Gozzard 41 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gozzard 41 emerged from North Castle Marine Ltd., founded in 1982 by H. Ted Gozzard after his departure from Bayfield Boat Yard. This new venture initially focused on the Pilgrim 40 motor yacht before transitioning to the acclaimed Gozzard line of sailing yachts. The Gozzard 41, commencing production in 1986, represented a refinement of the builder's vision for the ideal voyaging yacht, building upon the success of earlier designs like the Gozzard 37. Gozzard Yachts has consistently prioritized "Distinction, Quality and exceptional Sailing Abilities," with a straightforward philosophy: "Design, engineer and build the best boats possible and do this specifically for the owner's intended use".

This ethos is evident in the Gozzard 41's construction, which features robust builds, quality materials, and meticulous techniques, including fully cored hulls and decks, ensuring durability and integrity. While the fundamental design remained consistent, the Gozzard 41 saw some variations over its production run, notably designated as "A" and "B" models, and a more recent "RC" (Raised Cockpit) version, which offers an even larger aft interior space. These in-house design evolutions by the Gozzard family have allowed for a consistent and recognizable brand identity across their fleet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gozzard 41 is characterized by a design optimized for comfortable and capable cruising rather than outright speed. With a reported sail area of 965 square feet and a displacement of 23,500 pounds, her sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 18.78. This ratio suggests a respectable ability to perform in lighter air conditions, indicating a yacht that can move efficiently without requiring excessive wind.

Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 36.6% (8,600 lbs ballast in a 23,500 lbs displacement) provides a good level of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze without excessive heeling. Gozzard Yachts emphasizes their commitment to designing boats with high stability. The Gozzard 41's displacement-to-length ratio (DLR) is approximately 237.8, classifying her as a medium-heavy displacement cruiser. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, a hallmark of Gozzard's design philosophy for seakindliness.

Anecdotal evidence from owners often praises the Gozzard 41's forgiving nature and balanced helm, reflecting designer Ted Gozzard's aim to create a boat that can withstand challenging conditions. Her long keel and skeg-protected rudder contribute to excellent directional stability, making her a solid performer on long passages and less prone to being knocked off course by waves.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom details are not provided in the primary data, the Gozzard 41 is well-regarded for its innovative and spacious interior, designed specifically with the liveaboard cruising lifestyle in mind. Gozzard yachts are known for their "Open Plan" interiors, maximizing usable living space. Reviews and owner accounts frequently highlight the pragmatic yet creative layout.

The Gozzard 41 typically features a forward V-berth, a head, a generously sized salon, and a well-appointed galley. These interiors are characterized by high-quality wood trim and finishes, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing for extended voyages. Storage is ample, a critical consideration for cruisers, and ventilation is typically well-addressed to ensure comfort in various climates. The model was available with at least three interior themes, designated as "A," "B," and "RC" (for the raised cockpit version), allowing for some customization to owner preferences.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently commend the Gozzard 41 for its solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and robust build quality, often referring to them as "extremely well built boats". The emphasis on durability and thoughtful design for long-distance cruising is a recurring theme among those who own or have sailed a Gozzard 41. The deep family tradition behind Gozzard Yachts and their ongoing factory support, including brokerage and upgrade services, also fosters a strong and loyal owner community, contributing to the lasting value and appeal of these vessels. Many owners appreciate the unique character and distinction of the Gozzard line, which stands apart from more mass-produced cruisers.