discovery 55 sailboat data

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Discovery 55

Discovery 55 is a 54 ′ 9 ″ / 16.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Ron Holland and built by Discovery Yachts between 2000 and 2019.

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)

Reported sail area = main + self-tacking jib. SA for furling Genoa (140%) = 87.5 sqm / 941.84 sq ft. Draft – shoal keel version 1.80m/5.92’ Also available as a cutter as well as a number of different interior layouts.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Types of Sailboats
• Parts of a Sailboat
• Cruising Boats
• Small Sailboats
• Design Basics
• Sailboats under 30'
• Sailboats 30'-35
• Sailboats 35'-40'
• Sailboats 40'-45'
• Sailboats 45'-50'
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Sailboats over 55'
• Masts & Spars
• Knots, Bends & Hitches
• The 12v Energy Equation
• Electronics & Instrumentation
• Build Your Own Boat
• Buying a Used Boat
• Choosing Accessories
• Living on a Boat
• Cruising Offshore
• Sailing in the Caribbean
• Anchoring Skills
• Sailing Authors & Their Writings
• Mary's Journal
• Nautical Terms
• Cruising Sailboats for Sale
• List your Boat for Sale Here!
• Used Sailing Equipment for Sale
• Sell Your Unwanted Gear
• Sailing eBooks: Download them here!
• Your Sailboats
• Your Sailing Stories
• Your Fishing Stories
• Advertising
• What's New?
• Chartering a Sailboat
• Sailboats 50'-55'
• Discovery 55

The Discovery 55 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Discovery 55, a centre-cockpit sloop, was designed by Ron Holland and built in the UK by Discovery Yachts.

This one is fitted with the double-headed Solent rig , although they were also available as cutters.

Published Specification for the Discovery 55

Underwater Profile:  Fin keel & skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  54'10" (16.7m)

Waterline Length:  49'3" (15.0m)

Beam:  15'8" (4.8m)

Draft:  7'4" (2.2m)

Rig Type:  Masthead sloop

Displacement:  49,604lb (22,500kg)

Designer:  Ron Holland

Builder:   Discovery Yachts (UK)

Year First Built:  2000

Number Built:  55

Owners Association:  Discovery Yacht Owners

Published Design Ratios for the Discovery 55

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:  14.7

• 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:  42.2

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

3. Displacement/Length Ratio:  186

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

4. Comfort Ratio:  38.6

• 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:   1.7

• 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 Discovery 55

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 14.7 suggests that the Discovery 55 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 42.2 means that the Discovery 55 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 186, tells us the Discovery 55 is a light-to-moderate displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 38.6 suggests that crew comfort of a Discovery 55 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 tells us that a Discovery 55 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

The Discovery 55...

The Discovery 55 is a sailboat designed by renowned naval architect Ron Holland and built by Discovery Yachts in England. This 55-foot (17-meter) monohull boat is part of the Discovery range of yachts, which includes the 50 Catamaran, the 58, and the 67. The boat was launched in 2000 and updated to the Mk II version in 2015, with some improvements and refinements.

The Discovery 55 is a boat that offers comfort and convenience on board. It has a bright and spacious deck saloon with panoramic windows that showcase stunning views. The boat also has a well-equipped and large galley with ample storage space and a full-size fridge/freezer. There is a dedicated navigation station with all the necessary instruments and electronics to plan your voyage. Depending on your preference, the boat has three or four cabins with comfortable berths and plenty of storage space. The boat also has two or three heads, with electric toilets and separate showers. Moreover, it has a generator, an air conditioner, a watermaker, a washing machine, a dishwasher, and even a coffee machine. The Discovery 55 has everything you need to feel at home on the water.

But the Discovery 55 is not just a floating hotel. It is also a sailing machine that can take you across oceans or along coastlines with ease and grace. It has a powerful rig with a slab reefing mainsail (or an optional in-mast or in-boom furling system) and a self-tacking jib that make sailing effortless. The boat has a keel-stepped mast that adds strength and stability to the structure. Additionally, the boat has an aft cockpit that provides excellent visibility and protection from the elements. With a twin-wheel steering system, the boat gives you precise control and feedback. A bow thruster helps you maneuver in tight spaces. The boat's 160-horsepower Yanmar engine gives you reliable power when you need it.

The Discovery 55 is a boat that can handle any weather conditions and sea states with confidence and safety. It has a solid fiberglass hull with Kevlar reinforcement that can withstand impacts and abrasions. The boat has a deep fin keel (or an optional shoal keel) that provides excellent stability and performance. It has a balanced spade rudder that responds quickly and smoothly. Moreover, the boat's sleek hull shape cuts through the waves with minimal resistance. The boat's moderate displacement gives it a comfortable motion at sea, without compromising speed or agility.

