Golden Wave 48 Information, Review, Specs

The Golden Wave 48 began its production run in 1981, emerging from Cheoy Lee Shipyard, a builder with a long-standing reputation for durable and innovative vessels. Cheoy Lee, a pioneer in fiberglass construction and GRP and foam sandwich technology, applied its robust manufacturing ethos to the Golden Wave 48. The yard, known for its commitment to dependable products and exceptional craftsmanship, ensured that the Golden Wave 48 benefited from solid fiberglass hull construction. While specific design philosophies for the Golden Wave 48 by Britton Chance, Jr. are not extensively detailed, Chance himself was celebrated as "one of the brightest minds in yacht design" known for his "creative designs for high-speed yachts" and work on America's Cup contenders, suggesting a focus on performance and hydrodynamic efficiency. This design DNA would likely have influenced the Golden Wave 48's sailing characteristics, aiming for capable offshore performance. The Golden Wave 48 was offered with options for a ketch rig and a keel/centerboard version, providing versatility for different sailing preferences and cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cheoy Lee Golden Wave 48 is characterized as a moderate weight sailboat that delivers good performance. With a total calculated sail area of approximately 1244 square feet and a displacement of 32,800 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to about 19.43. This relatively high ratio suggests the Golden Wave 48 is well-powered for its displacement, indicating good performance in lighter winds while still carrying enough sail to be responsive in moderate conditions.

The boat's stability is further highlighted by its ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of approximately 0.426, based on a ballast of 14,000 pounds. A ratio over 0.40 typically signifies a stiff and stable vessel, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (Disp/L) of approximately 218.5 categorizes the Golden Wave 48 as a moderately heavy cruiser. While not a lightweight racer, this ratio suggests a solid, sea-kindly vessel that prioritizes comfort and stability over ultimate speed, yet remains a good performer. The boat features a fin keel, which is known for providing splendid maneuverability. Its hull speed is estimated at 8.54 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Golden Wave 48 are scarce, it is designed as a comfortable cruising yacht. The boat carries a substantial water capacity of 210 US gallons (795 liters), indicating its suitability for extended periods at sea. Given its length overall of nearly 48 feet and a generous beam of 15.92 feet, the Golden Wave 48 would typically feature a spacious interior layout common to offshore cruisers of its era. This would likely include multiple cabin configurations, a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment, all designed to offer comfort and ample storage for long voyages. The robust fiberglass hull construction, characteristic of Cheoy Lee, would have contributed to a solid and quiet interior environment.