Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48 (Dubois) Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48 is rooted in a tradition of excellence established by Henri Wauquiez in 1965, who envisioned vessels built for a lifetime of sailing with an emphasis on durability and quality. As part of Wauquiez's iconic Pilot Saloon series, first launched in 1991, the 48 model continued the evolution of the innovative deck saloon concept that "revolutionized the deck saloon concept".

Ed Dubois, a key partner for Wauquiez designs, contributed significantly to the Pilot Saloon models, including the 48, 13, 16]. Dubois's philosophy often blended performance with sophisticated cruising comfort, a hallmark evident in the Pilot Saloon 48's design. The vessel’s robust build quality reflects Wauquiez’s manufacturing ethos of the era, characterized by meticulous construction and the use of high-grade materials. While the primary model features a bulb keel with a draft of 7.05 feet and a ballast of 11,023 pounds, some variations, including a shoal keel option, were also available for the Pilot Saloon 48 series, offering flexibility for different cruising grounds. The Pilot Saloon 48 was offered with several interior layout configurations, including options for two, three, or four cabins.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48 is designed as an "ocean going" and "high performance cruiser". Her displacement to length ratio of approximately 243 suggests a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway and good carrying capacity for extended voyages. With a sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.42, she is well-balanced, offering respectable performance in a range of wind conditions without being overly tender in heavier air.

The ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 29.4% is on the lower side for a performance cruiser, suggesting that while stable, she might be less stiff initially than some heavier-ballasted designs. However, combined with her fin keel and spade rudder, this design contributes to her being both "swift and maneuverable" and "capable in challenging conditions". Owners frequently note that the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48 is easily "handled by a couple", making her an excellent choice for blue water cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48 is renowned for its voluminous and bright interior, a defining characteristic of the Pilot Saloon range. Upon descending the companionway, one is often struck by the "huge volume" created within the yacht. A key feature is the "Genuine Deck Saloon design" with large windows, providing panoramic 360-degree views from the saloon and allowing for abundant natural light to flood the living spaces.

Typical interior arrangements include a spacious master cabin located aft and a large VIP double cabin forward, with options for additional cabins, allowing for flexible layouts of two, three, or even four cabins. The yacht often features a well-appointed galley and ample storage, complementing its design for extended cruising. The overall finish quality reflects Wauquiez's reputation for "refined interiors" and a "high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail", with a focus on high-grade materials that contribute to both elegance and durability. A dedicated sail locker is typically found in the foc'sle on the forward deck, providing practical storage for sails and gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48 consistently laud its robust construction and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway, reinforcing Wauquiez's reputation for building solid, reliable vessels. The Pilot Saloon 48 has proven its long-haul capabilities, with at least one reported instance of a vessel completing a circumnavigation with its owner, underscoring its suitability and owner satisfaction for global cruising. The strong sense of community among Wauquiez owners, fostered by active forums and organizations, further highlights the enduring appeal and shared positive experiences of owning these distinctive yachts, 1].