The Discovery 55 is a boat that is designed for long-distance cruising, whether it is inshore, offshore, or ocean sailing. With a large fuel tank (1,334 liters) and water tank (1,008 liters), the boat has an impressive range and autonomy. The boat also has a robust electrical system that can power all your appliances and devices without draining your batteries. An efficient ventilation system keeps the interior fresh and cool. The boat has plenty of safety features such as a liferaft, EPIRB, fire extinguishers, bilge pumps, and more.

The above text was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; we believe it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Recent Articles

Hallberg Rassy 42e for Sale

May 23, 24 03:01 AM

Westerly Oceanranger Specs & Data

May 20, 24 03:34 AM

Westerly Oceanranger 38 for sale

May 19, 24 04:09 AM

Here's where to:

• Find  Used Sailboats for Sale...
• Find Used Sailing Gear for Sale...
• List your Sailboat for Sale...
• List your Used Sailing Gear...

Our eBooks...

A few of our Most Popular Pages...

Copyright © 2024  Dick McClary  Sailboat-Cruising.com

• {{>productsMenu}} Products
• {{>trendsMenu}} News & Trends
• Catalogs >
• Discovery Yachts >
• DISCOVERY 55 Full Specification
• News & Trends
• Exhibitions

DISCOVERY 55 Full Specification 10 Pages

Catalog excerpts

Welcome to the world of… Full Specication for the discovery 55

Hull Construction The hull is laid up in female moulds. The immensely strong lay up specified by the Designer and Structural Engineers meets or exceeds full CE regulations Category "A-Ocean" and is constructed in a Lloyds Approved laminating facility. The hull has two coats of isothalic gelcoat. This is non-pigmented below the waterline. This is followed by powder-bound mat. Both the quality of the gelcoat and the use of non-pigmented gelcoat below the waterline make for an impervious hull surface that is highly resistant to osmosis. The hull carries a 5-year written guarantee against...

DECKAND SUPERSTRUCTURE The deck is moulded in GRP with a balsa core to provide strength and insulation. A bulwark runs around the whole deck edge to give strength and a feeling of security. Wherever there are load bearing areas plywood replaces the balsa core. All load bearing fittings have aluminium or stainless steel backing plates. The deck incorporates 2 lockers in the transom steps, 2 lazarette lockers, a self-draining gas locker, a liferaft/fender locker amidships, a large sail locker forward, and a self-draining chain locker at the bow. A fold out bathing ladder is built into the...

DECK EQUIPMENT Lewmar winches are provided as standard. (Andersen winches are 2 X Lewmar 64 EST electric self-tailing winches are provided as standard primary winches. 1 X Lewmar 48 ST self-tailing winch provides control of the main sheet. (Electric 48 EST is optional) 1 X Lewmar 48 EST electric self-tailing winch for control of the main halyard, reefing lines and self-tacking staysail sheet. 2 X Lewmar 44 ST on the mast for headsail halyards. 2 X winch handle pockets. Mainsail reefing and other control lines are led aft from the mast area to the main electric control winch on the forward...

Interior Layout Options There are three interior layouts available, with a number of variations possible within those. The main difference in the layouts is in the main saloon. The standard layout is the raised deck saloon, which provides panoramic views when seated. Two alternative versions of this are available. One offers a version of raised seating with the addition of two comfortable armchairs on the starboard side of the main saloon instead of the pilot berth. The other offers the main saloon accommodation at a lower level, utilising the full width of the hull. In all three cases the...

A ventilated wet locker is located at the aft end of the galley. This cabin is light, airy and spacious. The king size double berth is 6' 6" long by 5' 9" wide (2 m x 1.8 m). The split interior sprung mattress is set on special battens for maximum comfort and to allow it to "breathe". An alternative of two large single berths is available as an option. Lee cloths are provided. To starboard is a comfortable armchair, and there is generous drawer, locker and wardrobe stowage. There is a central vanity unit. A large hatch is positioned over the berth, with an additional opening port aft,...

Engine Room The Discovery 55 has a full walk-in engine room, with the main access door from the Owner's Stateroom Ensuite. There is good access to the engine and to ancillary equipment. There is good lighting and fan ventilation in the engine room area. Two automatic fire extinguishers The engine room is fully lined with fire retardant insulation that is faced to prevent any contamination by diesel or inflammable substances. All access panels have rubber sealing strips. All ancillary pumps and motors are rubber mounted for quietness. Ventilation ducting is also sound-insulated where...

