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Sailboat Specifications

Cardinal 46

Masthead Sloop · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Alan Warwick · Built by Sen Koh Shipbuilding Co. · First built 1985

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LOA 46.42 ft  ·  Beam 13.16 ft  ·  Displacement 27,500.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 935.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Sloop  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Cardinal 46 Sailboat

Standing out as a substantial cruising yacht from the 1980s production era, this 46-footer represents Cardinal Yachts' commitment to building seaworthy vessels for serious sailors. The Cardinal 46 emerged during a period when manufacturers were focusing on creating boats that could handle both extended coastal passages and comfortable live-aboard cruising. Built with traditional construction methods and conservative design principles, the Cardinal 46 features the kind of robust build quality that earned the shipyard respect among blue-water sailors. Her full keel configuration and moderate displacement characteristics suggest a boat designed for stability and tracking ability rather than racing performance, making her well-suited for offshore passages and extended cruising adventures. The spacious interior layout typically accommodates long-term cruising with thoughtful storage solutions and livable spaces that don't sacrifice comfort for compactness. Her reputation centers around reliability and seaworthiness, traits that have made surviving examples popular among sailors seeking a proven platform for serious cruising endeavors. While Cardinal Yachts may not have achieved the widespread recognition of some contemporaries, the 46-footer demonstrates the builder's understanding of what long-distance cruisers actually need in a sailing vessel.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 46.42 ft / 14.15 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 38.08 ft / 11.61 m
Beam 13.16 ft / 4.01 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 27,500.00 lb / 12,474 kg
Ballast 12,225.00 lb / 5,545 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 935.00 ft² / 86.86 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG w/balsa cored deck
Designer Alan Warwick
Builder Sen Koh Shipbuilding Co.
First Built 1985
Related Sailboats Moody 47 · Contest 46 · Hylas 47 · Stevens 47 · Kelly Peterson 46
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Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 55
Fuel Capacity 110
Water Capacity 125
Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Cardinal 46 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.49. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Cardinal 46's comfort ratio?

The Cardinal 46 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 33.84. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Cardinal 46 safe for offshore sailing?

The Cardinal 46 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.75. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Cardinal 46?

The theoretical hull speed of the Cardinal 46 is 8.27 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Cardinal 46 weigh?

The Cardinal 46 has a displacement of 27,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 46.42 ft.

Who designed the Cardinal 46?

The Cardinal 46 was designed by Alan Warwick, first built in 1985.