Bowman 46 Corsair Information, Review, Specs

The Bowman 46 Corsair began production in 1972. During this period, Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. played a pivotal role in the marine industry by specializing in the lamination of high-quality fiberglass hulls and decks for various prestigious yacht builders. This made Tyler a foundational name in the material's adoption, allowing builders like Bowman to focus on fit-out and finishing while relying on Tyler's proven expertise in GRP construction. Production of the 46 Corsair, like other models utilizing Tyler hulls, likely concluded around 1978 when Tyler Boat Co. Ltd. ceased its boatbuilding operations.

Kim Holman, the designer, was known for creating seaworthy and robust yachts, a philosophy clearly embodied in the 46 Corsair. The model was offered in different configurations, most notably as a masthead sloop, but also as a yawl rig, which provided additional flexibility for sail handling, particularly in heavy weather. Furthermore, variations in keel design, including both a fixed fin keel and a keel/centerboard option, were available, catering to different sailing preferences and cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Bowman 46 Corsair is characterized by its heavy displacement, which contributes significantly to its stability and comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement of 23,500 lbs and a waterline length of 31.96 feet, her Displacement to Length ratio stands at approximately 321, indicating a substantial, traditional cruiser built to handle challenging conditions. Her Sail Area to Displacement ratio, around 14.05, suggests that while she possesses ample sail area for her displacement, she is not a light-air flyer and may benefit from motor-sailing in very light conditions.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio for the 46 Corsair is approximately 0.40 (9,300 lbs of ballast in a 23,500 lbs displacement), which is a commendable figure for stiffness and indicates a boat capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind. This contributes to a reassuringly stable ride, a highly valued trait for offshore voyaging. The boat's Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.81 further reinforces its suitability for offshore work, as values below 2.0 are often considered excellent for bluewater cruising. While designed for stability and comfort, some sources suggest a "slightly more speedy hull design," hinting at reasonable performance for a heavy cruiser of her type. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.58 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited detailed specifications for the interior, the Bowman 46 Corsair is known for a spacious and traditional layout, well-suited for extended cruising or liveaboard situations. Typically configured with a V-berth cabin forward, the interior is described as well-appointed and capable of accommodating up to five people, offering one private cabin in addition to the main salon area. Some versions, particularly those with a yawl rig, featured a center cockpit design, which often allows for a larger aft cabin and enhanced privacy. The generous beam of 12.92 feet contributes to a roomy interior, providing ample space for living, storage, and movement below deck.