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Celestial 48
Designer: Brewer/Fuhriman  ·  Builder: Xiamen Celestial Yachts Ltd. (China)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Celestial 48

Built by Xiamen Celestial Yachts from 1984 to 2001, this substantial 50-footer represents solid value in the bluewater cruising market. The Brewer/Fuhriman design emphasizes comfort and seaworthiness over racing performance, making it well-suited for extended offshore passages and live-aboard cruising. The masthead ketch rig provides excellent sail handling options for shorthanded crews, while the generous beam of 13.5 feet creates spacious accommodations below. With a displacement of 27,000 pounds and 12,000 pounds of ballast, this yacht offers the stability and carrying capacity that serious cruisers demand. The fin keel with shoal draft configuration balances performance with accessibility to shallow anchorages. Construction features fiberglass with balsa core above the waterline, providing strength while keeping weight aloft to a minimum. The comfort ratio of 32.1 indicates a motion that favors comfort over speed, while the capsize screening formula of 1.8 falls well within acceptable parameters for offshore work. The SA/Displacement ratio of 17.67 suggests moderate performance in light to medium conditions, though the 990 square feet of sail area provides adequate power when needed. This design appeals to cruisers seeking a proven platform for serious ocean voyaging.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.58 ft / 11.15 m
Beam 13.50 ft / 4.11 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 27,000.00 lb / 12,247 kg
Ballast 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 990.00 ft² / 91.97 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin (shoal draft)
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG w/balsa core above waterline
Designer Brewer/Fuhriman
Builder Xiamen Celestial Yachts Ltd. (CHINA)
First Built 1984
Last Built 2001
Owner Reviews

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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
 120
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
 17.67
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 44.44
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 246.25
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
 32.1
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
 1.8
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. 8.10 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.94
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. 1,764.51 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 14.33
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 53.00 ft / 16.15 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 47.00 ft / 14.33 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.00 ft / 4.57 m
SA Fore 450.50 ft² / 41.85 m²
SA Main 352.50 ft² / 32.75 m²
SA Total (100%) 803.00 ft² / 74.60 m²
Est. Forestay Length 55.66 ft / 16.97 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkens
Engine Model 4-154
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 62
Fuel Capacity 250 gals / 946 L
Water Capacity 250 gals / 946 L
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