hylas 54 sailboat

• Maint & DIY
• Nav & Electronics

Hylas 54 Review

• Post author: admin
• Post published: June 14, 2024
• Post category: Sailboats

Welcome to the detailed review of the Hylas 54 yacht. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the design characteristics, performance under sail, and sailing dynamics and handling of this luxurious vessel.

With features such as a beam aft, fine bow entry, rocker, and shoal keel, the Hylas 54 offers a unique blend of comfort and performance. Whether you’re looking for a performance passage maker or a cozy liveaboard, this sailboat offers a balance between sailing prowess and luxurious accommodations. So sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of the Hylas 54. Have you ever dreamed of owning a luxurious and high-performance yacht that can take you on unforgettable adventures across the open sea? If so, the Hylas 54 might be just the vessel you’ve been searching for. In this friendly and informative review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the design characteristics, performance under sail, sailing dynamics and handling of the Hylas 54. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of what makes this sailboat truly special.

Table of Contents

Hylas 54 Yacht Review Summary

The Hylas 54 is a masterpiece of design and engineering, crafted with both style and performance in mind. This luxurious yacht offers the perfect balance of comfort and speed, making it an ideal choice for both long-distance cruising and adventurous offshore passages. With its spacious interior, elegant lines, and high-quality construction, the Hylas 54 is sure to impress even the most discerning sailor.

Design Characteristics

When it comes to design characteristics, the Hylas 54 stands out from the crowd. Its beam aft, fine bow entry, rocker, and shoal keel all work together to create a yacht that is not only beautiful to look at but also performs admirably on the water. The beam aft design provides stability and interior space, while the fine bow entry cuts through waves with ease. The rocker under the hull helps to reduce pitching motion, enhancing comfort for those onboard. Additionally, the shoal keel allows the Hylas 54 to explore shallow waters without compromising performance under sail.

The beam aft design of the Hylas 54 sets it apart from other yachts in its class. This feature provides stability and interior volume, making the yacht feel spacious and comfortable. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at anchor, the beam aft design ensures that you have plenty of room to move around and relax.

Fine Bow Entry

The fine bow entry of the Hylas 54 allows it to slice through waves with minimal resistance, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even in rough seas. This design characteristic not only enhances the yacht’s performance under sail but also ensures that those onboard can enjoy a stable and enjoyable cruising experience.

The rocker under the hull of the Hylas 54 helps to reduce pitching motion, making for a more comfortable ride in a variety of sea conditions. Whether you’re sailing upwind or downwind, the rocker design ensures that the yacht handles with grace and stability, giving you confidence as you explore the open ocean.

The shoal keel of the Hylas 54 allows the yacht to access shallow waters that other vessels of its size would be unable to reach. This design characteristic opens up a world of possibilities for exploration, allowing you to anchor in secluded coves and remote beaches that are off-limits to deeper-draft vessels. The shoal keel also enhances the yacht’s performance under sail, ensuring that you can navigate challenging waters with ease.

Performance Under Sail

The Hylas 54 is not just a beautiful yacht – it’s also a high-performance sailing vessel that is capable of taking you on thrilling adventures across the open sea. Whether you’re racing against the wind or simply cruising along at a leisurely pace, the Hylas 54 offers a sailing experience that is second to none. With its mast and boom configurations, in-mast furling, and sailing dynamics and handling, this yacht is designed to excel in all conditions.

Mast and Boom Configurations

The mast and boom configurations of the Hylas 54 are carefully designed to optimize performance under sail. By selecting the right combination of mast height, boom length, and rigging setup, the designers of this yacht have created a sailing vessel that is both efficient and powerful. Whether you’re hoisting the mainsail or trimming the jib, the mast and boom configurations of the Hylas 54 ensure that you can harness the wind to propel you forward with speed and precision.

In-Mast Furling

The in-mast furling system on the Hylas 54 makes it easy to raise, lower, and reef the mainsail with minimal effort. This feature allows you to adjust sail area quickly and easily, ensuring that you can optimize performance under sail in changing wind conditions. Whether you’re cruising downwind or beating to windward, the in-mast furling system of the Hylas 54 makes sail handling a breeze.

Sailing Dynamics and Handling

The sailing dynamics and handling of the Hylas 54 are nothing short of exceptional. This yacht is a joy to sail, with responsive steering, precise maneuverability, and excellent upwind and downwind performance. Whether you’re tacking through a crowded harbor or running before a fresh breeze, the Hylas 54 handles with grace and agility, giving you confidence and control in even the most challenging conditions.

Sailing Dynamics & Handling

When it comes to sailing dynamics and handling, the Hylas 54 truly shines. Its stability, fixed staysail, downwind performance, spinnaker use, and keel design characteristics all work together to create a yacht that is both easy to sail and exhilarating to helm. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a novice looking to learn the ropes, the Hylas 54 offers a sailing experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding.

The stability of the Hylas 54 is one of its most impressive features. Whether you’re sailing close-hauled in heavy seas or running downwind in a fresh breeze, this yacht remains steady and sure-footed, providing a comfortable and relaxing ride for those onboard. The combination of beam aft design, fine bow entry, and shoal keel ensures that the Hylas 54 is well-balanced and predictable under sail, giving you confidence as you navigate the open ocean.

Fixed Staysail

The fixed staysail on the Hylas 54 enhances its performance under sail, providing additional power and versatility in a variety of wind conditions. Whether you’re reaching in light airs or beating to windward in a stiff breeze, the staysail helps to balance the yacht and improve its overall sailing dynamics. Additionally, the fixed staysail can be easily controlled and adjusted, allowing you to fine-tune your sail plan for maximum efficiency and speed.

Downwind Performance

The downwind performance of the Hylas 54 is nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re flying a spinnaker or sailing wing-and-wing, this yacht excels in reaching and running conditions, making for an exhilarating and enjoyable sailing experience. With its powerful rig, stable hull, and responsive steering, the Hylas 54 is capable of surfing down waves at speed, giving you a taste of true sailing excitement.

Spinnaker Use

The Hylas 54 is well-suited for spinnaker use, with a powerful rig and stable hull that make flying a spinnaker a breeze. Whether you’re cruising in light airs or racing in a regatta, the spinnaker on the Hylas 54 adds an extra dimension to your sailing experience, allowing you to reach new speeds and explore new horizons. With its responsive steering and precise handling, this yacht is a joy to sail under spinnaker, providing thrills and excitement for sailors of all skill levels.

Keel Design Characteristics

The keel design characteristics of the Hylas 54 play a crucial role in its sailing dynamics and handling. The shoal keel allows the yacht to access shallow waters with ease, while the fine bow entry and beam aft design enhance stability and performance under sail. Whether you’re exploring coastal bays or crossing open oceans, the keel design characteristics of the Hylas 54 ensure that you have the confidence and control to sail wherever your heart desires.

