Fuel costs €200, outings at sea are becoming increasingly rare, and there’s the bitter feeling of seeing your boat remain in port… For two years now, French boaters have been gritting their teeth. Between soaring fuel prices and general inflation, Motorboating has become a luxurySome have even given up, selling their boat or letting it gather dust in a corner of the harbor. Yet, a glimmer of hope appears on the horizon: what if the solution was to go back in time ? THE Fifty and others fishing and leisurely outings From the 80s, these versatile, robust boats and… thriftyThey could well be making a big comeback. Here’s why.
To remember:
✅ Fuel is expensive → boaters are sailing less (and slower)
✅ Some are giving up motorboats… but not the sea
✅ Fifty sailboats and fishing/cruising boats: the smart alternative to continue sailing without breaking the bank
1. The observation: fuel kills the fun
It’s a fact: The price of marine diesel has almost doubled in 5 yearsAs a result, behaviors change radically.
- Fewer outings According to a study by the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN), 30% of boaters reduced their number of outings in 2025 compared to 2020. Some are now content with 2 or 3 voyages per year, compared to about ten previously.
- Less speed No more sweeping 20-knot courses. Today, we slows down to save money. Some even go so far as to shut down an engine on twin-engine aircraft to halve fuel consumption.
- Complete and utter abandonment In Breton and Norman ports, motorboat sales ads have exploded (+40% by 2025). Many prefer sell rather than pay for a boat that is no longer in use.
Testimony : “Before, I used to go out every weekend with my Zodiac. Now, I’m counting my pennies. At €1.80 per liter, a 4-hour outing costs me €150… So I stay ashore.” — Jean, a yachtsman in Saint-Malo.
2. The alternative that stands out: what if we went back to the Fifty sailboats?
Faced with this crisis, a solution is emerging. simple and clever : fishing and pleasure sailboats, these hybrid boats from the 70s and 80s, designed for fishing AND sailing as a familyAmong them, the Fifty (as the famous Fifty 500 or the Fifty 600) and the Breton canoes (kind Beneteau Antares Or Jeanneau Cap Camarat (of the time) might well find a second youth.
Why these boats?
- Economical : With their low power diesel engine (often between 10 and 30 hp) AND Their rigging allows them to sail when the wind permits, and of switch to engine if necessary. Result: consumption reduced by half, or even by three.
- Versatile Originally designed for coastal fishing, these boats are ultra-strong, with hulls adapted to waves and practical features (awning, storage lockers, etc.).
- Accessible Their price on the second-hand market? Between €5,000 and €20,000 depending on the state, either 3 to 5 times cheaper than an equivalent new boat.
- Easy to maneuver No need to be a sailing pro. Their simple rig (often a mainsail and a genoa) allows you to navigate without stress, even for beginners.
Did you know that? In the 1980s, the Fifty were the kings of the Breton portsUsed by fishermen in the morning and by families in the afternoon, they embodied versatility, Breton style.
3. Fishing and leisure: the unexpected comeback
If THE Fifty are the stars of this comeback, the fishing and leisurely outings (or “converted workboats”) are no exception. These boats, often made of wood or polyesterwere originally designed for fishing for lobster or lobster potsToday, they are attracting more and more boaters for several reasons:
- A vintage look that appeals : With their clean lines and their retro charmthey attract boat enthusiasts authentic.
- Ridiculous consumption Some models, equipped with 15-20 HP inboard engines, consume less than 5 L/h at 6 knots. Enough to do 100 km for €30 !
- Surprising comfort Contrary to popular belief, these boats are often well appointed, with spacious cabins and comfortable benches.
Example : THE Beneteau Forban or the Jeanneau Etap from the 80s, today sought after like rare pearls on Leboncoin or at shipyards.
4. How to get started? Tips for making the right choice
If the idea appeals to you, here the key points to choose your Fifty or fishing trip :
✔ The condition of the hull : Check osmosis (for polyester shells) or the condition of the wood (for traditional shells).
✔ The engine : A well maintained diesel is a must. Prioritize the Yanmar or Volvo Penta enginesrenowned for their reliability.
✔ The rigging Make sure that sails, masts and shrouds are in good condition. Worn-out rigging can be expensive to replace.
✔ The layout Some models have basic cabinsIf you are planning family outings, check that there is enough space.
✔ The price : Count between €5,000 and €25,000 depending on size and condition. The Fifty 500 are located around €10,000while the wooden fishing and walking can rise to €20,000 if they are in perfect condition.
Where to look?
- Leboncoin And Paruvendu are overflowing with ads.
- THE shipyards in Brittany (Concarneau, Douarnenez) or in Normandy (Cherbourg, Granville) often have boats to restore at a low price.
- THE traditional sailing associations (as the Glénans) sometimes offer courses to learn how to sail on these boats.
5. Testimonials: They did it, and they have no regrets.
“I sold my Zodiac last year. With gas at €1.90, I wasn’t going out anymore. Then I found a Fifty 500 for €8,000. Now I’m sailing twice as oftenand I spend 3 times less !” — Pierre, 52 years old, Larmor-Plage
“My father had a wooden Breton canoe. I restored it during the winter. Now I go out every weekend with my children. We fish, we go for walks… and we don’t even look at the price of fuel anymore!” — Nicolas, 45 years old, Camaret-sur-Mer
In summary: why Fifty boats and fishing trips are THE solution for 2026
| Issue | Solution with a Fifty / Fishing-cruising |
|---|---|
| Fuel prices too high | Navigation sailing + economical engine |
| Boat that remains at the dock | Reduced cost → more outings |
| Tight budget | Affordable purchase price (€5,000 – €20,000) |
| A desire for authenticity | Retro design and robustness |
| Versatility | Fishing, hiking, coastal cruise |
And you, ready to take the plunge?
If you too have tired of counting every drop of fuelPerhaps it’s time to rediscovering these forgotten boatsSlower, certainly, but so much smarter.
Tell us in the comments:
- Have you ever sailed on a Fifty or a fishing and leisurely outings ?
- What is your favorite economical boat ?
- Or… What model do you dream of restoring? ?