Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 43 was in production from 1999 to 2004. During this era, Wauquiez, founded by Henri Wauquiez, maintained its core philosophy of building "extraordinary boats," emphasizing durability, quality, and an unwavering commitment to the owner's experience through small-series production and high craftsmanship. Renowned naval architect Ed Dubois, a key partner for Wauquiez on several Pilot Saloon models, was responsible for the 43's design. His approach for the Pilot Saloon line aimed to achieve sleek, racy profiles while meticulously keeping the center of gravity low, enhancing both performance and stability. The hull of the Pilot Saloon 43 is notably hand-laminated and reinforced with Kevlar, underscoring its robust construction intended for serious offshore sailing. A significant variation offered during its production run was a shoal draft version, featuring a draught of 5.75 feet (1.75 meters) and a ballast of 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs), providing flexibility for cruising in shallower waters compared to the standard 6.89 feet (2.1 meters) draft and 9,921 lbs (4,500 kg) ballast.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 43 is generally described as a very well-built sailing yacht with good sailing characteristics. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.08 suggests that it is more of a solid, comfortable cruiser than a light-air speedster. This moderate sail area relative to its displacement prioritizes stability and ease of handling, rather than emphasizing extreme performance in very light wind conditions.

With a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.36, the Pilot Saloon 43 indicates a solid and stable platform. While not exceptionally high, this ratio suggests good initial stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heel, which contributes to a more comfortable motion, particularly during offshore passages.

The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 276.4 places the Pilot Saloon 43 in the category of a moderately heavy displacement cruiser. This design characteristic contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for longer voyages, and implies a vessel that will carry its way well through waves rather than being easily buffeted.

Accommodations and Layout

A defining feature of the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 43 is its bright and cozy deck saloon, characterized by an elevated floor that provides a panoramic 360° view from the dinette. This design maximizes natural light throughout the interior and incorporates an internal navigation station, allowing for sheltered watch-keeping and passage planning regardless of weather conditions. The layout typically includes a spacious owner's cabin located aft, spanning the entire beam of the boat, offering a luxurious and private retreat. Additionally, the interior generally features two further cabins forward, providing ample accommodation for guests or family. While specific details on the finish quality for the 43 are limited, Wauquiez yachts are renowned for their refined interiors, often featuring high-grade materials and meticulous craftsmanship, aligning with the builder's overall design philosophy.