In conclusion, the Hylas 54 is a truly exceptional yacht that offers a winning combination of performance, comfort, and style. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor looking for a high-performance passage maker or a liveaboard seeking luxurious accommodations, the Hylas 54 has something to offer. While there may be tradeoffs between sailing performance and accommodation, the designer’s intention and design characteristics ensure that the Hylas 54 delivers on both fronts. With its elegant lines, spacious interior, and impressive sailing dynamics, this yacht is sure to delight sailors of all stripes. If you’re in the market for a performance sailboat that offers the perfect blend of form and function, look no further than the Hylas 54.

You Might Also Like

Hallberg Rassy 42 Review

Sail Whisperer is a website designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying sail components.

Connect with us.

Accessories Cloths Safety

• Maintenance & DIY
• Navigation & Electronics
• News & Updates
• Policy Privacy
• Affiliate Disclosure
• Terms of Use

Hylas 54 Yacht Reviews

Spacious. Comfortable. Capable. Fast. This is how the Hylas 54 sailing yacht is repeatedly described in reviews and boat tests. The Hylas 54 is no longer in production, but for years it was one of the most popular models in the Hylas lineup of bluewater cruising sailboats. A yacht builder long known for their exceptional build quality, handling, performance, and comfortable accommodations, Hylas and the Hylas 54 is a yacht that should be considered by any sailing couple looking for a capable passagemaking or liveaboard sailboat.

For those thinking about buying a Hylas 54, to help you learn more about this bluewater cruising yacht, here are a number of links to articles, reviews, and boat tests. Some of these articles are a few years old and go back to when the Hylas 54 was first introduced, but the positive feedback from the yachting industry is pretty incredible. It is no wonder that the Hylas 54 has held it’s value over the years as the same qualities and features that were praised when the Hylas 54 was in production are just as impressive today.

Looking for a pre-owned Hylas 54?  View our  Hylas 54 Sailboats For Sale

Sail Magazine includes Hylas 54 in Top 12 Bluewater Cruising Boats

Selection of comments by Sail Magazine about the Hylas 54:

– The German Frers design, excellent sail plan, and strong hull combine for an efficient yacht that can easily sail 200 miles a day or more.

– Ease of handling for a sailing couple and the ability to withstand rough sea conditions.

– Because Hylas allows owners to customize much of the interior design and layout, Hylas 54 models are incredibly unique with no two sailboats being the same.

Read review @  Sail Magazine Reviews – Hylas 54

Hylas 54 Boat Test By Sailing Magazine

Selection of comments by Sailing Magazine about the Hylas 54:

– Faster than you’d expect for a 50,000-pound boat in light air. With apparent wind less than 10 knots, the Hylas 54 still sailed at 7 knots.

– The Hylas 54 has nice lines, and the waterline has been lengthened by removing the overhangs, resulting in an LWL of 45 feet, 9 inches. Combined with a displacement-to-length ratio of 220 and sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.6 and the performance capabilities of this bluewater design is clear.

– A bulletproof hull. Hylas builds their hulls with Twaron, an aramid fiber (similar to Kevlar), layered with solid fiberglass, making it extremely strong.

– A comfortable cockpit that is designed well and secure in heavy winds. Electric winches that are easy to reach from the helm make shorthanded sailing possible in a boat this big.

– An engine with easy access and fuel tanks with a 200-250 capacity provides a powering range of more than 1,000 miles.

– Excellent stainless work on deck, including extended stern pushpits, massive cleats and chocks, and hefty stainless handrails.

– A luxurious interior with beautiful teak woodwork. The 3-cabin layout is spacious, bright, and features a large and comfortable aft stateroom, a galley layout that works well underway (and at 7 feet long provides ample counter space), a forward cabin with a queen island berth, and 2 heads that both have full shower stalls.

Read review @  Sailing Magazine Boat Tests – Hylas 54

Hylas 54 Review by Yachts For Luxury

Selection of comments by Yachts For Luxury about the Hylas 54:

– From the clean decks, to the logically positioned winches, the angle of the cockpit seat backs, and the great visibility, the Hylas 54 has it all.

– The Frers-designed hull is so fast she has speed that rivals some race boats. Hylas owners frequently report achieving +200-mile days at sea.

– At 15ft 9in, the large beam on the Hylas 54 is well aft, resulting in a stable platform and voluminous interior.

– The raised deck fills the salon with light, providing a spacious feeling down below.

Read review @  Yachts For Luxury Reviews – Hylas 54

Request Additional Information

* Required Fields

Share Article:

Boat Search

Yacht search looking for a specific boat.

We Can Help - At Collection Yachts, each of our yacht brokers specialize in specific segments of the market and have in-depth knowledge of market pricing and availabilty. Tell us what you are looking for and we can share all possible options that meet your criteria, as well as notify you as soon as new listings become available.

Request More Info

Send a message for more information about this yacht.

954-951-9500

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

Hylas 54 is a 54 ′ 0 ″ / 16.5 m monohull sailboat designed by German Frers and built by Hylas Yachts USA and Queen Long Marine starting in 1999.

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)

keel/cb version BU: 6.0’ /BD: 10.0’

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.

Hylas 54 RS

A swift and capable passagemaker with luxurious and well-thought-out accommodations

The new Hylas 54 RS Sapphire cut an impressive swath through the afternoon chop off Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida. Push-button sheeting tweaked the cruising spinnaker. We squeezed up to a tight reach and, despite an apparent wind of less than 10 knots, watched the speedo flirt with 7. The helm was light and the ride was silky smooth; this kind of relaxed sailing was kid's stuff for the powerful German Frers design. The Hylas 54 is a success on the water and in the marketplace. In just over three years of production more than 30 boats have been delivered, with no slowdown in sight. If you order a boat today be prepared to wait 12 to 14 months for delivery. What makes the Hylas 54 so appealing? Value. The 54 delivers the quality of a premier custom-built boat at close to production boat prices.

Hylas Yachts of Marblehead, Massachusetts, has come a long way from being an outfit that primarily sold boats into its own charter fleet. (The company is no longer associated with Caribbean Yacht Charters.) Hylas, a fixture at all the major boat shows, targets sailors looking for a capable passagemaker with luxury accommodations.

"I originally thought I wanted an Oyster 53 until I discovered the Hylas 54 RS," Sapphire's owner Bill Regan said. "The fact that it was about half the price was icing on the cake." Regan, who has set up his boat for shorthanded sailing, shuttles between Cape Cod and the Caribbean. "We consistently rack up 200-mile days on ocean passages."

The details Hylas Yachts, which specializes in center-cockpit cruisers, also builds a Sparkman & Stephens designed 49 and a new Frers-designed 66 is scheduled for delivery next year. The 54, however, traces its pedigree to the Hylas 46, which was introduced in 1995. In many ways the 54 is a scaled-up version of this popular Frers design. Like the 46, the 54 has stretched the waterline by cutting away the overhangs, resulting in an LWL of 45 feet, 9 inches. The sheer is subtle, and the cabintrunk, even on the raised saloon model, blends naturally into the deck line. A seasoned eye will recognize the deft Frers' touch. Speaking of the raised saloon model, it outsells the standard deck layout by three to one according to Hylas Yachts President, Dick Jachney. "People just can't resist all that light below," he said with a laugh.

