Back to Search
North Star 48
Designer: Sparkman & Stephens  ·  Builder: North Star Yachts Ltd.  ·  First built: 1970
+ Add to Compare
About the North Star 48

Designed for serious bluewater passagemaking, the North Star 48 is a substantial offshore cruising sailboat built to carry its crew comfortably and confidently across open ocean. With a hull size that places it firmly in the category of capable bluewater cruisers, this vessel appeals to sailors looking for a dedicated long-distance passage maker rather than a weekend coastal daysailer. While detailed specifications for the North Star 48 are limited in public records, boats of this size and designation typically reflect a design philosophy centered on seakeeping ability, interior volume, and self-sufficiency at sea. Prospective buyers are drawn to larger cruising vessels like this for their stability in demanding conditions, generous stowage capacity, and the ability to accommodate extended liveaboard arrangements. For anyone researching the North Star 48, consulting original builder documentation, owner communities, and yacht surveyors with direct experience of the model is strongly recommended. Hands-on inspection and sea trials remain essential steps before committing to a purchase, as individual vessel condition and outfitting can vary considerably among boats of this vintage and size.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 48.17 ft / 14.68 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.00 ft / 10.06 m
Beam 11.83 ft / 3.61 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 30,000.00 lb / 13,608 kg
Ballast 15,700.00 lb / 7,121 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,048.00 ft² / 97.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Masthead Yawl
Construction FG
Designer Sparkman & Stephens
Builder North Star Yachts Ltd.
First Built 1970
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
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
17.44
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
45.97
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
1.53
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. 7.7
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
How It Compares

vs. Cc 48 Custom, Hinckley 48, Pj 48

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
North Star 48 ★
48.2 ft
Cc 48 Custom
48.2 ft
Hinckley 48
48.3 ft
Pj 48
48.1 ft
LWL
North Star 48 ★
33.0 ft
Cc 48 Custom
39.0 ft
Hinckley 48
34.2 ft
Pj 48
39.0 ft
Beam
North Star 48 ★
11.8 ft
Cc 48 Custom
13.7 ft
Hinckley 48
13.0 ft
Pj 48
13.6 ft
Displacement
North Star 48 ★
30 lbs
Cc 48 Custom
28 lbs
Hinckley 48
36 lbs
Pj 48
34 lbs
Ballast
North Star 48 ★
15 lbs
Cc 48 Custom
12 lbs
Hinckley 48
10 lbs
Pj 48
14 lbs
Sail Area
North Star 48 ★
1 sq ft
Cc 48 Custom
1 sq ft
Hinckley 48
1 sq ft
Pj 48
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
North Star 48 ★
17.4
Cc 48 Custom
19.2
Hinckley 48
15.0
Pj 48
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
North Star 48 ★
Cc 48 Custom
45.4 %
Hinckley 48
Pj 48
41.2 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
North Star 48 ★
46.0
Cc 48 Custom
32.0
Hinckley 48
47.6
Pj 48
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
North Star 48 ★
1.53
Cc 48 Custom
1.80
Hinckley 48
1.58
Pj 48
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
North Star 48 ★
Cc 48 Custom
211
Hinckley 48
Pj 48
255
Hull Speed
North Star 48 ★
7.7 kts
Cc 48 Custom
8.4 kts
Hinckley 48
7.8 kts
Pj 48
Speed Number (higher = faster)
North Star 48 ★
Cc 48 Custom
2.8
Hinckley 48
1.0
Pj 48
Find a North Star 48 For Sale