Built by Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Ltd. starting in 1982, this compact 15.83-foot centerboard dinghy represents an accessible entry point into recreational sailing. The fiberglass construction provides durability while keeping the 300-pound displacement manageable for trailering and launching. With its fractional sloop rig and generous 128 square feet of sail area, this dinghy offers spirited performance for its size. The substantial sail area-to-displacement ratio of 45.75 indicates excellent light-air performance and responsiveness, making it well-suited for lake sailing, protected coastal waters, and sailing instruction. The centerboard design allows for shallow-water exploration while providing adequate stability when the board is deployed. The 5-foot beam strikes a practical balance between stability and transportability, while the moderate capsize screening value of 2.99 suggests reasonable stability characteristics for a boat of this type. This makes it appropriate for day sailing, sailing education, and recreational family use rather than serious offshore ventures. Bombardier's reputation for quality manufacturing extends to their marine products, and this model represents solid construction values from an established industrial company. The design caters to sailors seeking an affordable, trailerable boat for weekend adventures and skill development in protected waters.
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What is the Bombardier 48's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Bombardier 48 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 45.75. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Bombardier 48's comfort ratio?
The Bombardier 48 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 3.81. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Bombardier 48 safe for offshore sailing?
The Bombardier 48 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.99. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Bombardier 48?
The theoretical hull speed of the Bombardier 48 is 4.92 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Bombardier 48 weigh?
The Bombardier 48 has a displacement of 300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.83 ft.