New Orleans Marine 41 Information, Review, Specs

The New Orleans Marine 41 first entered production in 1982. The builder, New Orleans Marine, founded by B. Thomas Dreyfus, operated for a brief period in the 1980s, roughly from 1984 to 1987. During this era, New Orleans Marine focused on producing fiberglass sailboats that aligned with the prevailing trends of performance-oriented cruisers and racers. While details on the specific design philosophy for the New Orleans Marine 41 are not extensively documented, German Frers' reputation for designing fast, elegant, and well-balanced yachts suggests a focus on combining performance with seaworthiness. There is no readily available information indicating significant variations or different marks during her production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The New Orleans Marine 41 boasts a sail area to displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.37. This relatively high number indicates that the yacht is well-powered for her displacement, suggesting lively performance, especially in lighter winds. She is likely to accelerate quickly and maintain good speed in a range of conditions. Her displacement to length (D/L) ratio is around 178.73, placing her in the medium-light displacement category. This suggests a boat that is neither excessively heavy nor ultra-light, striking a balance that can be agile and responsive while still offering a reasonably comfortable motion offshore. The combination of a fin keel and spade rudder, as indicated by her design, typically translates to excellent maneuverability and a good feel at the helm, allowing for precise control and responsive steering. With a calculated hull speed of 7.9 knots, the New Orleans Marine 41 is capable of good speeds for a yacht of her length.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and finishes of the New Orleans Marine 41 is not widely available in public records or reviews. However, boats of this size and era, designed as performance cruisers, typically featured a conventional layout maximizing living space within the constraints of a performance hull. Such arrangements often included a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a navigation station, usually with an enclosed head. Given the generous beam of 12.5 feet, the salon would likely have offered comfortable seating and a sense of spaciousness. Without specific details on interior materials or head room, it can be inferred that builders like New Orleans Marine, focused on fiberglass construction in the 1980s, would have utilized a combination of molded fiberglass liners and potentially some wood trim for a functional and relatively easy-to-maintain interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Due to the limited production run and the short operational history of New Orleans Marine, comprehensive owner reviews and detailed discussions regarding common strengths or weaknesses of the New Orleans Marine 41 are not widely documented. As with many older fiberglass vessels, potential owners would typically consider the condition of the original systems, deck integrity, and engine maintenance, as these are common areas requiring attention on boats of this vintage.