Bougainvillaea 62 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Bougainvillaea 62, which began production in 1991, stems from a design philosophy influenced by single-handed racing, aiming for a fast, elegant yacht that was also exceptionally safe and easy to handle. Designer Chuck Paine incorporated an extremely long waterline, a narrow beam-to-length ratio, and narrow stern sections to minimize helm changes when heeling, indicative of a performance-oriented cruiser. Kanter Yachts, with its deep-rooted commitment to bespoke aluminum craftsmanship, was the ideal builder for such a vision. The company, maintaining a family-owned structure for decades, emphasizes building incredibly robust and safe vessels through its choice of aluminum as the primary construction material. The Bougainvillaea 62 exemplifies this ethos, featuring a hull, deck, and superstructure welded into a single, high-strength watertight structure, complemented by three welded, watertight aluminum bulkheads for unparalleled safety. The design also ingeniously creates integral water and fuel tanks below the sole, serving as a double-bottom construction. While the design initially started as a 60-footer for a Canadian client, it was later lengthened to 62 feet to match subsequent sisterships. An optional transferable water ballast system was also available to further enhance stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bougainvillaea 62 is engineered for impressive sailing capabilities, living up to its billing as an "off-shore, world-cruising yacht" with "truly exhilarating sailing speeds." Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.40 suggests a good balance for varying wind conditions, indicating solid performance in lighter airs without being overly sensitive in strong winds. The bulbed keel, with its low center of gravity and moderate draft of 6.92 feet, contributes significantly to superior roll damping, low induced drag, and tight pointing angles.

With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 32%, the yacht offers good stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind, while its Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 121 indicates a relatively lighter and more performance-oriented cruiser for its size. This design allows the boat to truly "fly" when the wind blows, with an efficient sailplan on slender, effectively stayed spars. Owners have reported achieving speeds into the low teens with appropriate reaching and running sails, and some have even documented consistent 200 nautical mile days, completing inter-island passages significantly faster than companion yachts. The relatively low rig and low center of gravity, coupled with minimal superstructure and high freeboard, contribute to the vessel's high stability, often making reefing less frequently required and ensuring a dry ride in most conditions. Designed for ease of handling by a couple or family, the Bougainvillaea 62 also features a totally enclosed pilothouse, enabling the crew to drive the boat without needing foul weather gear.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Kanter Bougainvillaea 62 is meticulously designed to be stylish, functional, and comfortable, with a high degree of customizability to meet owners' unique needs. The typical layout is well-suited for a couple traveling with family or friends, often featuring two double cabins, each with access to an en suite head. However, at least one example was built with a three-cabin interior to accommodate a family with children.

Central to the living space is a spacious main salon, offering a large and comfortable area for dining and lounging. The craftsmanship is evident in the beautifully crafted cabinetwork, available in materials like cherry, mahogany, or optional teak, complemented by a classic teak and holly cabin sole, all finished with six coats of varnish.

A distinguishing feature of the Bougainvillaea 62 is its totally enclosed, greenhouse-style pilothouse. This area serves as a sheltered helming position, complete with a chart table/nav station, a helm to starboard, and a comfortable U-shaped lounge or sea berth settee to port, offering excellent all-around visibility and protection from the elements. The cockpit, located aft of the doghouse that houses the pilothouse, is well-sheltered and spacious enough to comfortably seat up to eight people. Practical details include 12mm teak laid on the cockpit and side decks, installed without screws. Below decks, the hull design integrates significant storage, including a huge sail locker aft of the anchor locker, showcasing the designer and builder's commitment to maximizing volume and utility. Eight dorades ensure ample ventilation throughout the interior. The engine room is thoughtfully located aft of the main accommodations, accessible via a watertight door from the galley, and is fully insulated for superior sound dampening.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kanter Bougainvillaea 62 consistently praise its robust aluminum construction and the resulting sense of safety and durability. The custom-built nature and attention to detail, particularly in the joinery and the accessibility of systems, are frequently highlighted as indicators of its high quality. The yacht's ability to be sailed effectively by a shorthanded crew, including couples with limited prior offshore experience, underscores its well-thought-out sail plan and deck layout. The comfort and stability in various sea states, coupled with its notable speed and ability to cover long distances efficiently, are also recurring positive themes. Indeed, two of the four Bougainvillaea 62s built have successfully completed circumnavigations, a testament to their blue-water cruising capabilities and the confidence they instill in their owners.