Formosa 47 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Formosa 47 began production in 1980, emerging from the prolific shipyards of Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd. in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. At this time, Taiwan was a growing center for yacht construction, known for combining skilled labor with competitive pricing. Formosa, like many of its contemporaries, embraced fiberglass construction to meet the rising demand for durable and lower-maintenance vessels. While the builder article highlights William Garden's influence on larger Formosa models like the 51, the Formosa 47 was specifically designed by Claude Puvieux. Puvieux's design for the 47 appears to have favored a more spacious hull, catering to the liveaboard and long-distance cruising market that Formosa aimed to serve.

Formosa yachts of this period were renowned for their "traditional-style" aesthetic, often featuring a ketch rig and extensive exterior teak, elements that are prominently displayed on the 47. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely documented for the Formosa 47, it was available with either a ketch or cutter rig, offering some versatility in sail plans for owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Formosa 47, with its heavy displacement and traditional lines, is designed for comfortable, stable passage making rather than outright speed. With a reported sail area of 1345.5 square feet and a displacement of 30,865 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 21.93. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Formosa 47 should perform reasonably well in lighter air conditions, despite its substantial weight, capable of being easily driven.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio (B/D) stands at approximately 0.32, with 9,929 pounds of iron ballast supporting a displacement of 30,865 pounds. This indicates a moderate level of stiffness, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway without being excessively tender. Owners often describe the Formosa 47 as a solid boat, appreciating its robust build for bluewater sailing. The displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) is approximately 289, categorizing it as a moderately heavy displacement cruiser. This contributes to its ability to carry stores for extended voyages and its comfortable, steady motion through waves. The boat features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration generally providing good directional stability and a solid feel at the helm, particularly in offshore conditions. With a maximum draft of 7.42 feet, the Formosa 47 is well-suited for offshore work but may encounter limitations in shallower coastal waters or some marinas.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Formosa 47 is typically characterized by a classic, warm, and spacious layout, often featuring an abundance of teak and mahogany joinery, which was a hallmark of Taiwanese production boats of its era. While detailed specifications on maximum headroom are not consistently provided, a similar Formosa 47 model notes a headroom of around 200 cm (approximately 6 feet 7 inches), suggesting ample standing room throughout the main salon.

The Formosa 47 typically offers a versatile interior arrangement, designed for comfortable liveaboard cruising. Common layouts include a double berth aft with an accompanying head, and a double berth forward, also with its own head, providing privacy for multiple occupants or guests. Some configurations may feature bunk beds forward, further increasing sleeping capacity. The salon usually provides generous seating, often with an L-shaped settee and a fixed table for dining. The galley is generally well-equipped for offshore cooking, though specific appliances can vary significantly between individual boats due to owner customizations. Storage is ample, a necessity for long-distance voyaging, with numerous lockers, drawers, and compartments throughout the cabins. Ventilation is typically achieved through opening ports and overhead hatches, providing airflow in tropical climates. The overall finish quality, while robust, often reflects the craftsmanship and material choices prevalent in Taiwanese yards of the early 1980s, which owners often describe as sturdy but sometimes requiring ongoing maintenance of the extensive wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Formosa 47s frequently laud the vessel for its robust construction and its capacity as a capable bluewater cruiser. Many appreciate the classic aesthetic, the generous interior volume, and the comfortable motion it offers in a seaway, making it a popular choice for liveaboards and those undertaking long voyages. The ketch rig is often cited as a benefit for sail handling, providing flexibility in varying wind conditions and ease of reefing.

However, like many Taiwanese-built boats of its vintage, the Formosa 47 is also known to have certain common issues that prospective owners should be aware of. A recurring theme in owner discussions centers around "core problems," particularly moisture intrusion into cored decks and hulls, which can lead to delamination or rot over time if not properly maintained. This often necessitates diligent inspection and, in many cases, extensive refitting or re-coring work. Additionally, some owners note that the original deck fittings can develop leaks, requiring re-bedding. While the boats are generally considered "solid," they often require significant investment in renovation and ongoing upkeep to maintain their integrity and address the wear and tear accumulated over decades of use. Despite these challenges, a well-maintained Formosa 47 continues to be a characterful and capable vessel, attracting owners who value traditional yacht design and are prepared for the commitment of restoring and maintaining these classic cruisers.