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Bowman 48
Designer: C.w. Paine Yacht Design Inc.  ·  Builder: Southern Boatbuilding Co.  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Bowman 48

Built during the late 1970s and early 1980s, this substantial cruising yacht represents a classic example of British yacht design from the era when solid, seaworthy construction took precedence over racing-oriented performance metrics. Bowman yachts established a reputation for building robust, well-engineered boats that prioritized comfort and reliability over speed. The 48-footer embodies the traditional cruising philosophy with generous interior volume, comfortable accommodations, and the kind of reassuring build quality that makes long-distance voyaging a realistic proposition. Her substantial displacement and moderate sail plan create a predictable, manageable sailing experience that appeals to couples and families planning extended coastal passages or offshore adventures. While not particularly fast by modern standards, this yacht compensates with excellent load-carrying capacity and impressive seaworthiness. The design reflects an era when yacht builders focused on creating boats that could handle challenging conditions while maintaining crew comfort over extended periods. For sailors seeking a proven offshore cruiser with traditional styling and dependable construction, the Bowman 48 offers the kind of substantial, no-nonsense sailing experience that has made British-built yachts respected worldwide among serious cruising sailors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 48.16 ft / 14.68 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 38.25 ft / 11.66 m
Beam 14.16 ft / 4.32 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 34,330.00 lb / 15,572 kg
Ballast 10,659.00 lb / 4,835 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,066.00 ft² / 99.03 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer C.W. Paine Yacht Design Inc.
Builder Southern Boatbuilding Co.
First Built 1981
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
114
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
16.21
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
37.73
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
1.75
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. 8.29
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. 1.0
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