Cambria 48 Information, Review, Specs

The Cambria 48 began its production run in 1986. It was an integral part of the Cambria series, developed by David Walters Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, with a clear design criterion: to offer a fast, comfortable, and performance-oriented cruising experience. The company's ethos focused on balanced designs, precise engineering, and custom construction using the finest materials and craftsmanship. David Walters Yachts, which built Cambria models, ceased operations around 1990.

The builder, Cabo Rico, known for its "heavy displacement offshore cruising yachts," continued this tradition of robust construction. Cabo Rico yachts are synonymous with "blue-water cruisers" and are celebrated for their ability to provide "safe and comfortable passage-making in any conditions." They often feature solid teak interiors and cutter rig designs, characteristics that align well with the Cambria 48's profile. The Cambria 48 itself is noted as an extended version, featuring a traditional counter, of the earlier Cambria 44/46 models. Notably, the larger Cambria models, including the 44, 46, 48, and 50, shared a common waterline length of 37 feet. The hull construction utilized a core for superior strength, as well as thermal and sound insulation, contributing to a high-quality build comparable to leading US and European yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cambria 48 is characterized by a "slightly more speedy hull design" tailored for performance cruising. Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 300 indicates a heavy displacement vessel, typical of a traditional cruiser built for comfort and stability in varied conditions rather than outright speed. This heavy build suggests a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway, ideal for offshore passages. While specific ballast weight information is not available, the design features "hull form stability with an appropriate ballast-to-displacement ratio".

The sail area to displacement ratio, around 14.27, suggests a moderate power-to-weight ratio for a vessel of her class. This configuration implies that while she will be steady and capable in heavier winds, she may require a decent breeze to truly come alive in lighter air. The cutter rig design is particularly well-suited for offshore sailing, allowing the total sail area to be broken down into smaller, more manageable sails, offering flexibility in different wind strengths and sea states. The centerboard keel design provides a shallow minimum draft of 5.5 feet, which is advantageous for accessing shallower anchorages and coastal cruising, while offering improved upwind performance when deployed.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed with a focus on high-quality semi-custom standards, the Cambria 48's interior layout emphasizes comfort and functionality for extended cruising. The larger Cambria models, including the 48, were designed with two sleeping cabins and dedicated owner and guest heads, providing privacy and convenience for those on board.

Although detailed interior specifics such as maximum headroom, materials, and specific storage solutions for the Cambria 48 are not extensively documented in public sources, the reputation of David Walters Yachts for craftsmanship and the builder's (Cabo Rico's) tradition of solid teak interiors suggest a well-appointed and durable finish. It can be inferred that the interior would feature quality joinery and thoughtful layouts characteristic of serious cruising yachts from that era, providing ample storage and good ventilation for liveaboard comfort. The solid fiberglass hull construction and cored deck contribute to a quiet and well-insulated living space at sea.