The Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47

Underwater Configuration: Fin keel & spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 47'5" (14.5m)

Waterline Length: 37'3" (11.4m)

Beam 14'4" (4.4m)

Draft: 8'10" (2.7m)

Rig Type: Cutter

Displacement: 25,353lb (11,500kg)

Designer: Philippe Briand

Builder: Jeanneau (France)

Year First Built: 1983

Year Last Built: 1989

Number Built: 315

Owners Association: Jeanneau Owners Network

Published Design Ratios for the Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 15.1

• 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: 40.0

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

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 219

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

4. Comfort Ratio: 27.9

• 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: 2.0

• 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 Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 15.1 suggests that the Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 40.0 means that the Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47 will initially stand up reasonably well to her canvas in a moderate breeze, but she'll need a reef in the main to avoid heeling excessively in a gust.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 219, tells us the Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47 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 27.9 suggests that crew comfort of a Jeanneau Sun Kiss 47 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 2.0 is on the cusp of suitability for an ocean passage, so venture offshore with caution.