Cockwells Hardy 50DS Review (2024 Edition)

Around the Marina

This is where the boat's high-end Twin Disc equipment setup demonstrated its capabilities. You could use the traditional twin throttles and separate bow and stern thrusters, but the joystick makes slow speed work so easy and intuitive.

Pull the throttles into neutral back into neutral, and the joystick can take over. When there is a need to move sideways, a simple push of the stick sideways engages the thrusters, and if more power is required, the engines kick in smoothly, avoiding the clunky feeling typical of other systems.

Twisting the joystick to turn the boat, the bow thruster proved powerful and effective, and it was all very intuitive. Even if you are used to the traditional throttle and thruster setup, I think you'll quickly find yourself preferring the joystick.

Another useful feature for the marina is the virtual anchor system, locking the boat dead in its spot using GPS, which allows the helm to be left unattended while assisting with lines, etc. This is particularly handy when there are only one or two people on board.

With its low freeboard, getting onto the pontoon was easy. Unlike some other yachts where side decks are high and awkward to reach, this one allowed lines to be managed easily from the pontoon. The decks are wide and gently sloped, making it safe and easy to move up to the bow. The guardrails are robust, providing added security. Overall, handling this boat with two people is stress-free.

At Sea

The handling of the Cockwells Hardy 50DS proved to be a real surprise, especially from the upper helm.  The performance was punchy, getting up to speed with ease. Cruising comfortably at 20 knots was achieved swiftly, and the yacht could top out at 27 knots, which is typical for a semi-displacement yacht of this size. Dropping the speed below 10 knots provided a range of around 1,000nm, which is one of the real benefits of boats like this - near 30-knot performance and the ability to cruise very long distances at slow speed. 

The handling stood out, equipped with power steering that reacts swiftly to the helm. This agility is rare for a semi-displacement boat of this size. A couple of turns lock-to-lock and it was back heading the other way and navigating through waves or quickly adjusting to avoid obstacles, the Hardy 50DS proved to be remarkably responsive and engaging to steer.

For the longer passages this boat is designed for, the lower helm comes into its own. The view through the raked windscreen is excellent and it's well insulated from engine noise despite the location of the motors beneath the saloon floor. 

Despite initial concerns about the engines, which were slightly larger blocks that had been detuned, the noise levels were lower than expected. At cruising speed, the sound measured in the low to mid-70db, which was comfortable for onboard conversations. Even in the galley, normal conversation levels could be maintained, thanks to effective engine isolation.

The handling was smooth, absorbing any minor disturbances, and although the conditions during the passage were relatively calm, the Hardy 50DS showed it could handle rougher conditions equally well. The yacht crossed over any wash from passing ships and a light chop just fine.

Finding some Waves

As we left Studland and looped past Old Harry, the tide surged around, giving us a taste of the yacht's capabilities. Driving her through the waves was like steering a battleship. The waves weren't enormous, but they revealed her handling in swells. When the seas became more challenging, the yacht dug in and maintained a straight and narrow course.

Cruising down the main channel with the waves behind us, we noticed a slight roll off the keel with a quartering swell, typical of a semi-displacement hull. It's crucial not to overcorrect. Trusting the hull allowed it to sort itself out, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride. Overcorrecting with the wheel would make the experience uncomfortable, especially since the Seakeeper's stabilisation assistance is reduced at higher speeds. The dynamic stability of the hull proved to be very good.

The great thing about the design of this boat is that it can be used at all speeds. If you're in a hurry then you can enjoy the open air of the flybridge but settle into the lower helm on a longer passage and you're close to the galley so you can grab supplies during a watch. It's a very versatile machine. 

One thing worth noting was the visibility from the lower helm. Forward and immediate surroundings were visible with fabulous views, thanks to the high seating position. However, looking behind was a bit challenging. The doors were slightly lower than eye level, making rear visibility tricky. It's worth asking the crew to poke their head out the side window or to pop down to the side door for a glance before making a hard turn.

The new Hardy 50DS marks a significant evolution under Cockwells' stewardship. The Hardy 50DS still boasts a rugged exterior by designer Andrew Wolstenholme that informs the boat's primary focus on durability and safety. The side decks are symmetrical and well-protected with high guardrails and big toe rails, ensuring safe movement around the boat. The open scuppers and large bollards further enhance its practical design, making mooring and handling straightforward. It's a vessel that looks like it can take on anything the sea throws at it. 

