Choate 48 Information, Review, Specs

Dencho Marine, founded by Dennis Choate in 1973, established a distinctive reputation for constructing high-quality, limited-production racing sailboats. Operating out of Long Beach, California, Dencho Marine became synonymous with performance-oriented yachts, often collaborating with leading naval architects like Doug Peterson. Peterson himself was a pivotal figure in yacht design, known for pioneering innovations that transformed the era of yacht racing. The Choate 48, or Peterson 48 as it is also known, was one of only four such vessels ever built by Dencho Marine. While details on specific design variations are scarce due to the low production number, one Peterson 48 was notably modified with a shorter rig and shoal keel for cruising after its racing career. There are also indications that some cruising-oriented boats were built from the Peterson 48 molds, suggesting a degree of customization or adaptation of the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Choate 48 embodies a design philosophy centered on performance without compromising stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 21.0, she exhibits strong light-air performance for a yacht of her size, indicating responsiveness even in modest breezes. Her substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of 0.533 speaks to exceptional stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind and carry sail effectively, translating to a powerful and stable ride in challenging conditions. Furthermore, her displacement-to-length ratio of around 169.2 places her firmly in the category of a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel, suggesting agility and the ability to maintain higher speeds compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers of similar length. Doug Peterson's designs are widely acknowledged for their excellent sailing performance, a trait likely inherited by the Choate 48. Anecdotal evidence from a similar Peterson design, the Peterson 44, suggests the potential for impressive daily runs, with owners reporting 180-mile days, underscoring the performance pedigree of these designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the limited-production Choate 48 are not extensively documented, the design of a 48-foot performance yacht from this era would typically prioritize a functional arrangement suitable for both offshore racing and comfortable cruising. Reports on at least one Peterson 48 note an open deck layout complemented by a roomy interior with ample headroom. Given her generous beam of 14 feet, the Choate 48 would offer a spacious feel below decks. Interiors of Peterson-designed yachts of this size and vintage often featured quality wood trim and robust construction, balancing the demands of a racing platform with the desire for a livable cruising environment.