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Whistler 48
Designer: C. W. Paine  ·  Builder: Able Marine Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Whistler 48

Designed as a capable bluewater cruiser, the Whistler 48 is a sizeable sailing yacht built to handle serious offshore passages with comfort and confidence. At this length, boats in this class typically offer generous interior volume, making them well suited to extended liveaboard cruising or long-distance voyaging for couples or small crews. While detailed specifications for the Whistler 48 are limited in available records, the size alone suggests a vessel intended for more than casual coastal day sailing. Boats of this scale are generally designed to carry substantial provisions and fuel, handle a range of sea conditions, and provide the kind of stability and seakeeping ability that bluewater sailors demand. The Whistler name has appeared across a range of cruising-oriented designs, and the 48 likely reflects that same philosophy of practical, sea-kindly performance over flashy speed. For sailors researching a passage-making yacht or a comfortable long-range cruiser, the Whistler 48 warrants closer inspection. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek out a thorough survey and connect with current owners to better understand this model's particular strengths and quirks before making a purchasing decision.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 47.67 ft / 14.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.25 ft / 12.27 m
Beam 13.92 ft / 4.24 m
Max Draft 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Displacement 35,909.00 lb / 16,288 kg
Ballast 13,600.00 lb / 6,169 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Sheel Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer C. W. Paine
Builder Able Marine Inc. (USA)
First Built 1982
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
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
37.87
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
245.84
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. 12.01 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 17.26
P (Mainsail Luff) 1,169.00 ft² / 108.60 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Westerbeke
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 100
How It Compares

vs. Alden 46, Ocean Cruising 48, Peterson 46

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Whistler 48 ★
47.7 ft
Alden 46
47.7 ft
Ocean Cruising 48
47.6 ft
Peterson 46
47.5 ft
LWL
Whistler 48 ★
40.3 ft
Alden 46
37.1 ft
Ocean Cruising 48
36.0 ft
Peterson 46
40.6 ft
Beam
Whistler 48 ★
13.9 ft
Alden 46
13.5 ft
Ocean Cruising 48
13.8 ft
Peterson 46
13.0 ft
Displacement
Whistler 48 ★
35 lbs
Alden 46
32 lbs
Ocean Cruising 48
29 lbs
Peterson 46
33 lbs
Ballast
Whistler 48 ★
13 lbs
Alden 46
13 lbs
Ocean Cruising 48
11 lbs
Peterson 46
Sail Area
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
1 sq ft
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
878 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
84 s/nm
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
87 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
17.2
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
13.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Whistler 48 ★
37.9 %
Alden 46
Ocean Cruising 48
39.1 %
Peterson 46
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
38.4
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
39.6
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
1.70
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
1.62
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Whistler 48 ★
245
Alden 46
Ocean Cruising 48
281
Peterson 46
Hull Speed
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
8.2 kts
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
8.5 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Whistler 48 ★
Alden 46
1.9
Ocean Cruising 48
Peterson 46
2.1
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