The Hardy 65 design elements (also by Wolstenholme) have been successfully scaled down for the 50DS, offering the same robust seakeeping capabilities in a more manageable size. The owner's decision to spec the boat with larger Volvo D13 engines and Twin Disc gearboxes shows their priority for top performance and reliability, along with hydraulic thrusters and the joystick control system.

The integration of Cockwells' finesse and modernisation into Hardy's traditional, robust design is a significant development. The emphasis on high-quality British craftsmanship and advanced technology, such as the digital control system, has elevated the Hardy brand. This blend of old and new values ensures that the Hardy 50DS not only maintains its reputation for seaworthiness but also meets contemporary expectations for luxury and convenience.

Inside, the transformation is remarkable. The Hardy 50DS features a modern, luxurious interior that contrasts sharply with the traditional, teak-heavy designs of older models.  The pop-up pantry is a particularly clever use of space, adding functionality without compromising on design. The helm station is equally impressive, with a flexible setup that allows for comfortable long-distance cruising. The digital controls are well-integrated, ensuring ease of use without cluttering the dash with unnecessary switches.

The lower deck is well-thought-out, offering a two-cabin or a three-cabin arrangement. The VIP cabin features lovely details like integrated lighting and plenty of natural light from large portholes. The owner's stateroom forward is another standout, providing a spacious, luxurious retreat with a cleverly separated shower and toilet area, allowing two people to use the facilities simultaneously.

From the high-quality metal controls at the helm to the well-insulated engine room that keeps noise levels down, every aspect of this yacht has been carefully considered. The construction quality is top-notch, with robust materials used throughout to ensure longevity and reliability.

What really sets the Hardy 50DS apart, however, are the unique elements like the innovative digital control system that allows remote access to the boat's systems, and the performance of its semi-displacement hull. These features, combined with the yacht's overall design and build quality, make the Hardy 50DS not just a great-looking boat, but an exciting one to own and operate. 

Engine Room

Access is gained through a hatch in the saloon, which lifts along with the table above it, tilting back. There are then stairs that lead you down between the engines. It’s worth noting that the flooring isn't chequer plate but is instead boarded off, making it kinder on the knees. 

Now, onto the heart of the beast. The Hardy 50 DS boasts Volvo Penta D13 engines, each delivering a punchy 800hp. These are hefty, big blocks so it will feel a bit cramped down here. Everything is laid out for easy visual checks though. Strainers and fuel filters are right at hand on the bulkhead, with clear bowls that allow for straightforward inspections. 

The generator is tucked away in the corner — a bit tricky to reach, but the engine room is well-lit. What stands out is the exceptional insulation. It’s well-contained, muting the engine noise and keeping the generator nice and quiet. This is a good feature, especially when anchored and away from shore power, as you’ll likely be running the generator quite a bit. 

The Hardy 50 DS is a bit like a cream egg — hard on the outside, but soft and luxurious on the inside. In the saloon, the Cockwells effect is most obvious. The traditional heavy teak and materials of old Hardys are gone; instead, you're greeted with a cool, modern space. It’s a fine combination of dark and light woods, paired with a soft carpet that feels lovely underfoot.

The headroom here is healthy, and the use of indirect lighting is a nice touch. You've got your spotlights, but it’s the subtle indirect lighting running through the boat that gives it that extra something. The saloon boasts a sizeable table with ample seating around it, perfect for entertaining or dining. Plug sockets are all over, so everyone can charge their devices no matter where they’re seated. There are also repeaters for light switches.

Opposite the seating area, you’ll find a lovely dresser running along the side, which houses a TV and offers a storage area with some innovative solutions. A big drawer, perfect for chucking all your odds and ends in, sits alongside bespoke Cockwells joinery designed for holding glasses, plates, and crockery. 

Galley

The galley is positioned very close to the helm and this ensures that it's well placed to serve the dinette but also easy to get to on passage.

On one side, the galley boasts an impressive amount of storage, with a dishwasher neatly tucked underneath and a twin sink that makes clean-up a breeze. Cooking is catered for on the opposite side, complete with good extraction overhead to keep things ventilated. One slight downside is the section of the galley that blocks direct access around the helm seating. It’s a bit of a hassle as it forces everyone to exit the same way. Frankly, I'd be tempted to lose this section to improve flow, even though it offers some extra storage racks.

A great pop-up pantry, activated by a button, provides quick access — unlike others that can be slow. Opposite the pantry, there's a separate fridge and freezer, offering ample cooling space.

