Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 Information, Review, Specs

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 entered production in 2006 and continued until 2012. This model was a product of collaboration between Wauquiez and renowned naval architects Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, with the interior styling expertly handled by Couëdel Hugon Design. The design brief for the Pilot Saloon 47 centered on creating a yacht optimized for comfortable blue water cruising, emphasizing the benefits of the pilot saloon concept. Robert H. Perry, a notable yacht designer, found the Wauquiez 47PS to be a "handsome boat" with unique styling touches.

During this production period, Wauquiez maintained its long-standing ethos of non-industrialized, small-series production, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in each vessel. The shipyard's commitment to durability and quality, evident in its solid fiberglass hulls and decks of earlier models, continued to influence the construction of the Pilot Saloon 47, which features a fiberglass hull with a balsa core, 2].

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 47.08 feet and a waterline length of 41.83 feet, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is designed for efficient performance. Its reported sail area of 1132 square feet combined with a displacement of 30,864 pounds yields a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.38. This ratio suggests that the Pilot Saloon 47 is well-powered, capable of performing ably in lighter winds while still maintaining stability in more robust conditions.

The yacht features a lead bulb keel and a spade rudder, contributing to its handling characteristics and stability. With a ballast of 8,931 pounds, the ballast to displacement ratio is approximately 0.289. While this ratio is moderate, the quality of construction and the concentrated weight of the lead keel contribute to its stiffness. The displacement to length ratio, at roughly 188.25, indicates that the Pilot Saloon 47 leans towards the lighter side for a cruising yacht of its size, suggesting a vessel designed for good performance and responsive handling rather than being a heavy displacement cruiser. Owners consistently describe the Pilot Saloon 47 as a strong-built vessel, capable of offshore blue water cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 is celebrated for its spacious and bright interiors, a signature characteristic of the Pilot Saloon range. The raised saloon features large windows, providing abundant natural light and panoramic views, enhancing the onboard living experience. The interior design, crafted by Couëdel Hugon Design, prioritizes refined finishes and high-grade materials, reflecting Wauquiez's commitment to luxury and comfort.

Typical layouts often include three guest cabins, with a significant emphasis on a large aft owner's cabin, providing privacy and ample space. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the pilot saloon design inherently offers a feeling of openness and volume throughout the main living areas. Wauquiez yachts are known for their sophisticated living spaces, offering an exceptional blend of elegance and onboard comfort suitable for serious sailing and long-distance cruising.