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Sailboat Specifications

Seafarer 48

Masthead Yawl · Fin With Rudder On Skeg

Designed by Sparkman & Stephens · Built by Hughes Boatworks Ltd.(Can) · First built 1969

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LOA 48.00 ft  ·  Beam 11.83 ft  ·  Displacement 30,000.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 1,048.00 ft²  ·  Masthead Yawl  ·  Fin With Rudder On Skeg
About the Seafarer 48 Sailboat

Designed by the legendary naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens and built by Hughes Boatworks in Canada beginning in 1969, this substantial cruising yacht represents classic blue-water design principles from sailing's golden era. The masthead yawl rig configuration, once favored for long-distance cruising, provides excellent balance and versatility in varying wind conditions while offering redundancy through the mizzen sail. With its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder arrangement, the Seafarer 48 strikes an ideal balance between performance and seaworthiness. The generous beam provides ample interior volume and stability, while the moderate displacement ensures respectable sailing performance without sacrificing the substantial feel that offshore sailors appreciate. The impressive ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to excellent stability characteristics. The fiberglass construction has proven durable over the decades, and many examples remain actively sailing today. This yacht excels at coastal cruising and is well-suited for offshore passages, offering the kind of solid, confidence-inspiring platform that serious cruising sailors seek. The Sparkman & Stephens pedigree ensures refined hull lines and proven seaworthiness, making the Seafarer 48 a respected choice among experienced sailors who value traditional design excellence and ocean-going capability.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 48.00 ft / 14.63 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
Beam 11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Max Draft 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 30,000.00 lb / 13,608 kg
Ballast 15,700.00 lb / 7,121 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,048.00 ft² / 97.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Yawl
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder Hughes Boatworks Ltd.(CAN)
First Built 1969
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seafarer 48's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Seafarer 48 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.44. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Seafarer 48's comfort ratio?

The Seafarer 48 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 46.04. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Seafarer 48 safe for offshore sailing?

The Seafarer 48 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.53. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Seafarer 48?

The theoretical hull speed of the Seafarer 48 is 7.70 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Seafarer 48 weigh?

The Seafarer 48 has a displacement of 30,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 48.00 ft.

Who designed the Seafarer 48?

The Seafarer 48 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, first built in 1969.