Gunboat 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Gunboat 48 can be traced back to Gunboat's formative years under founder Peter Johnstone. Production of the 48-foot model began in 2006 and concluded in 2009, with a limited run of only six units ever built. During this era, Gunboat's manufacturing was primarily based in Cape Town, South Africa, where it established its reputation for building light, simple, and exceptionally fast catamarans.

Morrelli & Melvin, the renowned naval architects behind the Gunboat 48, played a crucial role in shaping the brand's identity. Their design philosophy for Gunboats, including the 48, emphasized creating high-performance multihulls capable of both racing and comfortable bluewater cruising. The 48 was specifically conceived to be more manageable for an owner-driver, aiming to strike a balance between high performance and the practicalities of short-handed sailing. This design brief set it apart, making it the only Gunboat truly designed with a cruising couple or family in mind. The construction utilized advanced composites like carbon and Kevlar, ensuring a lightweight yet immensely strong hull, a hallmark of Gunboat's "zero compromise approach" to design and build quality.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gunboat 48 is celebrated for its all-out performance, boasting a sleek profile and a design that prioritizes speed without sacrificing stability. With a length overall of 48.36 feet and a waterline length of 45.93 feet, coupled with a generous beam of 24.25 feet, the vessel is inherently stable and spacious. Its reported sail area of 1372 square feet, combined with a relatively light displacement of 17,700 pounds, contributes to its impressive performance, especially in light air.

A defining feature of the Gunboat 48's performance capabilities is its twin daggerboards, which reduce the minimum draft to 1.97 feet when retracted and extend to a maximum draft of 7.38 feet when deployed. These daggerboards significantly enhance upwind performance and allow for access to shallow anchorages. Owners and reviewers frequently highlight its ability to achieve "impressive daily runs of 300-400 miles," showcasing its speed and efficiency over long distances. The Gunboat 48 is renowned for "flying in the slightest gust" due to its light build and high-performance sails, providing an exhilarating sailing experience that allows it to out-sail many larger vessels. Its twin 40hp Volvo Penta D2 diesel engines further augment its cruising capabilities, providing reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gunboat 48 is designed to maximize comfort and functionality for cruising, reflecting its brief as an owner-operator vessel. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the layout is generally described as light and airy, offering an open and integrated living space. Typical configurations feature a three-cabin, three-head layout, often including a fantastic owner's cabin aft and VIP cabins forward. Some models may also include a convertible office or fourth berth.

A notable aspect of the Gunboat 48's interior is its "island galley" layout, designed for practical use while underway or at anchor. The main salon is functional and often boasts an indoor-outdoor helm, fostering a seamless flow between the interior and the forward cockpit, which provides unobstructed access for the sailing crew. The finish quality and use of materials, typical of Gunboat's era, would have prioritized lightweight, durable composites combined with high-quality joinery and appointments, distinguishing it significantly from more conventional production catamarans.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Gunboat 48 for its exceptional speed and handling, affirming its reputation as a "lightning quick" vessel. The design brief for short-handed sailing has resonated well, with many appreciating its manageability for a cruising couple or family. Its ability to cover significant distances rapidly and comfortably is a frequently lauded strength. The high-profile ownership, including surfing megastar John John Florence, who popularized his Gunboat 48 "Vela" through travelogue series, further underscores the model's appeal among those seeking adventure and performance.

However, the specialized nature and advanced construction of the Gunboat 48 come with a premium price tag, with vessels often selling for up to $2 million. This positions it in a unique market segment with high-performance competition. While no widespread common problems are prominently reported, as with any high-performance composite yacht, meticulous maintenance and upkeep are essential. Owners often invest significantly in refits to ensure these complex vessels remain in peak condition, such as one example detailing a $250,000 refit including new engines and standing rigging. The tight-knit and passionate Gunboat owner community often shares insights and experiences, highlighting the dedication required to maintain these "haute couture" catamarans.