The C Cat 48 is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.3 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 48.6′, the C Cat 48 tops out around 9.3 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √48.6′ LWL = 9.3 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
29.9
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Displacement / Length
83
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Hull Speed
9.3kts
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| Close Reach60° | 5.3 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| Beam Reach90° | 6.5 | 8.2 | 9.2 | 10.0 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 6.0 | 7.6 | 8.5 | 9.2 |
| Run150–180° | 4.8 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.1 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (9.3 kts),
SA/D (29.9), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the C Cat 48 — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the C Cat 48.
| C Cat 48 | Aquila 50 | Dufour 470 | Outremer 49 | Pegasus 50 | Sun Odyssey 490 Jeanneau | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 49.1 | 49.1 | 48.7 | 49.2 | 49.2 | 48.5 |
| LWL | 48.6 | — | 44.5 | 48.9 | 46.3 | 43.4 |
| Beam | 24.0 | 25.8 | 15.6 | 24.4 | 15.9 | 14.7 |
| Displacement | 21 | 42 | 29 | 22 | 27 | 24 |
| Ballast | — | — | 7 | — | 11 | — |
| Sail Area | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 29.9 | 22.2 | 19.6 | — | 24.7 | 22.1 |
| Bal/Disp | — | — | 26.9 | — | 40.7 | — |
| Comfort | — | — | 25.5 | 9.8 | 22.4 | 23.9 |
| Capsize | — | — | 2.03 | 3.50 | 2.11 | 2.01 |
| Hull Speed | — | — | 8.9 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 8.8 |