Valiant 47 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Valiant 47 commenced in 1981 and continued until 1992. She was built by Uniflite Inc., a company with a significant history in fiberglass boat production, known for its durable construction and pioneering use of fire-retardant resins. During the era of the Valiant 47's production, Uniflite had established a strong reputation, also serving the U.S. Navy for two decades, which spoke to the robustness of their build quality. However, Uniflite's later models, including the Valiant line, faced a challenge with widespread hull blistering due to a change in resin suppliers after 1975, a factor that potential owners of these boats might consider, 4].

Robert Perry's design philosophy for the Valiant 47 focused on creating a vessel capable of safe and predictable sailing, with owners praising her fine balance and good manners in a seaway. Perry himself favored the 47's sharp entry, a design characteristic contributing to its performance. A notable evolution of the design occurred in 1994 when the Valiant 47 was re-introduced as the Valiant 50, featuring a bowsprit and a mast moved further forward.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Valiant 47 is characterized by a displacement of 30,000 lbs and a length overall of 47.0 feet, with a waterline length of 40.0 feet. Her calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 16.68 suggests a moderate performer, capable of handling varying wind conditions with reliability, rather than prioritizing extreme light-air speed. With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.366, the Valiant 47 exhibits good stability, allowing her to stand up to a decent amount of wind. Her Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 209.2 places her firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, striking a balance between swiftness and seaworthiness.

Experienced yachtsmen have noted the Valiant 47's lively performance for a cruising boat, a hallmark of Robert Perry's designs. The cutter rig, a standard feature, is particularly well-suited for offshore sailing, breaking the total sail area into smaller, more easily managed sails. This design choice enhances the boat's versatility and control in diverse sea states, contributing to its reputation for safe and predictable handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom information is not consistently available, the interior of the Valiant 47 is typically configured for comfortable extended cruising. Descriptions frequently highlight a tri-cabin layout, which can include large forward and aft staterooms, often with ensuite heads, alongside a spacious central salon. Interior arrangements can vary to some extent based on owner preferences, but commonly feature a V-berth in the forward cabin and typically two or three cabins and one or two heads in total. The interior aesthetic often incorporates wooden paneling, contributing to a cozy cabin environment, and skylights enhance natural light below deck. Valiant Yachts also offered semi-custom interior designs, utilizing high-quality materials to finish their vessels.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Valiant 47s frequently laud the vessel's offshore capabilities, appreciating its robust build and the secure feeling it instills in challenging conditions. The "fine balance, good manners" and "lively performance for a cruising boat" are commonly cited strengths. Many owners value the practical cutter rig for its ease of handling, especially during longer passages.

However, a recurring point of discussion among owners of Valiant sailboats from this era, including the 47, is the potential for hull blistering due to osmosis. This issue stems from the change in fire-retardant resin supplier utilized by Uniflite after 1975. While owners have developed strategies to manage or address this, it remains a common consideration when evaluating older Valiant models. Despite this, the enduring presence of these vessels in the secondhand market and their continued use in serious cruising speaks to the overall quality and fundamental soundness of the Valiant 47 design.