Centurion 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The influence of naval architect Ed Dubois is immediately apparent in the Centurion 47’s sailing dynamics. According to historical records from the Wauquiez shipyard, the hull was designed to provide a stiff, powerful platform that excels in upwind performance. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the moderate-to-heavy side, the boat possesses significant momentum, allowing it to punch through heavy chop without losing speed.

The yacht typically features a high-aspect masthead sloop or cutter rig, often equipped with triple spreaders. This provides a generous sail area that, when combined with its lead keel—available in both deep-draft and wing configurations—results in a high righting moment. Owners often report that the Centurion 47 "tracks like it’s on rails," a characteristic attributed to the balanced rudder and the fine entry of the bow. While the IOR-influenced pinched stern can lead to some rhythmic rolling when running dead downwind in large following seas, the boat remains remarkably predictable and controllable.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Centurion 47 is a showcase of Wauquiez’s legendary cabinetmaking. Built during an era when solid teak and high-quality veneers were the standard, the woodwork remains a primary selling point for the model today. The standard layout usually features a large owner’s cabin forward with an en-suite head, a spacious U-shaped galley to port, and a dedicated navigation station to starboard that would satisfy any professional offshore navigator.

Variations of the Centurion 47 are notable, particularly its evolution into the Centurion 49. The 49 is essentially the same hull and interior arrangement but features a factory-integrated "sugar scoop" transom, which adds waterline length and provides easier access to the water. Another sibling, the Centurion 48s, offered a slightly different deck profile and rig tuning. Inside, the 47 was offered in both a two-cabin "owner's" version and a three-cabin layout, the latter being more popular for families and charter operations, though the two-cabin version is highly sought after on the second-hand market for its expansive stowage and airier salon.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Centurion 47 has maintained a quiet but prestigious profile in nautical media. It is frequently cited in "Best Used Boat" roundups by publications like Cruising World and Yachting Monthly when discussing high-quality alternatives to Nautor Swan or Baltic Yachts. While it has not been the central "character" in a major motion picture, the model is a staple in the logs of long-distance cruisers; notably, several Centurion 47s have completed successful solo and double-handed transatlantic crossings, documented in various European sailing journals as examples of mid-sized yachts that bridge the gap between performance and safety.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Centurion 47 with a technical eye toward three specific areas common to Wauquiez builds of this vintage:

1. Teak Deck Integrity: Like many high-end yachts of the 1980s, the teak decks were often screw-fastened. After nearly 40 years, the balsa core beneath the teak is at risk of moisture intrusion if the caulking has failed. A thorough percussion test or moisture meter reading is essential.
2. Rod Rigging: Many Centurion 47s were delivered with Navtec rod rigging to maximize performance. If the rigging is original or older than 10-15 years, it requires professional dye-testing or, more likely, a complete replacement, which is a significant capital expense.
3. Osmotic Blistering: While Wauquiez hulls are robust, some units from the mid-80s have shown susceptibility to hull blistering. A haul-out for a hull survey is mandatory to check for moisture levels and previous repair work.
4. Chainplate Inspection: Given the high loads of the Dubois-designed rig, the stainless steel chainplates and their attachment points to the bulkheads should be inspected for crevice corrosion or signs of movement.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support and heritage information is Wauquiez Forever, a non-profit association founded by the Wauquiez family to preserve the history of the brand. This organization is the most reliable source for original brochures and technical specifications for the Centurion series. Additionally, the Wauquiez Owners Info site serves as a technical wiki where owners share specific modifications for the Ed Dubois models, including engine upgrades and sail plan optimizations.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 47 remains a quintessential choice for the sailor who refuses to compromise between aesthetic beauty and offshore capability. It is a "sailor’s boat" that rewards those who enjoy trimming sails and navigating challenging conditions, though it requires a higher maintenance budget than its mass-produced contemporaries.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-crafted joinery and robust fiberglass work that stands the test of time.
• Performance Pedigree: Ed Dubois naval architecture ensures high speeds and excellent windward ability.
• Timeless Aesthetics: A low-profile coachroof and elegant lines that remain modern decades after launch.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Teak decks and rod rigging are expensive systems to maintain or replace.
• Draft Limitations: The deep fin keel (approx. 8.5 feet) can limit access to shallower cruising grounds like the Bahamas.
• Aft Quarters: The IOR-inspired hull shape results in narrower aft cabins compared to modern wide-beam cruisers.