The powerful fin keel has a standard draft of 7 feet, although a hydraulic centerboard is an option, albeit an expensive one, for those who demand shoal draft. The rudder is a partially balance spade with a small skeg. The 54 is no lightweight-the design displacement is 47,184 pounds, and the external lead ballast is a fraction over 20,000 pounds, which makes for a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 43. The displacement-to-length ratio of 220 and sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.6 clearly demonstrate the performance capabilities of this seagoing design. The air draft is a whopping 77 feet, which means that you won't be wasting sailing time motoring for long stretches along the Intracoastal Waterway, with its bridge clearance of 65 feet.

The Hylas 54 is built by Queen Long, a 25-year-old Taiwan boatbuilding company and one of the island nation's best-run yards. Queen Long was the original builder of the Peterson 44 and has turned out the Hylas 44 and 47 among others.

The 54's hull is built with Twaron, a carbon aramid fiber incorporated into the solid fiberglass hull. According to Jachney, the hull is literally bulletproof and is in some ways nearly as strong as a metal hull. Vinylester resin is used throughout the molding process. Isophthalic gelcoat and two epoxy barrier coats provide even more protection against osmosis.

The deck is cored except in high-load areas, where it is solid fiberglass. A step-down sail locker is part of a watertight collision forward bulkhead. The hull and deck are joined on a wide flange, bonded with 3M 5200 and through-bolted on 4-inch centers. Interior bulkheads are tabbed on all sides. Massive floors create a rigid hull with plenty of athwartship support. The fin keel is solid lead and bolted to the hull with 35mm stainless steel bolts, which in turn are supported by an 8mm stainless steel backing plate. As a delivery skipper I've logged nearly 40,000 miles aboard different Hylas models, enduring bouts with Hurricanes Bob, Grace and Mitch, and I can attest to their solid construction and seaworthiness.

On deck The Hylas 54 cockpit is not huge for a boat of this size, but it's comfortable, well-thought-out and secure in a blow. The seats are scooped out to allow access around the Whitlock pedestal and wheel. The primary winches and the mainsheet winch are within easy reach of the helm, which is not usually the case in a big boat. All sail controls are routed aft to the deck areas just behind the coaming on either side of the companionway.

Despite the raised saloon, the visibility from the wheel is unobstructed. I would prefer a bit more leg room at the helm, and as is the case with most center-cockpit designs, there are no deep lockers in the cockpit. Of course, the large lazarettes astern and sail locker forward offer more than enough deck storage.

The side decks are wide, and although teak decks are a $22,300 option, they sure look nice and offer good footing, especially when wet. The molded nonskid is not aggressive, which is terrific when sailing barefoot but can be a bit slick when wet. The 32-inch stanchions and double lifelines are standard. The Hylas 54 features extraordinary stainless work, from an optional extended stern pushpit (a great safety feature) to massive and shimmering cleats and chocks, to stout stainless handrails on the coachroof. The stainless steel stemhead fitting with double anchor rollers is not only robust and functional, it's a work of art. Overall the deck hardware is of the highest quality. Hylas has always included a lot of standard equipment in the basic price, a legacy from the company's time spent equipping charter boats. For example, the 54 comes standard with a Nillson 2200 vertical windlass, a 60-pound CQR main anchor, a 55-pound Barnacle secondary anchor and 300 feet of 3/8-inch galvanized chain.

Standard winches include Lewmar 66 CST primaries, CST 54 secondaries and CST 48s for the mainsheet and halyard winches. Many owners, including Regan, opt for electric winches and the Seldon electric in-mast furling mainsail system. A boat of this size and weight generates huge loads and powered-up winches make shorthanded sailing a reality, especially for a couple on the other side of middle aged. Like furling systems and GPS, electric winches have become common, especially on boats longer than 40 feet, and why not, as long they have manual overrides? The standard spars are by Seldon and the discontinuous stainless steel standing rigging is Hasselford. Furlex System 400 is the standard roller furling headsail system. A quick-release inner forestay, a staysail and running gear are also popular options and provide an excellent alternative to the roller-furling headsail in heavy weather.

Down below Despite the 54's nicely sculpted lines, efficient sail controls and excellent overall performance, I suspect most people consider breaking out the checkbook after they have dropped below. The interior is lovely and vast. Jachney is right. The cabin is flooded with light through large ports, including two to port and starboard and three facing forward. The headroom is more than 7 feet, creating a sense of spaciousness, although it also makes overhead handrails inaccessible to short sailors.

Queen Long's teak joinerwork is superb and nicely balanced with the use of practical white laminated headliners, which can be removed without major surgery. Teak veneered bulkheads and solid trim pieces and doors are well crafted and beautifully varnished. The cabin sole shimmers (which means it will be slippery when wet) and all pieces can be secured keeping them in place in the unlikely event of knockdown. Most owners put down carpet runners when under way. All cabinets and lockers are finished on the inside and have secure latches. Numerous stainless steel rimmed Mainship deck hatches and opening portlights combine to create excellent ventilation throughout the interior.

Hylas offers custom interior plans at very little, if any additional cost-a prime attraction for many buyers. However, the 54's layout for both the standard and RS model, is quite appealing and most owners end up just adding small personal touches instead of opting for wholesale changes. The three-cabin plan includes a double forward with a centerline queen bunk and port and starboard hanging lockers. The port-side cabin can be fitted with a double bunk, upper and lower singles, a workbench or as office area with a desk. The forward head includes a stall shower, mirrored lockers and a civilized amount of elbowroom.

The saloon features a solid teak table to port that can be cleverly expanded, with a wraparound settee and free-standing seat with storage inside. The table drops down to form a double bunk, although it is hard to imagine the need for more sleeping space. The starboard settee can be extended to form a decent sea berth.

The nav station is my favorite aspect of the interior design. Tucked away to port, the large L-shaped desk has an adjustable swivel chair. There is a dedicated computer desk with a slide-out shelf and plenty of room for electronics and instrument repeaters. The electrical panel, meters and battery switches are located on an aft-facing, hinged panel that can be readily opened. An inspection of the neat and clearly labeled wiring is impressive.

The galley is to starboard and consumes the outboard section of the walkthrough to the aft cabin. This arrangement works well at sea as the cook can find a secure position on either tack. More than 7 feet long, the galley has more counter space than most home kitchens, and the Wahlee Stone counter tops are very attractive. Two double stainless sinks are located to port beneath the cockpit well on the centerline for good drainage on either tack. Top-and-side loading 12-volt Grunert refrigerator and freezer are standard, as is a Force 10 stove and oven. There is a slide-out trash compactor, dedicated microwave locker and saltwater and freshwater foot pumps, just in case the pressure water system fails.

