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Norseman 447
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Norseman Yachts Inc.  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Norseman 447

Designed for serious blue-water cruising, the Norseman 447 is a capable offshore sailboat built to handle demanding ocean passages with confidence. Part of the Norseman line, this vessel reflects the design philosophy of a capable passagemaker, balancing seaworthiness with the comfort and range that long-distance voyagers demand. While detailed specifications for the 447 are limited in available records, the Norseman name has been associated with sturdy, purposeful construction aimed at experienced cruisers who prioritize safety and reliability over racing performance. Boats bearing this lineage typically feature robust hull forms, ample storage, and accommodations suited for extended time at sea. For prospective buyers, the 447 likely appeals most to those planning offshore passages or extended coastal cruising rather than daysailing or competitive racing. Its size suggests meaningful interior volume and the ability to carry sufficient provisions and gear for serious voyaging. As with any older or less-documented design, thorough sea trials and a professional marine survey are strongly recommended before purchase to fully assess the vessel's condition and suitability for your intended sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 44.58 ft / 13.59 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.50 ft / 11.43 m
Beam 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Displacement 28,000.00 lb / 12,701 kg
Ballast 12,000.00 lb / 5,443 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 937.00 ft² / 87.05 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Norseman Yachts Inc.
First Built 1980
Last Built 1986
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
107
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
16.32
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
35.87
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
1.72
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
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
2.23
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) 56.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.9
P (Mainsail Luff) 51.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.0
SA Fore 529.2
SA Main 408.0
How It Compares

vs. Caliber 45, Hylas 44, Lancer 44

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Norseman 447 ★
44.6 ft
Caliber 45
45.0 ft
Hylas 44
44.2 ft
Lancer 44
44.2 ft
LWL
Norseman 447 ★
37.5 ft
Caliber 45
35.8 ft
Hylas 44
34.9 ft
Lancer 44
35.3 ft
Beam
Norseman 447 ★
13.0 ft
Caliber 45
13.3 ft
Hylas 44
13.5 ft
Lancer 44
13.8 ft
Displacement
Norseman 447 ★
28 lbs
Caliber 45
29 lbs
Hylas 44
22 lbs
Lancer 44
21 lbs
Ballast
Norseman 447 ★
12 lbs
Caliber 45
12 lbs
Hylas 44
11 lbs
Lancer 44
8 lbs
Sail Area
Norseman 447 ★
937 sq ft
Caliber 45
940 sq ft
Hylas 44
866 sq ft
Lancer 44
895 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Norseman 447 ★
107 s/nm
Caliber 45
Hylas 44
105 s/nm
Lancer 44
138 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Norseman 447 ★
16.3
Caliber 45
16.0
Hylas 44
17.6
Lancer 44
18.9
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Norseman 447 ★
Caliber 45
41.4 %
Hylas 44
Lancer 44
38.1 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Norseman 447 ★
35.9
Caliber 45
36.9
Hylas 44
28.6
Lancer 44
26.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Norseman 447 ★
1.72
Caliber 45
1.74
Hylas 44
1.92
Lancer 44
2.00
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Norseman 447 ★
Caliber 45
281
Hylas 44
Lancer 44
214
Hull Speed
Norseman 447 ★
8.2 kts
Caliber 45
8.0 kts
Hylas 44
7.9 kts
Lancer 44
8.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Norseman 447 ★
2.2
Caliber 45
Hylas 44
2.4
Lancer 44
2.8
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