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Centurion 49
Designer: Edward Dubois  ·  Builder: Henri Wauquiez (Fra)  ·  First built: 1990
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About the Centurion 49

Designed by renowned naval architect Edward Dubois and built by the prestigious French yard Henri Wauquiez, this sophisticated 50-footer represents European craftsmanship at its finest. With only 33 hulls produced between 1990 and 1994, the Centurion 49 has earned recognition as a capable offshore cruiser that doesn't compromise on performance. The Dubois design philosophy shines through in the boat's balanced proportions and modern underbody. Her fin keel with spade rudder configuration delivers responsive handling, while the generous sail area provides spirited performance in light to moderate conditions. The masthead sloop rig offers versatility for both coastal adventures and extended offshore passages. Built during Wauquiez's golden era of fiberglass construction, these boats are known for their solid build quality and attention to detail. The comfort ratio suggests she'll provide a smooth ride in seaway conditions, while her capsize screening value indicates good offshore stability characteristics. With a hull speed approaching 8.5 knots, she offers respectable passage-making ability. This model appeals to sailors seeking a well-built European cruiser capable of serious offshore work while maintaining the performance characteristics that make day sailing equally rewarding.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 50.58 ft / 15.42 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.25 ft / 12.27 m
Beam 14.67 ft / 4.47 m
Max Draft 8.53 ft / 2.60 m
Displacement 30,864.00 lb / 14,000 kg
Ballast 12,787.00 lb / 5,800 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,121.00 ft² / 104.14 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Edward Dubois
Builder Henri Wauquiez (FRA)
First Built 1990
Last Built 1994
Number Built 33
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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
 69
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
 18.3
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
 41.43
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
 211.3
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
 30.78
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
 1.87
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. 8.50 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
 2.72
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. 2,109.81 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. 18.3
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 63.00 ft / 19.20 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.75 ft / 6.02 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 57.00 ft / 17.37 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.50 ft / 5.33 m
SA Fore 622.13 ft² / 57.80 m²
SA Main 498.75 ft² / 46.34 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,120.88 ft² / 104.13 m²
Est. Forestay Length 66.02 ft / 20.12 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 87 gals / 329 L
Water Capacity 232 gals / 878 L
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