Neptune 550

Designed by Jacques Fauroux and built by Neptune Domazan from 1979 to 1990, this compact French cruiser represents thoughtful European design philosophy in an 18-foot package. With 200 hulls produced during its eleven-year production run, the Neptune 550 gained a following among sailors seeking a capable small cruiser with distinctive features. The boat's most notable characteristic is its swing keel configuration, which reduces draft for shallow-water exploration while maintaining sailing performance when deployed. This versatility makes it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising, gunkholes, and protected waters where fixed-keel boats might struggle. The fractional sloop rig provides balanced sail handling, while the generous beam of just over 8 feet creates surprising interior volume for its compact length. At 1,190 pounds displacement with 330 pounds of ballast, the Neptune 550 offers reasonable stability for weekend cruising and day sailing. The comfort ratio of 6.55 suggests a relatively quick motion in a seaway, typical of lighter displacement designs, making it better suited for protected waters than serious offshore work. With a sail area to displacement ratio of 26.12, the boat should perform well in light to moderate conditions, offering spirited sailing performance for crews seeking an engaging small cruiser.

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