Passport 47 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Passport 47 in 1983 marked a significant offering from Passport Yachts, a company founded by Wendell Renken in 1979 with a focus on robust offshore sailing boats. While early Passport Yachts were predominantly built in Taiwanese facilities like the King Dragon and Hai Yang yards, the company established a strong reputation for build quality and offshore capability from its inception. The Passport 47 was notably designed by Robert Perry, a legendary figure in yacht design whose influence is also seen in other iconic Passport models like the Passport 40. Perry's design philosophy for the Passport 47 aimed to deliver a vessel that balanced performance with the comfort and stability essential for long-distance cruising. The meticulous craftsmanship associated with Passport Yachts during this era emphasized durable construction, a characteristic that remains a hallmark of their vessels, even as production later transitioned to China. The model offered notable variations, including both center and aft cockpit configurations, and was also available with a ketch rig, allowing owners to tailor the boat to their specific cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport 47 is designed to offer a balanced and stable sailing experience, particularly well-suited for offshore conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.23, she possesses a moderate amount of sail power relative to her weight, suggesting a boat that is not easily overpowered in strong winds but still capable of good performance across various conditions. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 257.3 places her firmly in the category of a moderate cruiser, indicating a substantial build that prioritizes comfort and stability over light-air speed.

The Passport 47's ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of roughly 35% contributes significantly to her stability and ability to stand up to a breeze, a respectable figure for a blue-water vessel. The cutter rig further enhances her offshore capability by dividing the sail plan into smaller, more manageable sails, which is advantageous when sailing in strong winds or when reefing. Owners frequently laud the Passport 47's solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, with its hull shape specifically designed to ensure a soft ride offshore. Her fin keel provides good upwind performance and control, while the skeg-hung rudder offers robust protection and reliable steering, crucial attributes for extended voyaging.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Passport 47 is celebrated for its spaciousness, thoughtful design, and high-quality joinery. Characterized by richly crafted solid Burmese teak staving, louvered locker doors, raised panel & frame cabin doors, and solid teak trim, the interior exudes a classic yacht aesthetic and offers a warm, inviting atmosphere.

While specific layouts can vary due to Passport's semi-custom building approach, typical arrangements feature comfortable V-berths forward, a spacious salon, a well-appointed galley, and often an owner's stateroom aft, particularly in center cockpit versions. Many configurations include large master and guest cabins, often with en-suite heads and showers, ensuring privacy and comfort for all on board. The design emphasis is on functionality and livability for extended periods, featuring practical elements such as poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments, a hallmark of Passport Yachts, often with signature front and top openings for efficient access. Storage is ample throughout the vessel, and robust ventilation is typically provided to maintain comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Passport 47 consistently praise the vessel for its solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and robust offshore capabilities. Many appreciate the thoughtful interiors and aesthetics, finding them well-suited for liveaboard cruising. The high degree of customization offered by Passport Yachts allowed many owners to have their vessels meticulously crafted to their specific needs, fostering a strong sense of pride and satisfaction. While specific common problems are not widely reported in a pervasive manner, owners generally commend the quality of fittings and overall durability, suggesting that well-maintained examples continue to offer reliable performance for blue-water adventures. The enduring appeal of the Passport 47 is a testament to its design and the builder's commitment to creating capable and luxurious cruising yachts.