The aft stateroom is huge, accented with rich teak panels and trim, and is incredibly comfortable. The island queen berth has a split mattress with a centerline lee cloth, making the berth usable at sea, a terrific idea. There are port and starboard hanging lockers, a vanity and fold-up mirror to port, cabinets above the berths and drawers below. There is even a linen locker that is designed to accommodate a washer and dryer. The aft head also features a separate stall shower.

The shipboard systems on the Hylas 54 are well engineered, redundant where necessary and contribute to the user-friendly nature of the boat. Tankage, which is located beneath the saloon sole, can be any combination of fuel and water up to 550 gallons. The manifold systems for both fuel and water are excellent.

There is plenty of power to keep all the systems up and running with three 700-amp-hour 8 D house batteries standard. Dual alternators on the Yanmar 125-horsepower four-cylinder diesel provide a pre-wired backup should one fail. The engine, mounted below the galley sinks and cockpit well, has adequate access, although it becomes limited if a generator is added. Most owners opt for 200 to 250 gallons of diesel, which provides a powering range of more than 1,000 miles. The standard sails, a main and 135-percent roller furled genoa, are by Doyle.

Under Sail Back aboard Sapphire we scooped up the spinnaker, unrolled the genoa and brought the boat hard on the wind. Unfortunately, the breeze was getting lighter, but I was still impressed how close the Hylas 54 could sail without pinching. We maintained 6 knots at 40 degrees apparent in very light going. We executed several tacks, bringing the boat through wind quickly and accelerating faster than you'd expect a 50,000-pound boat to in light air. Cracking off onto a close reach, we adjusted the sheet leads and kept moving smartly.

I begged off the helm and planted myself on one of the optional teak stern seats, which offered a perfect, big-picture view of the Hylas 54 under way. We eventually ran out of wind. It wasn't fair. We fired up the Yanmar diesel, and with the optional Max prop doing the work, we charged back toward Port Everglades at 7.5 knots, although it was hard to actually hear the engine running from the cockpit.

The Hylas 54 is a complete package. Spacious, comfortable, capable and fast, the boat delivers on its promise as a luxurious world cruiser. A well-equipped Hylas 54 sells for a little less than $700,000, however, when compared to other boats in its class, the value is clear.

Also in Boat Test

• Beneteau First 36
• Jeanneau Yachts 55
• Seductive simplicity
• X 4.3 Pure Performance
• Beneteau Oceanis 40.1
• Sun Odyssey 380

Also from John Kretschmer

• Hove to in the gales of Biscay
• Sailing's Promise
• Passage to nowhere
• Farewell to brothers of the sea
• Plotting a course to Caribbean sabbatical cruise
• Passage Planning
• Ready to Rumble
• Good vibrations
• Launching and boarding a life raft
• The Great Circle Route: Connecting the dots of a sailing life

• INTRODUCTION
• PHOTOS & DETAILS
• REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFO

Hylas Collection / Serenity

2002 Hylas 54 – YACHT SOLD

Serenity is one of the best Hylas 54’s of her generation currently available. Serenity has sailed in some of the most beautiful waters of the Western Hemisphere and she handles seas with the grace one would expect from a boat with her pedigree.  This yacht was enjoyed by her owners for 15 years and is well-prepared to adventure for the next decade. There are very few boats of this age that are as well-founded as Serenityand her new owners will be able to enjoy sailing with family and friends from the first day of purchase and for many years thereafter.

Length Overall

Displacement

2002 Hylas 54

MEASUREMENTS

Accommodations, serenity highlights, exterior spaces.

The Hylas 54 was a tremendously successful design due in no small part to her deck and sail plan. Her wide side decks sweep aft, around the center cockpit to the aft deck, and lead to wide transom steps. This layout helps make her the perfect boat whether offshore or on the hook. Owners have remarked on how easily they can walk forward in a sea and how safe they feel in the deep cockpit while passage making. These same traits are what also make the Hylas 54 a perfect platform for relaxing in a hidden bay.

Hull & Deck

Yacht designers have explored all different hull shapes to varying degrees of success and each generation works to make hulls faster and more comfortable. German Frers experienced great success with the Hylas 54 because of his foresight and willingness to push modern hull shapes.

Center cockpit yachts have become prevalent for a variety of reasons. Great visibility, safety, and a more useful interior space are among the reasons today’s sailors enjoy these designs. Serenity’s owners have enjoyed this design so much they have decided to purchase a new center cockpit Hylas 56.

Serenity has a Selden rig with in-mast furling. This reliable rig, coupled with a lightly used Ullman mainsail, can power her elegant hull through all types of seas. Because the Hylas 54 has a fine, nearly plumb bow and carries her beam well aft, she likes to sail “on her feet.”

Breaking from traditional designs of the time, the Hylas 54 was drawn to gain speed by easing sail, instead of trimming to gain waterline length. Owners will find that they can shorten sail early with this powerful rig.

Interior Spaces

Below deck, it is evident that Serenity’s owners knew exactly the boat they wanted prior to building her. A high-gloss interior that is in near-perfect condition, coupled with light beige upholstery, give Serenity the feeling of comfort and elegance. Her salon is inviting, while her galley and navigation station are easily accessible. She is a spacious three-cabin boat with two heads. Nearly spotless, Serenity looks like a boat many years younger because of the level of care that she has received.

Passageway Galley

A sailboat galley must be safe to use while underway and ideally an enjoyable space to work. Passageway galleys, when designed properly, accomplish these vital roles but also provide more advantages. Two people can work side by side and multiple opening ports make the space as nice as many fine homes.

Spending long summer days or perfect Caribbean nights aboard Serenity is easy and comfortable. Each cabin is well-ventilated with opening ports or hatches. She is also comfortable offshore with her brightly finished cabins inviting sleep after a long watch. The versatility and usefulness that is evident on deck is carried into the interior, making Serenity a pleasure for both novice and expert sailors alike.

Serenity is an excellent example of the lower profile deck Hylas 54’s, which German Frers originally drew for this hull. Her lines are bolder than her raised salon sisters and she is undoubtedly one of the prettiest boats of her generation.

Serenity benefits from having only one owner since being built and her owners continue to care for her as they have since new. Her tidy interior and high-gloss varnish are fine examples of how well she has been maintained. This Hylas 54 is rare because she has also benefited from the daily care of a full-time captain and crew. Many vessels in this class have attentive owners, but few enjoy the care and attention that can be given by a professional team working and living aboard. Serenity is a testament to how gracefully a quality-built yacht can age.

The opportunity to acquire a single-owner Hylas 54 will be considered by all serious sailors looking for a quality yacht that can take them on their next great adventure. Serenity is a testament not only to her owners and crew but also to the Hylas brand. Her owners love their Hylas so much that they have decided to build another new Hylas and many of the same great features that Serenity has will be evident on their next yacht.