Owner's Cabin

The owner's cabin is a lovely space, giving great headroom and, though the portholes aren't enormous, they do a great job of providing natural light, bolstered by a big skylight overhead. Initially, the tilted portholes might look funny, but they are aligned with the deck, making it look natural from inside the cabin.

A bureau with a little stool gives a handy spot for work or getting ready. Storage is very good, with ample space dotted around at eye level, and a hanging wardrobe on the port side. There's a separate shower room and toilet, positioned on opposite sides of the cabin, meaning two people can use the bathroom facilities simultaneously, which works nicely.

This yacht boasts a three-cabin arrangement on her lower deck, with a single cabin that can be transformed into a double thanks to a sliding berth design. On the port side, you'll find the day head, which also serves as the bathroom shared by the single and the VIP cabins.

The VIP cabin is beautifully finished, with lovely detailing and lighting that cascades down the staircase. The cabin has heating controls, light switches, reading lights, and plug sockets at the top of the bed. Each occupant also has a bedside table, and the natural light in this cabin is quite good, thanks to a couple of large portholes.

If you opt for the two-cabin layout, you’ll benefit from the entire width of the boat amidships for a spacious owner's cabin, featuring a split shower and toilet room. This layout turns the VIP cabin into your owner's suite, whereas, in the three-cabin version, the owner's cabin is located forward. 

To my eye, the lower helm has a great setup and you'll often hear me moan about the over-reliance on digital interfaces in modern yacht design, where switches and buttons get sacrificed. But here, Cockwells has cleverly integrated essential functions into an intuitive software interface that works well.

Your primary cruising screen displays all the crucial data you need — range, anchor controls, and Seakeeper status — with a dedicated button for the windscreen wipers. This setup makes it easy to manage your journey, keeping everything you need within reach. Also, the hard controls for trim tabs remain, providing reliable adjustments quickly.

One minor quibble would be the placement of the small Volvo Penta engine screen. Currently, it sits by your knee, which makes it a bit tricky to read. Moving this screen up onto the main dash would be more useful, giving you instant access to all your engine information in a more convenient spot.

This is a boat where you'll while away the hours on longer passages, and the helm station proves its worth in this capacity. The seating arrangement allows two people to sit side by side, both enjoying equally fabulous views and easy access to the controls.

When you're covering those harder yards, this is the helm station you'll want to be at. The seat is adjustable, sliding forward so the wheel and throttles are within easy reach, making for a thoroughly relaxing environment. 

Upper Helm Station

The controls at the upper helm are high quality, featuring full metal throttles and a metal joystick, giving it a truly big boat feel. The helm position is flexible — allowing for comfortable long-distance cruising — as the seat can be adjusted forward or back so you can reach everything easily.

This helm is designed to be flexible and clean, with most functions neatly integrated into the MFD. It's a genuinely nice driving environment. Initially, I thought the seat might be a bit low, but once seated, I had a clear view of the bow rails, making it easy to navigate even when seated.

You're well-protected on the side decks with big toe rails and open scuppers to ensure any water taken over the bow clears off swiftly. The high guardrails and symmetrical decks are also great for easy movement but there's quite a big step up to get onto them. Accessing the main saloon is quick and simple with side doors on both sides. Plus, there's ample storage for fenders and substantial bollards and fairleads for mooring. 

Cockpit & Tender Storage

The cockpit can be fully enclosed, making it usable no matter the weather. Open the doors and it just becomes part of the saloon, offering a great indoor-outdoor flow. There's a beautiful cockpit table — it’s not just a looker as it has fiddled edging and cupholders. Storage can be found under all of the seating, and there's storage for a tender. This model features a tender launch system with a fixed platform, but you could opt for a hydraulic platform that lowers into the water for an easier tender deployment. 

Flybridge

Clambering up to the top deck, there are well-positioned handholds, even if the treads are a bit shallow. Cockwells has done more than just have another driving position on its flybridge; it is a valuable extra living space.

Up front, you've got two helm seats for commanding views and a handy bit of L-shaped seating for keeping the helmsman company while on passage. Aft, the space opens up. The wraparound seating is complemented by a lovely table that, like the one downstairs, rises up for dining al fresco. Integrated neatly into the radar mast is the bar area, featuring a grill, sink, and fridge — so it's easy to prepare food for guests. The radar, set high and clear of anyone's head, ensures great visibility for the scanner.

There's also thoughtfulness in the practical details, like dedicated life raft storage, making this flybridge not just stylish, but incredibly usable. It's a nice addition to the boat but opting for a version without the flybridge to gain a sunroof might be a better bet for cruising areas with air draft restrictions.