Fresh Water System Fresh water is stored in two separate food grade high-density polyethylene tanks. These are fitted with baffles and inspection covers. They are completely taint free and do not suffer from the corrosion that can affect stainless steel tanks in some parts of the world. Total capacity of the two tanks is 1,008 litres (266 US gals). Each of these has its own deck filler and breather. The starboard tank can also be fed from the rainwater catching system. When rainwater is diverted to this tank it passes through a filter. This is ideal for showers, washing up and "hot-tub"...

Battery Charging Engine and generator start batteries are charged by their own alternators. This provides secure starting back up with the two separate batteries. These have an emergency link facility, which would also allow charging from either alternator. The 24v domestic battery bank is charged by the 110 amp hour alternator on the engine or by the Victron Energy battery charger. This charges at 70 amp hours (24v) from the generator or shore power. A second 3kW inverter / 70 amp charger is optional. An A.C. panel controls a 30 amp 230v (llOv option) ring main, with power sockets in the...

Sails by Hood Sails, UK (or comparable). Mainsail cut for in-mast reefing. Furling crosscut Genoa in Dacron (140%) - with luff pad and UV protective strip. Furling crosscut Blade Jib in Dacron - with luff pad and Vectran cloth is available as an option. ADDITIONAL LOOSE EQUIPMENT 2 X 15m nylon mooring warps 2 X 10m nylon mooring warps 2 X Locking winch handles 3 X Cowl vents for dorades 1 X Emergency handle for in mast reefing 1 X Bilge bump handle 3 X Dry powder fire extinguishers 1 X 6 kg Propane gas bottle and regulator Full Owners Manual The full Owners Manual includes drawings and...

All Discovery Yachts catalogs and brochures

52 Pages

3 Pages

7 Pages

12 Pages

13 Pages

4 Pages

Archived catalogs

20 Pages

26 Pages

Related Searches

• Marine sailboat
• Cruising sailboat
• Sailboat with bowsprit
• Nautical sailing-yacht
• Cruising sailing yacht
• Sailing yacht with open transom
• Sailing yacht with bowsprit
• 3-cabin sailboat
• 2-cabin sailboat
• 3-cabin sailing yacht
• 4-cabin sailing yacht
• Catamaran sailing yacht
• 6-berth sailboat
• Sailing yacht with deck saloon
• Competition sailing yacht
• Custom sailing yacht
• Twin rudders sailboat
• Sail-drive sailboat
• 8-berth sailboat
• 8-berth sailing yacht
• Manufacturer account
• Buyer account
• Our services
• Newsletter subscription
• AboutVirtualExpo Group

DISCOVERY 55 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of DISCOVERY 55. Built by Discovery Yachts and designed by Ron Holland, the boat was first built in 2000. It has a hull type of Fin with rudder on skeg and LOA is 16.7. Its sail area/displacement ratio 14.74. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Yanmar, runs on Diesel x2.

DISCOVERY 55 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about DISCOVERY 55 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the discovery 55.

DISCOVERY 55 was designed by Ron Holland.

Who builds DISCOVERY 55?

DISCOVERY 55 is built by Discovery Yachts.

When was DISCOVERY 55 first built?

DISCOVERY 55 was first built in 2000.

How long is DISCOVERY 55?

DISCOVERY 55 is 15 m in length.

What is mast height on DISCOVERY 55?

DISCOVERY 55 has a mast height of 19.33 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Discovery 54

The discovery 54 is a 55.84ft solent designed by ed dubois and built in fiberglass by discovery yachts since 2017..

The Discovery 54 is a moderate weight sailboat which is slightly under powered. It is stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a heavy bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is good. There is an excellent water supply range.

Discovery 54 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, modal title.