2002 Hylas 54 Serenity

PHOTOS & SPECS

HULL & DECK

• Awl Grip Hull in Dark Green with Gold Cove Stripe and White Boot Stripe (New Paint 2012)
• Twaron Hull, Carbon Aramid Fiber with Alternating FRP Glass Lay Up, Handlaid with No Core & Vinylester Resins & Isophthlic Gel Coat
• Watertight Collision Forward Bulkhead
• Watertight Stern Sections Across Aft Lazarettes & Stern Locker
• Two Epoxy Barrier Coats below the Waterline
• Bottom Paint, Island (New 2016)
• Solid Lead Keel with Solid 35mm Stainless Steel Keel Bolts with Transverse Mounted 8mm Backing Plates
• Partially Skegged Rudder
• Side Power Bow Thruster SP155TC
• Teak Rubrail with Solid Stainless Striker Plate
• Stainless Steel Transom Edge Protection to Deck Level
• Whisper Grey Molded Contrasting Non Skid
• Solid GRP Fiberglass in all areas of Deck for Deck Fittings and Stress Areas
• 32” High Stanchions 1.25” in Dameter with Double Lifelines
• Manship 316 Stainless Hatches and Ports
• Varnished Teak Cap Rail (New 2017)
• Closed Chocks at Bow, Midship, Stern
• Additional open Chocks at Bow and Midship
• Varnished Teak Cabin Top Handrails (New 2016)
• Step Down Sail Locker
• Anderson Electric Primary Winches
• Anderson Secondary Winches
• Anderson Electric Mainsheet Winch
• Anderson Cockpit Winch
• Schaffer Stand Up Blocks for Asymmetrical Spinnaker
• Extended Pushpit
• Folding Stern Pushpit Seats
• Stainless Steel Antenna Pole with Outboard Motor Lift, LED Flood Light & Wind Generator
• Teak Outboard Motor Storage Bracket
• Stern Pushpit with Single Open Gate
• Simpson Electric Davits (300 KG)
• Freshwater Connector & Stop Cock in Starboard Lazarette
• Stern Garage with Dedicated Jabsco Bilge Pump with Manual Over Ride in Cockpit
• Freshwater Hot & Cold Shower on Stern Platform
• Fold Down Stainless Steel Transom Swim Ladder with Custom Grab Handles

• White Dodger, Bimini Top & Connector
• Dodger & Bimini Frame Upgrade to 1-1/4″ Stainless Steel Tubing
• Teak Planking in Cockpit
• Padeye in Cockpit
• Lewmar Low Profile Pedestal
• Whitlock Cable Steering System
• Lewmar Mini Max Wheel – 35″
• Bose Speakers in Cockpit
• Cockpit Cushions
• Raymarine E127 12″ Chart Plotter at Companionway (New 2016)
• ICOM VHF Remote Mic at Helm
• Bow Thruster Control at Helm
• Danforth 5″ Compass
• Simrad AP20 Auto Pilot Control Head (New 2014)
• Maxwell Windlass Control with Chain Counter at Companionway (2)
• Raymarine i60 Depth Sounder Display at Companionway (New 2016)
• Raymarine i60 Speed Log Display at Companionway (New 2016)
• Raymarine i60 Wind Speed & Direction Display at Companionway (New 2016)
• Raymarine i70 Multi Display at Companionway (New 2016)
• Solid Teak Varnished Cockpit Table with Teak Drink Holder
• Yanmar Engine Control Panel in Starboard Combing
• Lighting Control Panel with Bilge Indicators in Port Combing
• Companion Way Hatch Board with Screen
• Cockpit Opening Ports (3)

• Selden Aluminum Mast with Double Spreader Rig Painted White
• Selden Hydraulic In-Mast Sail Furling with Controls in Cockpit
• Selden Aluminum Boom Painted White
• Continuous Line Main Sheet Traveler with Ratcheting Winch
• Walder Boom-Brake with Cockpit Anderson Winch
• Selden Furlex Hydraulic Roller Furling Forestay with Controls in Cockpit
• Selden Furlex Hydraulic Roller Furling Inner Forestay with Controls in Cockpit
• Selden Compression Vang/Kicker (New Gas Spring 2016)
• Custom Mast Bracket for Main Outhaul Turning Block
• Hasselford Standing Rigging
• Forward and Aft Lowers
• Discontinuous Rigging
• Forespar Shroud Covers
• Mast Head Tricolor, Anchor Light & Steaming Light
• Fore Deck Light on Mast
• LED Spreader Lights
• Insulated Backstay for SSB
• Spinnaker Halyard with Swivel Block
• Staysail Cars
• Running Back Stays
• Anderson Halyard Winches on Mast (2)
• Schaffer Stand-Up Blocks for Asymmetrical Spinnaker
• Stainless Steel Cleats Aft of Primary Winches

Additional Exterior Details

• SAILS/CANVAS
• GROUND TACKLE

SAILS – Ullman Dacron Mainsail (New 2014) – Dacron 135% Genoa with UV Cover (New 2011) – Dacron Starsail with UV Cover

CANVAS – White Vinyl Dodger (New 2014) – White Vinyl Bimini (New 2014) – Dodger/Bimini Connector Panel – Bimini Side Shades (2) – Cockpit Cushions – Dark Green Pillows

Ground Tackle – Windlass – Maxwell 3500 with Bow Controls (2) – Handheld Windlass Wireless Remote for Primary Windlass – Maxwell Windlass Control w/ Chain Counter at Companionway (2) – Chain Stoppers (2) – Primary Anchor – Manson Supreme 80 lbs (New 2015) – Primary Anchor Rode – 300′ of Pearless Acco 3/8″ BBB Galvanized Chain (New 2016) – Stainless Steel Bow Anchor Protection Plate

– Salt Water Washdown Connections in Anchor Locker – Anchor Locker with Separate Storage Area for Lines & Fenders – Extra Bow Cleats (2) – Extra Mid Ship Cleats & Chocks (2) – Extra Aft Corner Folding Cleats (2) – Dock Lines – Fenders with Covers

INTERIOR PHOTOS & SPECS

– Custom Cabin Design – Teak Interior in High Gloss Varnish – Panel Cabin Doors with Louvers – Louvered Locker Doors – Teak Facing on Cabin Top Vertical Surfaces – Salon Window Frames trimmed in Teak – Euro Headliner in Oyster Ultra Leather – Heat Shield Insulation between Deck & Headliner – Teak & Holly Cabin Sole with Gloss Varnish – Stainless Steel Hand Rails Adjacent to Companionway Steps – Handholds on Port & Starboard Sides and Overhead – Salon Dinette Table with Wrap Around Seating for 6

– Custom Burl Teak Dinette Table – Storage in Dinette Table Base – Full-Length Starboard Settee pulls out an additional 9″ for a Wide Sea Berth – Liquor Cabinet – Opening Hatches (2) – TV – Speakers – Custom Settee Cushions with Cream Leather – Techni Cold Air Conditioning with Reverse Cycle – LED Lighting Fixtures in Headliner with Dimmers – LED Bulkhead Lighting with Dimmers – Rope Lighting under Settees

Nav Station

– Forward Facing Nav Station – Nav Seat in Cream Leather – Nav Station Desk Double Opening Top – Chart Storage Area

