The Vagabond 47 is an ultra-heavy staysail ketch known for its robust build and bluewater capabilities. Designed by American naval architect William Garden, the boat combines substantial seafaring attributes with comfort and aesthetic appeal.
These sailboats were primarily built by Blue Water Yacht Builders in Taipei, Taiwan, during the late 1970s and 1980s, and was aimed at cruisers seeking a dependable and spacious vessel for long voyages.
Keel & Rudder Configuration: Long keel, skeg-hung rudder
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Length Overall (LOA): 47'0" (14.3m)*
Waterline Length (LWL): 36'0" (10.98m)
Beam: 13'6" (4.16m)
Draft: 5'7" (1.71m)
Rig Type: Staysail Ketch
Displacement: 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg)
Ballast: 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg)
Water Tank Capacity: 230 gallons (870 liters)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 230 gallons (870 liters)
Hull Speed: Approximately 7 knots
Designer: William Garden**
Builder: Bluewater Yachts
Year First Built: 1979
Year Last Built: Early 1990s
Number Built: Approximately 200
* 55'0" to include bowsprit.
** William Garden, the designer of the Vagabond 47, also designed other models including the Vagabond 42, the Vagabond 52 and the Heritage West Indies 36.
The Vagabond 47 sailboat was also known as the Vagabond Voyager 47 and the Heritage Vagabond 47.
I (Foretriangle Height): 9.14m (30'0")
J (Foretriangle Base): 7.32m (24'0")
P (Luff Length of Main Sail): 10.36m (34'0")
E (Foot Length of Main Sail): 5.49m (18'0")
Where:
1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 14.5
2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 27.5
3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 391
4. Comfort Ratio: 49.9
5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.57
The following analysis of the primary design ratios gives an indication of the boat's likely sailing characteristics, but see the 'Notes of Caution' that follow below:
1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (14.5): This ratio suggests that the Vagabond 47 is somewhat underpowered, meaning it might not have the same performance capabilities as other boats in its class. It's designed more for comfort and stability rather than speed.
2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio (27.5): This ratio indicates a boat with moderate stiffness and power. It will have reasonable stability on the wind, but it won't be as stiff as boats with higher ratios. This makes it suitable for steady, comfortable cruising.
3. Displacement/Length Ratio (391): Falling into the ultraheavy displacement category, this ratio indicates the Vagabond 47 is a very heavy boat. Such boats generally offer a smoother ride, with less pitch and roll, but they require more sail area to achieve their design speed. They're built for comfort and heavy weather.
4. Comfort Ratio (49.9): This very high comfort ratio reflects a sedate motion, making the Vagabond 47 extremely comfortable for bluewater cruising. It suggests the boat will have a very stable and smooth ride, minimizing the rolling and pitching that can be unsettling during long passages.
5. Capsize Screening Formula (1.57): With a value below 2.0, the Vagabond 47 is well-suited for ocean passages, indicating it's less vulnerable to capsizing. This makes it a reliable choice for bluewater cruising, capable of handling challenging offshore conditions.
In summary, the Vagabond 47 is designed for comfort and stability rather than speed. It's an ideal vessel for long-distance, bluewater cruising, providing a smooth ride and reliable performance in various weather conditions.
Design Ratios: Notes of Caution...
General Limitations
In summary, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.
This article was written with the assistance of Gemini, a large language model developed by Google. Gemini was used to gather information, summarize research findings, and provide suggestions for the content and structure of the article.
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