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Sailboat Specifications

Bowman 46 Corsair

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Holman & Pye · Built by Bowman · First built 1972

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LOA 46.00 ft  ·  Beam 12.92 ft  ·  Displacement 23,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 720.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Bowman 46 Corsair Sailboat

Launched in 1972, this substantial cruising yacht emerged from the respected drawing boards of Holman & Pye during an era when British yacht design was reaching new heights of sophistication. The Corsair represents a classic approach to offshore cruising, combining traditional seaworthiness with the modern conveniences that discerning sailors of the 1970s demanded. With her fin keel and rudder mounted on a protective skeg, the Corsair strikes an ideal balance between performance and security. This configuration provides responsive handling while offering the rudder protection crucial for serious offshore work. Her masthead sloop rig delivers ample power with 720 square feet of working sail, while the modest sail area to displacement ratio of 14.1 ensures manageable sail handling even when short-handed. The hull's generous beam of nearly 13 feet creates spacious accommodations below, while her substantial displacement of 23,500 pounds provides the stability and load-carrying capacity essential for extended cruising. A comfort ratio of 33.25 places her firmly in the comfortable motion category, making long passages more pleasant for crew and guests alike. Her capsize screening value of 1.81 confirms her suitability for offshore passages, where her traditional virtues of strength and seaworthiness truly shine.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 46.00 ft / 14.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.96 ft / 9.74 m
Beam 12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Max Draft 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 23,500.00 lb / 10,659 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 720.00 ft² / 66.89 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Holman & Pye
Builder Bowman
First Built 1972
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bowman 46 Corsair's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Bowman 46 Corsair has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.1. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Bowman 46 Corsair's comfort ratio?

The Bowman 46 Corsair has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 33.25. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Bowman 46 Corsair safe for offshore sailing?

The Bowman 46 Corsair has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.81. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Bowman 46 Corsair?

The theoretical hull speed of the Bowman 46 Corsair is 7.58 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Bowman 46 Corsair weigh?

The Bowman 46 Corsair has a displacement of 23,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 46.00 ft.

Who designed the Bowman 46 Corsair?

The Bowman 46 Corsair was designed by Holman & Pye, first built in 1972.