Baltic 48 DP Information, Review, Specs

The Baltic 48 DP was a significant project for Baltic Yachts, produced between 1985 and 1993, with a total of 20 units built. This model marked another collaboration between Baltic Yachts and Douglas Peterson, who was responsible for the naval architecture. True to Baltic's founding vision, the 48 DP was designed to be "lighter, stiffer, faster, and better" than contemporary alternatives. While Peterson laid the foundational performance lines, Baltic Yachts took charge of the vessel's aesthetics and interior and deck layouts, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality finish characteristic of the shipyard's ethos during that era. The design aimed to blend superior performance with comfortable cruising, reflecting Baltic's philosophy of building high-tech, semi-custom yachts that are both robust and agile.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Baltic 48 DP is characterized by its light to medium displacement, designed for a responsive and enjoyable sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 20.6, she demonstrates excellent potential for performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, suggesting an eagerness to get underway even with minimal breeze. The yacht's Ballast to Displacement Ratio of about 0.447 indicates a substantial amount of ballast relative to its overall weight, contributing significantly to its stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up well to a breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length Ratio of around 207.1 places her firmly in the medium-displacement category, reinforcing her design as a yacht that balances performance with the capacity for comfortable cruising. Owners have noted that while the boat can be surprisingly tender initially, it proves to be very comfortable offshore, affirming its capabilities as a capable cruiser. Its masthead rig contributes to its great sailing qualities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Baltic 48 DP typically features a three-cabin, two-head layout, providing ample space and privacy for extended cruising. A spacious and private owner's cabin is traditionally located aft, while two guest cabins, sharing a head, are situated forward. The interior is renowned for its classic marine aesthetic, predominantly featuring a teak finish throughout, complemented by a traditional teak and holly sole. Owners have maintained these yachts to a high standard, with many undergoing selective refinishing of interior woodwork and reupholstering of cushions, ensuring the accommodation spaces remain in pristine condition. While specific details on storage and ventilation require direct inspection of individual vessels, the general reputation of Baltic Yachts suggests thoughtful design in these areas, consistent with their focus on comfortable cruising.