PH 41 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the PH 41 commenced in 1975, marking its entry into the vibrant sailing scene of the mid-1970s. The collaboration between Robert Perry and Stan Huntingford brought together significant design expertise. Robert Perry is widely recognized as one of the most influential yacht designers of the late 20th century, credited with numerous successful cruising yachts that ply the world's oceans. Stan Huntingford, a respected Canadian naval architect, was known for a prolific career that encompassed over 200 designs. Their combined vision for the PH 41 aimed to create a vessel capable of competitive performance in the IOR racing circuits of the time, without sacrificing the seaworthiness and comfort expected of a capable cruiser.

The builder, Philbrook's Boatyard, brought a rich legacy of marine excellence to the project. Established in the post-World War II era, Philbrook's had, by the 1970s, evolved into a premier full-service facility on Canada's West Coast. During this period, Philbrook's was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, intricate interior wood joinery, and a growing proficiency in fiberglass construction, having transitioned seamlessly from traditional wood to composite materials. This ethos of delivering exceptional quality and attention to detail would have been central to the construction of each PH 41, ensuring a robust and well-finished vessel that reflected the yard's strong reputation in custom yacht building and repair., 9, 14]

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 41 feet and a waterline length of 31.33 feet, the PH 41 was designed for impressive performance and a stable motion. She features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration typical of performance cruisers of her era, offering a good balance of lift and control.

The sailboat's design ratios provide insight into its likely sailing characteristics. A Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.57 suggests that the PH 41 is a relatively powerful boat for its displacement, indicating good performance in lighter air conditions while still being able to handle a breeze. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.465 is notably high, implying excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to significant wind without excessive heel. This substantial ballast contributes to a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway. Finally, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of roughly 239.5 places the PH 41 in the moderate to heavy displacement category. This suggests a capable and robust cruiser, built to handle offshore conditions rather than being a lightweight, twitchy racer. While designed as an IOR 2-tonner, these characteristics point to a boat that offers a solid and reassuring ride, capable of making good progress whether racing or cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the PH 41, while specific detailed layouts are not readily available, would have been configured to support its role as an offshore cruiser-racer. Boats of this class and era typically featured a functional layout designed for efficiency at sea and comfort at anchor. Essential amenities would include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that often convert to berths, a galley for meal preparation, and a dedicated head compartment. Storage would be ample to accommodate stores and gear for extended voyages.

Given Philbrook's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, the interior finish would likely have incorporated well-executed joinery and robust materials. The vessel carries a significant water capacity of 100 gallons and a fuel capacity of 45 gallons, underscoring its design for self-sufficiency and longer passages.