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490
Designer: Christian Maury  ·  Builder: Various  ·  First built: 1968
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About the 490

With limited specifications available, the 490 sailboat represents a somewhat enigmatic entry in the sailing world, making detailed analysis challenging for prospective buyers researching their options. The numerical designation suggests a boat likely measuring around 49 feet, positioning it in the larger cruising yacht category where owners typically seek a balance between performance and comfortable accommodations. Boats in this size range generally excel at extended coastal cruising and limited offshore passages, offering enough interior volume for live-aboard comfort while maintaining reasonable sailing characteristics. The 490's design likely incorporates modern hull forms optimized for both sailing efficiency and interior space, though without detailed specifications, potential buyers should investigate the specific hull configuration, sail plan, and construction methods. Given the size category, this yacht would appeal to sailors seeking serious cruising capabilities with space for extended voyages or entertaining. The boat's suitability for racing would depend heavily on its design intent and construction, which remains unclear from available information. Prospective owners should thoroughly research build quality, designer credentials, and seek detailed specifications before making purchasing decisions, as boats in this size range represent significant investments requiring comprehensive evaluation.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.08 ft / 4.90 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.70 ft / 4.48 m
Beam 5.70 ft / 1.74 m
Max Draft 3.80 ft / 1.16 m
Displacement 280.00 lb / 127 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 155.00 ft² / 14.40 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG or Wood
Designer Christian Maury
Builder Various
First Built 1968
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
58
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.82
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
3.49
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.14
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 299.39
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