Voyager 480 (Passport) Information, Review, Specs

The Passport Voyager 480 began production in 2016, marking its place as a more recent addition to the acclaimed Passport lineup. In line with Passport Yachts' overarching design philosophy, the Voyager 480 was conceived to offer an exceptional long-distance cruising experience, emphasizing ease of handling and safety for those undertaking significant passages. This focus aligns with Passport's builder ethos during this era, which prioritizes semi-custom luxury cruising sailboats for discerning owners who demand the highest standards in quality and offshore capability. While every Passport yacht benefits from meticulous craftsmanship, owners have the option to customize interior plans, ensuring a bespoke vessel tailored to individual preferences. The Voyager 480 is also available with a shoal draft option of 5.58 feet, in addition to its standard 6.5-foot draft, and a tall rig version offering a reported sail area of 1,379 sq ft for enhanced performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport Voyager 480 is designed to be a balanced and capable offshore performer. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.53, she suggests a moderate to good performance profile in lighter airs, while still being substantial enough for comfort in more demanding conditions. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 36% indicates a respectable level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze, though perhaps exhibiting a slightly more tender feel than boats with significantly higher ratios. With a displacement-to-length ratio around 201.76, the Voyager 480 falls into the moderate displacement category, indicating a yacht that balances speed with load-carrying capacity and a comfortable motion. This combination of design characteristics ensures that the Voyager 480 is not only capable of covering significant distances but also offers a sailing experience that is both manageable and confidence-inspiring for extended cruising. The overall design focus has been to offer a yacht that can be "easily and safely sailed" by experienced mariners.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details of each Passport Voyager 480 are subject to the semi-custom build process, the yacht is known for its intelligently designed interiors and high-quality finishes. Typical layouts for a vessel of this size would include multiple cabins, such as a comfortable V-berth forward, a spacious main salon, a well-appointed galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Passport Yachts is known for incorporating practical and luxurious elements, such as poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments, often featuring convenient front and top openings. The emphasis on customizability extends to features like LED cabin lights with dimmers, allowing owners to tailor the ambiance of their living spaces. Interior materials generally reflect Passport's commitment to premium quality, often incorporating fine wood trims and durable surfaces that stand up to the rigors of offshore life while maintaining an inviting aesthetic. Overall, the interior of the Voyager 480 is crafted to provide a comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment for long-term living aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Passport Yachts fosters a strong and engaged community of owners, who frequently share their experiences and even contribute valuable feedback that can influence future designs. This collaborative relationship between the builder and its clientele underscores Passport's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of discerning cruising enthusiasts. Owners consistently praise the brand's commitment to quality construction and the bespoke nature of each yacht, which is evident in the detailed craftsmanship and the ability to customize vessels to their exact specifications.