Motiva 49 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Motiva 49 in 2002 continued Motiva Yachts' established tradition of meticulously constructing steel sailing vessels from their base in Lunderskov, Denmark. Designer Arne Borghegn, a pivotal figure in Motiva's design legacy, brought his expertise to the 49-foot model, aligning with the shipyard's foundational principle of building high-quality, long-lasting ships. Motiva Yachts has consistently distinguished itself by its dedication to steel construction, a material chosen for its inherent strength, safety, and suitability for extended offshore passages. The shipbuilding process at Motiva involves the careful construction of hulls, often featuring a round bilge and semi-long keel, elements that contribute significantly to enhanced stability and seakeeping. While the primary hulls were built by Motiva, the interiors of many Motiva yachts, including likely the 49, were expertly fitted out by the Tony Dahl Yard, also located in Lunderskov. This collaboration aimed to ensure a high standard of finish and thoughtful layouts, though it is noted that some hulls were also sold for owner-completed fit-outs, leading to potential variations in interior quality. There is no widely available information suggesting significant variations such as MkI/MkII versions or distinct rig types during the production run of the Motiva 49.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Motiva 49's design priorities are clearly reflected in its performance ratios, indicating a vessel built for comfort and stability rather than outright speed. With a displacement of 55,115 pounds and a waterline length of 39.7 feet, she possesses a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 392. This exceptionally high ratio categorizes her firmly as a heavy, traditional cruiser, suggesting a powerful and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway, though with slower acceleration and cruising speeds compared to lighter performance-oriented yachts. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 0.28, while seemingly modest, is complemented by the inherent stiffness and strength of her steel hull, contributing to a solid, stable platform.

The Motiva 49 features a ketch rig, which is generally regarded as easier to handle than a sloop rig on larger vessels due to its smaller, more manageable sail plan. This configuration allows for greater flexibility in sail trim and reefing options, contributing to comfortable and predictable sailing, especially for short-handed crews or during extended passages. Furthermore, the Motiva 49 boasts an impressive Comfort Ratio of 57.5 to 57.95, signifying an "extremely heavy bluewater boat" that is considered "more comfortable than 92% of all similar sailboat designs". This high comfort ratio underscores her ability to provide a smooth ride in adverse conditions. Her Capsize Screening Formula value, ranging from 1.50 to 1.59, reinforces her stability for offshore voyaging, as values below 2.0 are generally deemed suitable for ocean passages. While specific Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) figures are not readily available, her heavy displacement and ketch rig suggest she is well-powered for her intended purpose as a robust cruiser, prioritizing stability and ease of handling over light-air performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior diagrams and detailed descriptions for every Motiva 49 built are not widely published, the design philosophy of Motiva Yachts, particularly their collaboration with the Tony Dahl Yard for interior fit-outs, suggests a strong emphasis on robust construction and thoughtful layouts tailored for long-term living aboard. The shipyard's reputation points to interiors that are well-finished and designed for comfort during extended cruises. Given the vessel's substantial beam of 14.27 feet, the Motiva 49 likely offers generous interior volume, allowing for ample headroom, comfortable living spaces, and significant storage capacity. Typical layouts for bluewater cruising yachts of this size often include a spacious salon, a well-equipped galley, multiple cabins (such as a V-berth forward and one or more quarter berths or aft cabins), and at least one dedicated head compartment. The use of durable materials, often incorporating wood trim alongside fiberglass, would contribute to both the aesthetic appeal and the longevity of the interior. Owners seeking specific interior details would benefit from reviewing individual vessel listings, as the potential for owner-completed fit-outs means variations in finish quality and exact cabin configurations may exist.