Mason 63 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Mason 63 lies in the rich design legacy of Al Mason, a designer celebrated for over 55 years of experience in crafting vessels specifically for the open sea. His philosophy centered on creating yachts known for their superb craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and remarkable seaworthiness. The Mason 63, an evolution within the esteemed Mason series, benefits from this pedigree, aiming to provide a capable and comfortable cruising experience.

Its construction by Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd. further solidifies its reputation. Ta Shing, established in 1978 and known for its unwavering commitment to hand-crafted quality and robust construction, employed solid fiberglass for the hull of the Mason 63. During the era of the Mason 63's production, Ta Shing was already highly regarded for its meticulous craftsmanship, using premium woods and hand-joined cabinetry, ensuring both longevity and aesthetic excellence. The Mason 63 was launched in 1988, continuing Ta Shing's tradition of building high-quality, semi-custom yachts for discerning owners. While primarily rigged as a staysail ketch, a configuration generally favored for its ease of handling and flexible sail plan, the Mason 63 was also offered with a cutter rig option, allowing owners to tailor the vessel to their specific cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mason 63 is characterized by its heavy displacement and long keel hull type, attributes that contribute significantly to its "sea-kindly" motion and exceptional stability. With a displacement of 64,400 lbs and a waterline length of 46.67 feet, it has a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 283, firmly placing it in the category of a heavy displacement cruiser. This translates to a comfortable ride in challenging conditions, prioritizing stability and robust performance over light-air speed.

The sail plan, with a total calculated sail area of 1271.16 sq ft (or 1592 sq ft reported sail area), results in a conservative sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.87 (using reported sail area). This suggests that while not designed as a racing yacht, the Mason 63 is sufficiently powered for its intended purpose, particularly favoring heavy-air performance and ease of handling. The ketch rig, featuring multiple smaller sails, is inherently easier to manage than larger, single-plane rigs, allowing for greater versatility in sail configuration and reefing, which is a significant advantage for long-distance cruising. The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 23.3% is lower than some performance-oriented monohulls, but in a heavy, long-keel design, the distribution of the substantial lead ballast within the deep, full-bodied hull contributes effectively to its renowned stability and ability to stand up to a blow. Its hull speed is calculated at 9.15 knots, and with a capsize screening formula result of 1.65, it is well-suited for ocean passages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Mason 63 is designed to offer expansive and comfortable living spaces suitable for extended periods aboard. While specific headroom dimensions are not readily available, the vessel's substantial beam of 16.5 feet and generous overall volume suggest a spacious and airy environment. Typical layouts for yachts of this caliber from Ta Shing feature a luxurious use of premium woods and hand-joined cabinetry, reflecting the builder's commitment to high-quality finishes and enduring aesthetics. The general arrangement includes multiple staterooms, often with a dedicated forward stateroom, a well-appointed galley for offshore provisioning, and spacious saloon areas. The accommodations generally extend all the way to the stern, maximizing living space within the hull. Owners can expect ample storage throughout the vessel, a crucial aspect for bluewater cruising, complemented by effective ventilation systems designed for comfort in various climates.