 to 20 knots but she’s capable of 30. Because you’re not racing through you don’t get the feeling of slamming through the waves. Whereas some boats leave you feeling like you’ve done a massive journey, this one just pushes on and is so co*fortable – it’s not a tiring boat when you’re at sea.
“Even though we purchased the 62 just over a year ago, if we decide to downsize in three or four years’ time, we’d definitely go back to the 50.”
In terms of layout, the generously proportioned Hardy 50 is an easy boat to like. As owner Nick pointed out, the side decks – which extend aft to where a walkaround behind the aft cockpit gives access to the bathing platform – are super safe.
Up top is a flybridge with twin seats at the centrally mounted helm and extensive wraparound seating with lockers beneath to both sides and aft.
Centrally mounted helm on the flybridge with raked screen to deflect the elements
While a lowish windscreen provides partial protection from the elements, guests will still feel the wind in their smiling faces as the boat slices its way through the waves. Two sets of steps lead down from the flybridge; one to the aft cockpit, the other directly to the saloon.
With its wet bar, grill, fridge and bags of deck space for a free-standing table and chairs the aft cockpit is the place for al fresco dining, while the main saloon provides a full co*plement of creature co*forts for whenever the weather turns.
The saloon, which can also be accessed from doors on either side deck, is split into three distinct areas. Firstly there’s the portside-mounted helm, which like the flybridge has twin seats.
Main deck is split across two levels with a lower saloon and raised helm and dining area
Directly ahead of the helm is a beautifully crafted wooden dashboard, which is kept co*mendably uncluttered due to much of the instrumentation being mounted in an overhead panel which runs the full width of the saloon’s leading edge.
To starboard, just aft of the helm, is a dinette with L-shaped seating providing seating for three or four guests. While there’s a pouffe to boost the number of seats by one, this does somewhat beg the question of where would a full co*plement of guests dine if the weather precluded the aft cockpit?
The answer may well lie behind the dinette where two steps down lead to the bright and airy saloon proper, a cavernous area equipped with a plush horseshoe settee. While our review boat sported a coffee table in front of the settee, there’s plenty of room here for a free-standing table if need be.
Dinette in the saloon can seat four co*fortably. Note the internal stairs to the flybridge
Opposite the settee is another top quality wooden unit, this one incorporating storage space and a pop-up TV. Ahead of the dinette another set of steps lead down to the wraparound galley. Ergonomically designed and well thought-out throughout, this is another area where form and function co*bine in perfect harmony.
Everything required in the galley – hob, oven, twin sinks, microwave and fridge – is here together with a substantial amount of storage and locker space.
Opposite the galley is a lobby area which leads to the boat’s day heads and the engineroom which, as befits an ocean-going vessel, lies behind a watertight bulkhead door. Inside, a central walkway gives excellent access to the twin MAN diesels.
Aft master cabin is ample in size with plenty of built-in storage solutions
Also off the lobby is the smallest of the boat’s three cabins, which is fitted with twin bunks and a modest amount of stowage space. The other two cabins are a somewhat different story with both offering plenty of room and lockers.
Located in the forepeak, the second cabin is a V-berth, while the spacious full beam aft master cabin acco*modates a double-bed with copious amounts of storage to either side.
There’s even more stowage in this cabin’s forward bulkhead, which also houses the boat’s second television. co*pleting the picture is the master’s ensuite with toilet, basin and a separate shower stall.
Master cabin has a co*pact ensuite with a small separate shower co*partment
In some ways, it is perhaps surprising that only six Hardy 50s exist. For not only does the model stand up well to its contemporaries in terms of the quality of its build and fitments, it also has the added advantage of that RCD A rating.
Then again, that’s something that not every boater would be looking for; nice to have, but not essential to all but the diehards among us. But if you’re among that number, and are looking for something that’s not far from a one-off, maybe the Hardy 50 is the boat for you.
LOA: 50ft (15.24m)
Beam: 16ft (4.9m)
Draft: 4ft 5in (1.39m)
Air draft (mast lowered): 13ft 5in (4.1m)
Displacement: 27 tonnes
Fuel capacity: 3,636 litres
Water capacity: 660 litres
Fuel consumption: 8.9 l/nm @ 24.8kn
Cruising range: 260nm @ 24.8 knots
Type: Flybridge trawler yacht
Designer: Andrew Wolstenholme
Hull type: Semi-displacement
RCD category: A
Running costs
Annual fuel burn: 6,375 litres (based on 25 hours @ 24.8 knots and 25 hours @ 8.5 knots)
Mooring: £10,820 (Annual marina mooring on the Hamble River downstream of Bursledon bridge)
Conceived and built as a larger stablemate to the co*modore 42, this handsome semi-displacement craft was handbuilt to the owner’s specifications when new.
The Andrew Wolstenholme hull features a round bilge but fine entry forward, which helps to provide a co*fortable motion through head seas and up to 30-knot performance when required.
These boats make for a co*fortable, refined passagemaker or work equally well as a spacious weekender that will rarely force you to change plans due to the weather.
Construction-wise, Hardys I have surveyed have been consistently good, with very few significant latent issues, such as osmosis, delamination, cracking or flexing. The quality and finish of gelcoats is almost always good, provided it has been well maintained.
Points to note when considering buying:
A sound, well-maintained example of this vessel should provide you with years of co*fortable cruising thanks to sound design, enduring build quality and timeless lines that will not age.
-Chris Olsen, Olsen Marine Surveying
Price: £535,000 (VAT paid)
Date: 2008
Engines: 2 x MAN R6 800hp
Lying: Lymington
Contact: Berthon International
First published in the June 2023 issue of MBY.
In association with SETAG Yachts. Design and refit specialists SETAG Yachts bring luxury to the pre-owned market – by creating the bespoke yacht of your dreams, with no co*promise. To fall in love with your boat all over again visit www.setagyachts.c** or call +44 (0)1752 648618 for more details.
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