– 110v Outlets – 12v Outlet – Opening Port to Cockpit – Walk Thru to Aft Head

– Custom Cabinet Design – Teak Interior in High Gloss Varnish – Louvered Locker Doors – Teak Facing on Cabin Top Vertical Surfaces – Euro Headliner in Oyster Ultra Leather – Teak & Holly Cabin Sole with Gloss Varnish – Panasonic Microwave Oven – (2) Refrigerator Boxes & One Freezer Box with (2) 110 Volt Compressors

– Broadwater 4-Burner Propane Stove with Oven & Broiler – Corian Counter Tops – Sand – Stainless Steel Divided Galley Sink with Grohe Faucet – Trash Drawer – Backup Freshwater Foot Pump at Sink – Storage Cabinet with Split Cabinet Doors above Engine Room Door – Opening Ports (4) – Hella Fan

Master Aft Cabin

– Custom Cabin Design – Queen Size Aft Berth Centerline – Custom Mattress – Custom Bedding – Port & Starboard Settee in Cream Leather – Teak Facing on Cabin Top Vertical Surfaces – Euro Headliner in Oyster Ultra Leather – Panel Cabin Doors with Louvers – Louvered Locker Doors – Lockers Cedar Lined – Teak & Holly Cabin Sole with Gloss Varnish – Starboard & Port Side Hanging Lockers – Full-Length Deep Hanging Locker Centerline

– Large Double Door Cabinet with Shelves below Berth – Locker behind Head Board – Techni Cold Air Conditioning with Reverse Cycle – LED Lighting Fixtures in Headliner with Dimmers – LED Bulkhead Lighting with Dimmers – Rope Lighting under Berth – Two Hella Fans – Large Opening Hatch – Large Transom Opening Ports – Speakers – Stereo Speaker Volume Control – USB Outlets

Forward Cabins

FORWARD CABIN – Custom Cabin Design – Forward Cabin Island Berth with Custom Mattress with Memory Foam – Custom Bedding – Lockers under Berth – Panel Cabin Doors with Louvers – Louvered Locker Doors – Lockers Cedar Lined – Teak & Holy Cabin Sole with Gloss Varnish – Techni Cold Air Conditioning with Reverse Cycle – Large Opening Hatch – LED Lighting Fixtures in Headliner with Dimmers – LED Bulkhead Lighting with Dimmers – Rope Lighting under Berth – USB Outlets – Two Hella Fans

PORT FORWARD CABIN – Custom Cabin Design – Fixed Upper & Lower Berths – Two Opening Ports – Large Hatch – Panel Cabin Doors with Louvers – Louvered Locker Doors – Lockers Cedar Lined – Teak & Holy Cabin Sole with Gloss Varnish – Techni Cold Air Conditioning with Reverse Cycle – LED Lighting Fixtures in Headliner with Dimmers – LED Bulkhead Lighting wit Dimmers – Hella Fans

FORWARD HEAD – Custom Design – Hella Fan (White) – Corian Counter Tops in Sand – Grohe Faucet – Vacuflush Fresh Water Head – 27 gallon Dedicated Holding Tank with Dual “Y” Valve System – Opening Ports (2) – Opening Hatch in Shower – Separate Enclosed Shower Stall – Shower Door (Clear Lexan Door) – Fold Down Teak Shower Seat

AFT HEAD – Custom Design – Hella Fan (White) – Corian Counter Tops in Sand – Grohe Faucet – Vacuflush Fresh Water Heads – 27 gallon Dedicated Holding Tank with Dual “Y” Valve System – Opening Ports (2) – Separate Enclosed Shower Stall – Shower Door (Clear Lexan Door) – Fold Down Teak Shower Seat

2014 Hylas 63 Bene Vivere

SYSTEMS PHOTOS & SPECS

Electronics.

HELM – Raymarine E127 12″ Chart Plotter at Companionway (New 2016) – ICOM VHF Remote Mic at Helm (New 2017) – Simrad AP20 Auto Pilot Control Head (New 2014) – Raymarine i60 Depth Sounder Display at Companionway (New 2016) – Raymarine i60 Speed Log Display at Companionway (New 2016) – Raymarine i60 Wind Speed & Direction Display at Companionway (New 2016) – Raymarine i70 Multi Display at Companionway (New 2016)

NAV STATION – Raymarine A67 Series Chart Plotter (New 2016) – ICOM M502 VHF Radio with Remote MIC at Helm – Raytheon ST60 Multi Display

NAVIGATION ELECTRONICS – Simrad AP20 Auto Pilot (New 2014) – Raytheon RN300 GPS – Ultrasonic Speed Log – Raymarine AIS 650 Transceiver (New 2016) – Raymarine 24” 4KW Scanner with Mast Mount

COMMUNICATIONS – ICOM M502 VHF Radio with Remote MIC at Hem – SSB Connection for SSB Radio at Nav Station – ICOM IC-M710 SSB Radio – ICOM AT130 SSB Auto Tuner with Insulated Backstay Antenna – ICOM IC-M34 Handheld VHF Radio

ENTERTAINMENT – 24″ Flat Screen TV in Salon – Fusion 750 Marine Stereo with DVD Player – Stereo with Speakers in Salon, Aft Cabin & Cockpit

– Norpro 12kw Generator – 2,543 Hours (New 2010) – Magnum Energy ME Series 3100 Watt Inverter/Charger (New 2013) – BEP Battery Monitors (2) – Engine Start/House Battery Charger – Amptech 200 amp Alternator with Smart Regulator – Eclectic Energy D400 Wind Generator (New 2014) – 4D AGM 6 volt Lifeline Batteries – 8 – 880 Amp Hrs (New 2017) – 8D AGM 12 volt Thruster/Windlass Batteries – 2 (New 2016) – AGM 4D Engine Start Battery (New 2011) – AGM 4 D Generator Start Battery (New 2017) – Tie Switch for House & Engine Start Batteries

– All Batteries are Isolated with a Built-in Reverse Isolation Switch – All Batteries Self Contained, Strapped and Secured – All Wire is Tinned – Two 3″ Copper Strips Running Bow to Stern, Port & Starboard for Grounding – Shore Power Configuration 220V/50A with Connections Forward & Aft – Telephone & TV Shore Connection – 50′ Shore Power Cord – LED Interior Lighting – VIMAR Light Switches – LED Lights in Engine Room (3) – 12 Volt Outlets in Cockpit & Nav Station – USB Outlets in Cabins & Nav Station

Additional Systems Details

• ENGINE & GEN SET

ENGINE – Yanmar 140 HP 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel Engine (4LH-HTE) with Cockpit Controls and Alarm System (4,331 Hours) – Engine Start Switch in Engine Room – Morse Single Lever Control System – Bruntons Varifold 4 Blade Folding Prop (New 2014) – PSS Shaft Seal – Dual Racor Fuel Filters – AGM Start Battery – Fuel Transfer Pump & Fuel Polishing System – Electric Oil Change Pump & Selector Manifold – Firebouy Automatic Fire Suppression System – Fire Retardant Engine Room Sound Insulation

