The Hallberg-Rassy 48 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Hallberg-Rassy 48

Underwater Profile: Fin keel & half-skeg rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 49'2" (15.0m)

Waterline Length: 43'6" (13.3m)

Beam: 14'9" (4.5m)

Draft: 7'9" (2.4m)*

Rig Type: Cutter**

Displacement: 40,786lb (18,500kg)

Designer: Germán Frers

Builder: Hallberg-Rassy (Sweden)

Year First Built: 2004

Year Last Built: 2013

Number Built: 69

* A shoal draft version was also produced drawing 6'6" (2.0m)

** A masthead sloop version was also produced

Published Design Ratios for the Hallberg-Rassy 48

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 18.0

• Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
• 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
• Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 41.9

• Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
• Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 222

• Under 100: Ultralight
• 100 to 200: Light
• 200 to 275: Moderate
• 275 to 350: Heavy
• Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 38.7

• Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
• 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
• 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
• 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
• Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.7

• Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
• Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Hallberg-Rassy 48

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 18.1 suggests that the Hallberg-Rassy 48 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 41.9 means that the Hallberg-Rassy 48 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 222, tells us the Hallberg-Rassy 48 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 38.7 suggests that crew comfort of a Hallberg-Rassy 48 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 indicates that a Hallberg-Rassy 48 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.