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

• Berthon Home
• Yacht Brokerage
• New Yacht Sales
• Boatyard & Marina

Your Local Broker, Internationally

Berthon UK (Lymington, Hampshire - UK) Sue Grant [email protected] 0044 (0)1590 679 222

Berthon France (Mandelieu La Napoule, France) Bruno Kairet [email protected] 0033 (0)4 93 63 66 80

Berthon Scandinavia (Henån, Sweden) Magnus Kullberg [email protected] 0046 304 694 000

Berthon Spain (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) Simon Turner [email protected] 0034 639 701 234

Berthon USA (Rhode Island, USA) Jennifer Stewart [email protected] 001 401 846 8404

• Sailing Yachts for Sale
• Motor Yachts for Sale
• Performance Cruising & Racing
• Customs Warehouse
• Discovery Brokerage
• FPB Brokerage
• Windy Boats - The Range
• Windy Boats Service
• About Windy Boats & Berthon
• Bluewater Specialists
• The Berthon Book
• Yacht Market Report
• The Berthon Collection

Discovery 55, AMOR VINCIT

Discovery Yachts Ltd., Discovery 55 Built 2017 / £695,000, VAT paid

Broker’s Comments

AMOR VINCIT is the very last Discovery 55 to come out of the shipyard at Marchwood, Southampton, and is hull number 51. Built in 2017, she is still with her original owner who commissioned her build. She is unusual in that she is a Discovery 55 Mk II and boasts all the added modern styling that comes with this, but her saloon features the comfortable wrap-around design most commonly seen on the original Mk I hulls.

Internally, she has a striking interior with maple wood contrasting nicely with her dark Amtico sole and coordinating anthracite leather. Her home port in this ownership has been Les Sables-d’Olonne in France; therefore, she benefits from being eligible for EU or UK VAT-paid status.

Sales Video

Owner’s Comments

After taking delivery of AMOR VINCT in the UK as a new yacht from the Discovery Shipyard, we sailed along the French coast from Cherbourg to Bordeaux, and from there along the Spanish and Portuguese coasts to Gibraltar. We then cruised the Spanish Mediterranean coast, the Balearic Islands, over to Barcelona, and then the French Mediterranean coast. From there, we sailed from Gibraltar to Lisbon and then made landfall in the Canary Islands. We then transited the Atlantic to Martinique. AMOR VINCIT spent the Covid pandemic period in Martinique, and we sailed her back to Les Sables d’Olonne at the end of 2021.

AMOR VINCIT has just completed a spring fit-out in in 2024 in France and at Berthon – engine, generator, electrical systems, water maker, gas system, and sprayhood.

In 2022 she had a new mast and a new mainsail due to some damage to the mast during lifting, and we have loved the new fully battened mainsail system. She also has a new life raft.

I have owned 2 sailing boats before AMOR VINCIT. One of these was a Dufour 385 in which I sailed across the Atlantic in 2011. In 2016, I was supposed to retire, totally or partially. I wanted a luxurious blue-water yacht to spend a few months aboard while sailing. I studied the market for months (my wife was fed up with visiting shipyards and harbours!), and the Discovery 55 was my choice based on my criteria. These were – a view of the sea from the saloon and navigation table, fully equipped for maximum comfort, safe and fast, easy to handle, really beautiful, and, on top of all, very seaworthy. Unfortunately, no French boat matched the Discovery.

I love AMOR VINCIT for her comfort, seaworthiness, performance, elegance, … I am proud of her. Many people say: wow, what a beautiful yacht!

I am selling AMOR VINCIT (although my wife doesn’t really agree that I should) because I do not have enough time to do the long cruises that she deserves, and it would be too sad to have such a yacht staying in the harbour. My next yacht will be a day boat.

Download Full Specification (PDF)

Start New Search

All Sailing Yachts for Sale

Yacht Details

• Builder: Discovery Yachts Ltd.
• Model: Discovery 55
• Yacht Name: AMOR VINCIT
• Hull Designer: Ron Holland
• Year Built: 2017
• LOA: 55’9” / 17m
• LWL: 44’9” / 13.64m
• Beam: 15’8” / 4.78m
• Min Draft / Max Draft: 7’3” / 2.23m
• Displacement: 22,500kg / 49,500lb
• Berths: 6 berths in 3 cabin(s) / 2 head/WC(s)
• Engine Count: 1 Yanmar 6BY3-160S (160hp) Diesel
• Country: Lymington, Hampshire, UK
• Asking Price: £695,000, VAT paid

Contact Details

Sue Grant Berthon UK Tel: 0044 (0)1590 679 222 E-Mail: [email protected] Click image for full broker profile.

Enquire about AMOR VINCIT

Related yachts.

IRIDESCENT £725,000 / 2011 Oyster Marine Ltd., Oyster 54

MERTICE £785,000 / 2014 Northshore Yachts, Southerly 535

TILLY MINT €845,000 / 2009 Discovery Yachts Ltd., Discovery 67

CAPRICE €545,000 / 1988 Brödern Jacobson - Sweden , 77ft Custom Norlin Cutter Sloop

Search BerthonInternational.com

Our journey

A family sailing the world.