GEN SET – Norpro 12kw Generator – 2,543 Hours (New 2010) – Remote Panel at Nav Station – Racor Fuel Filter – AGM Start Battery

MECHANICAL – Air Conditioning with Reverse Cycle (4 Zones) – Side Power SP155TC Bow Thruster with Joystick – Two Refrigerator Boxes & One Freezer Box with 2 – 110 Volt Compressors – Broadwater 4-Burner Propane Stove with Oven & Broiler – Microwave Oven – 30 GPH Watermaker (110 Volt Feed Pump) – Montour Water & Fuel Tank Gauges at Nav Station – 291 Gallons of Total Fuel Tankage – 164 Gallons of Total Water Tankage – All Tanks with Dipsticks & Large Inspection Ports

– All Tankage for Water & Fuel is Stainless Steel – Two Independent Freshwater Pump – Vacuflush Fresh Water Heads (2) – Head Waste Hoses (New 2015) – Two Independent Holding Tanks, One Dedicated to Each Head – 20 Gallon Hot Water Heater, Heated via Engine or AC Power – All Through Hull Fittings are Bronze with Seacocks and Bonded – Two Independent Bilge Pump Systems – Manual Bilge Pump at Nav Station

Request Additional Information

For more information about this 2002 Hylas 54 or any other Hylas yachts, please call Michael Relyea or complete the contact form below.

Contact : Michael Relyea Phone : 954-951-9500

* Required Fields

Collection Yachts offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Featured Yachts

Worldwide Search

A Look at the Hylas 54

Hylas 54 review.

The Hylas 54 has a well-earned reputation for strength, comfort, and quality construction, systems and hardware. Designed by German Frers and built by Queen Long.  While no longer in production, the Hylas 54 remains one of the most popular choices for cruising couples with ambitions of distant cruising. Versatile and fast, the yacht is exceptionally capable in a variety of sea-states.

The Hylas 54 is most commonly cutter rigged with a Selden triple spreader aluminum stoway mast, a desirable option popular among many is the in-boom Leisure furling main. The modern cutter sail plan provides a wide range of selections to fit all sailing conditions. Ease of operation is provided by thoughtful leads of sheets and halyards along with electric or hydraulic furling mainsail, staysail, and headsail.

The hull is constructed of fiberglass-twaron, a carbon aramid fiber with alternating solid FRP glass layup. The glass is hand laid with no core and utilizes vinylester resins and isophthalic gel coat for superior protection against osmosis and hull blistering.  The deck is cored with end grain balsa except in high-load areas such as deck fittings where it is solid.  The hull and deck joints are chemically and mechanically fastened with a wide flange and 3M 5200 and stainless steel bolts on 4” centers with backing plates. Interior bulkheads are tabbed on all sides. Massive floors create a rigid hull with plenty of athwartship support. The fin keel is solid lead and bolted to the hull with 35mm stainless steel bolts, which in turn are supported by an 8mm stainless steel backing plate.

The spacious cockpit contains U shaped seating with a very comfortable seat and backrest cushions and a solid teak varnished table with teak drink holder. Impressive custom pedestal/instrument pedestal and custom switch panel allow for monitoring navigation instruments and on deck equipment and lights. Watertight collision bulkhead forward with independent overboard drainage. Watertight stern sections across aft lazarettes and stern locker with integral swim platform and transom steps.

Two deck mold options were offered – the standard deck or commonly called the deck saloon, and the higher profile raised saloon. The deck saloon offers a ‘sleek’ profile with less steps leading fore and aft of the main saloon while the raised saloon option allows more natural light into the main saloon with slightly taller windows and the ability to carry extra fuel and water in the tanks.

While each Hylas 54 could be tailored to the original owner’s specifications, most offer a three-stateroom interior arrangement with large aft master with ensuite head and stall shower and two guest cabins forward with a second head ensuite to the v-berth and accessible from the passageway. The galley is expansive, with 11’ of counter space along the passageway to starboard. The main salon mid-ship is bright and airy with settee to starboard and dinette to port.  Adjacent to port of the companionway is a sizeable nav station. Some are configured with a forward facing nav station with bookshelves and cabinetry aft while others are outboard facing with walk-thru access to the aft stateroom.  Cabinetry can be louvered, flat-faced, or raised panel depending on personal taste. Most are finished with a satin varnish while some have a brilliant high-gloss finish on the solid teak joinery. The cabin sole is most commonly solid teak with holly inlays and a gloss varnish finish but many of the late models were finished with bamboo with teak inlay giving a lighter appearance to the interior.

This initial design concept for the Hylas 54 was with the cruising couple in mind. The smart design and careful consideration of all aspects of the yacht make this an immensely popular choice for many.  The 54 is relatively available on the brokerage market and common on many sailors ‘short list’ for good reason.

We are the 'Preferred Brokerage' of Hylas Yachts

Having sold over 150 of these world-class yachts and with our partnership with Hylas as their 'Preferred Brokerage,' we are proud to offer our clients personalized service in both the purchase  and sale  of their Hylas Yachts. Let our team of professional brokers help you in your search. We offer boutique style service based on over 250 years of combined experience, industry-leading knowledge with over 1,800 boats sold, and foremost integrity. Our personalized buyer agent services are tailored to your unique requirements and vision. Our listing agent services help Hylas owners sell their boats for top-value in the shortest period of time possible.  We are your Hylas Yacht experts and look forward to helping you with the purchase or sale of your Hylas!

Contact us today for more information on the Hylas 54! or Search for Hylas Yachts For Sale

TAGS: HYLAS

LEAVE A COMMENT

Latest posts.

Start Your Next Adventure

Send us a message.

Purchasing a bluewater vessel can be a daunting prospect, especially if it’s your first boat. When you work with a dedicated DWY broker, you benefit from our team’s 200+ combined years of maritime experience.

Jordan Yacht Brokerage

We Never Underestimate Your Dreams

Hylas 54 review: new evolution.

Although an exceptional charter boat, the Hylas 54 really lead Hylas away from chartering. The 54 was introduced while CYC was winding down from her heydays of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. According to Queen Long, the first Hylas 54 Standard Deck (H54-#01) was delivered on Nov. 3, 1997. This hull is the infamous Heart Song III who wrote a nice review of the 54 . The boat has circumnavigated twice. The first Hylas 54 Raised Saloon Deck (H54RS-#06) was delivered on Feb. 23, 1999. In 2000, the founder of Hylas Yachts USA, sold CYC to VIP Charters moving to focus on new builds of the 46, 49, and 54 Hylas models. The 54 is currently in production with a longer wait time of 2 to 3 years. The design has also been stretched to 56-feet in 2010. John has a review of the 54 Hylas Raised Saloon version . Please see our Hylas Models Page for information about other Hylases. Contact us or Hylas Yachts USA for the status of open production slots.

