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Dawn 48
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Kong & Halvorsen Marine & Eng. Co. Ltd.  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Dawn 48

With limited specifications available, the Dawn 48 represents a lesser-documented entry in the 48-foot sailing yacht category, making it an intriguing prospect for sailors seeking something off the beaten path. This length typically suggests a vessel designed with serious coastal and potentially offshore cruising capabilities in mind, offering the space and stability that experienced sailors value for extended voyages. The 48-foot range historically attracts designers focused on balancing performance with livability, and the Dawn 48 likely follows this philosophy. Boats in this size category often feature robust construction suitable for blue water sailing while maintaining enough agility for spirited coastal adventures. The relative scarcity of information about this model may indicate either limited production numbers or a design that served a specific niche market. For prospective buyers, the Dawn 48 presents both opportunity and challenge. The limited documentation means thorough inspection and research become even more critical, but it also suggests the possibility of finding a capable cruising yacht without the premium pricing of more widely recognized brands. Sailors drawn to unique vessels with proven seaworthiness may find the Dawn 48 worthy of serious consideration, particularly if seeking a distinctive alternative to mainstream production boats.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 48.08 ft / 14.65 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.67 ft / 11.48 m
Beam 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 27,500.00 lb / 12,474 kg
Ballast 11,600.00 lb / 5,262 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,059.00 ft² / 98.38 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Kong & Halvorsen Marine & Eng. Co. Ltd.
First Built 1983
Last Built 1985
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
93
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
18.67
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
29.59
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
1.93
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. 8.22
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
2.1
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
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 57.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 50.25
E (Mainsail Foot) 15.0
SA Fore 445.63
SA Main 376.88
How It Compares

vs. Oyster 48 Lightwave, Swan 48 Ss, X 482

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dawn 48 ★
48.1 ft
Oyster 48 Lightwave
48.0 ft
Swan 48 Ss
47.9 ft
X 482
48.0 ft
LWL
Dawn 48 ★
37.7 ft
Oyster 48 Lightwave
41.7 ft
Swan 48 Ss
37.3 ft
X 482
41.0 ft
Beam
Dawn 48 ★
14.5 ft
Oyster 48 Lightwave
14.3 ft
Swan 48 Ss
13.6 ft
X 482
14.1 ft
Displacement
Dawn 48 ★
27 lbs
Oyster 48 Lightwave
27 lbs
Swan 48 Ss
36 lbs
X 482
26 lbs
Ballast
Dawn 48 ★
11 lbs
Oyster 48 Lightwave
11 lbs
Swan 48 Ss
14 lbs
X 482
11 lbs
Sail Area
Dawn 48 ★
1 sq ft
Oyster 48 Lightwave
1 sq ft
Swan 48 Ss
1 sq ft
X 482
1 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Dawn 48 ★
93 s/nm
Oyster 48 Lightwave
62 s/nm
Swan 48 Ss
72 s/nm
X 482
15 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Dawn 48 ★
18.7
Oyster 48 Lightwave
18.9
Swan 48 Ss
15.2
X 482
20.8
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Dawn 48 ★
29.6
Oyster 48 Lightwave
27.6
Swan 48 Ss
42.5
X 482
28.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Dawn 48 ★
1.93
Oyster 48 Lightwave
1.91
Swan 48 Ss
1.65
X 482
1.89
Hull Speed
Dawn 48 ★
8.2 kts
Oyster 48 Lightwave
8.7 kts
Swan 48 Ss
8.2 kts
X 482
8.6 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Dawn 48 ★
2.1
Oyster 48 Lightwave
3.4
Swan 48 Ss
1.5
X 482
3.6
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