Serendipity 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Serendipity 43 was produced between 1979 and 1982, with approximately 26 units built. Although the builder, New Orleans Marine, is generally noted to have operated from 1984 to 1987, the Serendipity 43's production firmly places it within their earlier activities. The initial concept for this design began with "Wings," a custom build in 1979 using C-Flex over a plywood jig, from which a mold was subsequently made for the semi-production series. This method, along with the use of an advanced epoxy composite construction with airex-filled horizontal and vertical ribs, was considered progressive for its time.

Doug Peterson's design philosophy during this period heavily focused on optimizing yachts for the demanding IOR rating system, aiming for speed and competitive performance. The Serendipity 43 exemplifies this, achieving notable success with boats like "Acadia" winning the SORC series in 1980 and another design of the same class taking the overall victory in 1983. The model was offered in two main configurations: a flush-deck "racing" version, characterized by its sleek, uncluttered deck, and a "Racer/Cruiser" version that featured a low coach roof, a smaller cockpit, and cockpit coamings, appealing to those seeking a balance of performance and comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Serendipity 43 is primarily a performance-oriented masthead sloop designed for excellent sailing characteristics. With a length overall of 42.52 feet and a waterline length of 34.42 feet, combined with a relatively narrow beam of 12.96 feet, she boasts a hydrodynamic profile optimized for speed. Her deep fin keel, drawing 7.33 feet, and spade rudder contribute to strong upwind performance and responsive handling.

Analyzing its calculated performance ratios reveals its design intent:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 19.74: This indicates excellent light-air performance, suggesting the boat can move efficiently in lighter winds.
• Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of approximately 0.522: With a substantial 9300 lbs of lead ballast in a total displacement of 17800 lbs, this ratio points to a very stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heeling.
• Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of approximately 194.75: This places the Serendipity 43 in the light to moderate displacement category, aligning with its performance-cruiser designation. It suggests a boat that is relatively light for its length, contributing to its speed potential.

Owners and reviewers often praise the Serendipity 43 for its "spacious accommodations and excellent seakeeping," suggesting it maintains a comfortable motion even in challenging conditions. Its generous sail plan is frequently cited as a factor in its "excellent light-air performance." The fin keel provides "splendid maneuverability," a characteristic valued in both racing and cruising scenarios.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications are not extensively documented in public search results, the Serendipity 43 is noted for offering "spacious accommodations" within its performance-oriented hull. The boat provides a maximum headroom of 6.5 feet, offering comfortable standing room for most individuals.

For the Racer/Cruiser version, typical layouts include a forepeak, an aft-pilot cabin, and a main salon that integrates a galley and a navigation station. Anecdotal evidence suggests interiors may feature brightwork, hinting at the use of wood trim, which would contribute to a classic marine finish. Specific details regarding storage capacity, ventilation, and the variety of materials used beyond general fiberglass construction would require more in-depth reviews of individual vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Serendipity 43 frequently engage in discussions online, particularly within sailing forums where topics like PHRF ratings are common. These discussions often highlight the boat's enduring appeal as a capable performance cruiser. Many owners appreciate its robust build quality and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway. The Serendipity 43's design, rooted in a highly successful IOR racing pedigree, means that owners often praise its responsive handling and ability to perform well across a range of wind conditions. Resources like owner-maintained blogs are cited as valuable hubs for information and community among Serendipity 43 owners.