First Impressions First impressions dictate that this is a serious blue water cruising boat but also perfect for coastal cruising. From afar, purists will prefer the standard version to the RS. The standard version has a more traditional sailboat appearance while the RS has the popular motor yacht style with the aggressive doghouse and sleek windows. The raised saloon version outsells the standard three to one. The design is classic German Frers with a powerful raked bow, flattish bottom, and swim platform aft. She comes in a centerboard version of 6’/10′ draft and a fixed keel of 7’2″. Two portlights are amidships and one aft on each side.

Construction Hylas has made Twaron, a Kevlar like carbon aramid fiber, standard on the 54. This fiber makes the hulls bulletproof. The hull is Twaron with alternating fiberglass lay up hand laid with no core and using vinylester resins and Isophthalic gel coat. Owners tell stories of the tremendous strength of this material. One owner hit a rock with her keel without any hull damage. The collision was so hard it broke the motor mounts. Another owner hit a rock against the hull itself. The rock actually broke through, and water was rushing in. The owner motored to the nearest marina and had to wait in a slip until they could get the travel lift going. All the while the bilge pump was running, maintaining the water level. With a fiberglass boat, she would have sunk.

Queen Long uses external lead ballast of 20,020 lbs mounted onto a stub. The hull deck joint is the common inner flange glued down with 5200, fasted to the toerail through 6″ centers with aircraft locking bolts, and tabbed together from below. The tanks are stainless steel with 3 for water, 2 for fuel, and 2 holding tank one for each head. The main tankage is under the saloon with more capacity 555 versus 455 on the RS version. The seacocks are bronze, bedded. These are the standard procedures for Queen Long, arguably the highest quality shipyard in Taiwan.

What To Look For Early Hylas 54’s had a partial skeg rudder that was flawed. There were reports of a number of rudder failures. Most notably in 2005, two 54’s had large portions of the bottom of their rudders break away during the Caribbean 1500 rally. The failures were because the partial skeg was too short and the bottom third of the foam rudder below the skeg was engineered to break-off in case of grounding. Even so with only 40% of a rudder, one of the 54’s went on to surprisingly finish second in the race. On post-2005 model 54’s, Queen Long increased the rudder to full skeg. You might ask about the rudder on early model 54’s.

On Deck At the bow are double anchors, a very large sail locker and anchor rode locker. With the bow chock included, the 54 is actually near 56-feet overall. This rule follows the same for all Hylas yachts because the manufacturer length is based LOD and does not include the bow chock. The anchor locker is a watertight collision bulkhead forward with independent overboard drainage. The divided locker has separate storage for fenders and docklines. A watertight stern section is behind the dual aft lazarettes port starboard with with dual Bailey latches for watertight seal. The teak swim platform has a stern garage with a dedicated bilge pump with manual over ride in cockpit. The deck’s molded contrasting non skid is available in linen beige or whisper gray. She is a cutter rigged sloop with Selden spars.

Down Below The 54 has 6′ 11″ head room in the saloon. The raised saloon model has 9″ less with step downs forward and aft. The 54 comes standard with a choice between 2 layouts: either a centerline queen forward with a Pullman and head forward aft or 2 heads forward with 2 offset Pullmans forward aft. The beam is carried well aft for a luxuries master stateroom. The interior like all Hylases is solid teak and teak veneer. The portlights in the master cabin and saloon along with the doghouse windows let a good deal of light into the interior. These are semicustom yachts with many variations between.

The standard layout includes a large forward cabin contains a walk-around, centerline, queen-size berth with proper mattress, hanging locker, bookshelves, under floor board, and under berth storage. Aft and to starboard of the forward cabin is the forward head with separate shower stall, automatic shower drain pump and teak grating. Partially louvered doors open to the forward cabin for privacy and to the passageway. Across the passageway to port is a customizable third cabin. For example many 54 make this an office. The passageway houses the mast, shelf storage, and under floor board storage.

Aft of the passageway is a large, open salon that you could dance in. To port is a large dining area with sliding bench with custom adjustable backrest and storage and a drop-down table (forming a double berth). To starboard is a straight settee that slides out to make a 1 ½ berth with pad eyes for a sea berth. There are multiple, very large storage areas under and outboard of all settees and large upper lockers. Aft and to port of the salon is a transverse or longitudinal navigation station. Inboard of the navigation station is an island with open upper access to the galley containing a chart storage drawer, chart table, stainless steel double galley sink, and marble or Corian countertop, utility locker, companionway steps and one opening port. Aft of the salon to starboard is the seaway secure galley located in the walk-through to the aft cabin. The galley with top and front loading boxes while maintaining counter space.

Aft of the galley is the spacious master suite with a walk-around queen-size, centerline berth and proper mattress. Completing the stateroom are double bookshelves at the head of the berth, a large hanging locker, a shelf locker under the berth and below floor board and below berth storage.

Engine and Underway The large tankage and 135hp Yanmar diesel will give you the range even if the wind is not blowing. The standard engine is a 125 HP Yanmar diesel. The older Yanmars were great, but these new ones hum even quieter and more efficiently. The engine room can be accessed from all sides of the galley island, by an additional set of double doors in the passage, and through the master shower. When it is blowing, she is a dream to sail in comfort. The 54 is a continuation of the successful German Frers 46 design. Her increased length equates to faster cruising, and you should not be surprised by the numerous stories of around the blue planet passages.

Conclusion The 54 was jumpstart in the evolution of Hylas. The 54 became the first completely new Hylas design since the mid 1980’s. Her introduction hearkened Hylas’ evolution from a purchase and charter business model to a totally private purchase model. Introduced at a sailaway of $495,000, you will have trouble finding a pre-owned 54 for this price. You might want to take a look at the stretched 56-footer introduced in 2010 with her lengthened cockpit.

One Reply to “Hylas 54 Review: New Evolution”

• Pingback: 10 Best Newer Center Cockpit Sailboats « Jordan Yacht Brokerage

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Used Yachts For Sale

Sail monohulls 50ft >,        hylas boats for sale, hylas 54 boats for sale.

Buy with Confidence

Whether  you’re enjoying the serenity of the water, or embarking on the next big adventure, your Hylas is equipped for any condition you’ll encounter.

Sailing Yachts

Power Yachts

Our Heritage

For over 40 years, Queen Long Marine has created innovative yachts under the Hylas brand from the designs of Sparkman & Stephens, Germán Frers, Bill Dixon and Dean Salthouse. Many have been award winners, both for their beauty and build quality.  

More about us

Testimonials

More from hylas, news & events.

Hylas Yachts unveils Hylas H57 hull 7 at the 2024 spring open house

This will be your first chance to see Hylas H57 hull 7, currently in commission at our service center in Fort Lauderdale and looking for a new

Subscribe to our Newsletter

If you are interested in learning more about us, or one of our boat models, or to make an appointment, feel free to send us a message.

Contact Us +1 954 866 0750 info@hylasyachts.com

© 2021 Hylas Yachts International

Terms and conditions, privacy policy.