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Ct 49
Designer: Kaufmann & Ladd  ·  Builder: Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Ct 49

Built by Taiwan's Ta Chaio Shipbuilding from 1982 to 1989, this Kaufmann & Ladd design represents a well-regarded chapter in offshore cruising yacht development. With only 80 hulls produced during its seven-year production run, the CT 49 has earned recognition among serious cruising sailors for its robust construction and seaworthy characteristics. The design showcases classic blue-water cruising proportions, featuring a moderate beam of 13.16 feet and substantial displacement of 29,395 pounds. Its cutter rig configuration provides excellent sail handling versatility for shorthanded crews, while the fiberglass construction with sheel keel offers a favorable balance between performance and practicality. The generous ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to impressive stability and sea-keeping abilities. With a comfort ratio of 35.86, this yacht prioritizes motion comfort over pure speed, making it particularly well-suited for extended offshore passages and coastal cruising where crew comfort matters most. The capsize screening formula of 1.71 falls well within safe parameters for ocean voyaging, reflecting the conservative design philosophy that made Ta Chaio vessels popular among serious cruising sailors during the 1980s. This combination of solid engineering and proven seaworthiness continues to attract buyers seeking a capable passage-maker.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 48.95 ft / 14.92 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.50 ft / 11.43 m
Beam 13.16 ft / 4.01 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 29,395.00 lb / 13,333 kg
Ballast 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,023.00 ft² / 95.04 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Sheel Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Kaufmann & Ladd
Builder Ta Chaio Shipbuilding Co. (TAIWAN)
First Built 1982
Last Built 1989
Number Built 80
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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
 101
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
 17.26
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
 40.82
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
 248.85
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
 35.86
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
 1.71
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. 8.21 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
 2.21
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. 1,763.33 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. 17.26
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 58.00 ft / 17.68 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 19.50 ft / 5.94 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 54.50 ft / 16.61 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.80 ft / 5.12 m
SA Fore 565.50 ft² / 52.54 m²
SA Main 457.80 ft² / 42.53 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,023.30 ft² / 95.07 m²
Est. Forestay Length 61.19 ft / 18.65 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Model 4-156
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 62
Fuel Capacity 174 gals / 659 L
Water Capacity 165 gals / 625 L
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