Conser 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Conser 47 is defined by its extraordinary power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement of approximately 12,000 lbs and a sail area often exceeding 1,000 square feet, the boat features a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the low 30s—a figure typical of racing yachts rather than cruisers. This allows the vessel to "come alive" in light air where heavier production cats remain sluggish. According to editorial reviews in Multihulls World, later iterations like the 47E even explored electric propulsion to maintain this lightweight ethos.

On the water, the boat is known for its "levitating" sensation, frequently achieving speeds of 20 to 30 knots in favorable conditions. It utilizes twin daggerboards for superior upwind pointing and a rotating fractional rig that optimizes airflow across the mainsail. While the narrow hulls (with a length-to-beam ratio of approximately 13:1 to 16:1) provide exceptional hull speed, they necessitate careful load management. Handling is described as exceptionally responsive, though the low freeboard and narrow transoms require an active hand at the helm in heavy seas to prevent the bows from burying, a design choice intended to keep the sterns from being overpowered.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike modern cruising catamarans that utilize a massive bridge-deck cabin, the Conser 47 employs a more aerodynamic, low-slung bridge deck to minimize windage. The interior is divided primarily between the two hulls, with the bridge deck serving as a streamlined transition zone rather than a cavernous saloon. The layout typically features four private staterooms—two in each hull—with queen-sized berths that are often praised for their ventilation via opening portlights and overhead hatches.

Variants of the model include the original performance version and the later Conser 47E, which integrated early adoption of hybrid-electric systems. Some hulls were customized for charter service, most notably the "Paragon" series, which modified the deck layout for commercial day-sailing. A sibling model, the Conser 50, was occasionally produced as an extended version of the 47-foot hull, offering slightly more buoyancy in the transoms and increased waterline length for even higher theoretical top speeds.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Conser 47 maintains a "cult classic" status among the West Coast sailing elite. Its most visible representative is the catamaran Paragon, a fixture of the Maui charter fleet operated by Sail Maui, which has utilized the design for decades to provide high-speed snorkeling and sunset tours. Paragon II, a sister ship, famously held local speed records in Hawaii, reportedly peaking at 31 knots. The boat’s builder, John Conser, is also a noted figure in Latitude 38 archives, where he and his designs are frequently cited as part of the vanguard of performance multihull development in the United States.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Potential buyers should approach the Conser 47 with a technical eye toward its specialized construction and performance-first trade-offs:

• Bridge Deck Clearance: The bridge deck sits significantly lower to the water (approximately 24 inches) than modern blue-water cats. In short-period chop or heavy ocean swells, "slamming" can be pronounced, which may be fatiguing during long passages.
• Payload Sensitivity: These boats were built using advanced materials for the era, including vinylester resin, triaxial glass, and Corecell foam cores (with some custom units utilizing Carbon/Nomex). However, they have a very narrow "sweet spot" for weight; over-loading the boat with heavy cruising gear will significantly degrade its performance and safety margins.
• Deck and Core Integrity: Given the vacuum-bagged construction of the early 90s, buyers should inspect the deck and hull-to-deck joints for any signs of delamination or core rot, particularly around high-load areas like the daggerboard trunks and mast step.
• Rigging Loads: The powerful rotating rig puts immense stress on the standing rigging and chainplates. A thorough professional survey of the mast rotation bearings and stays is essential.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal international owners' association, the Conser 47 community is tightly knit around West Coast multihull hubs like Newport Beach and Maui. Technical data and historical build information are often preserved through the archives of John Conser’s various projects, including his work with the Warrior 29 and the Myer 44 racing catamaran.

The Verdict

The Conser 47 is a "pilot's boat"—a high-strung, incredibly fast catamaran that rewards skilled handling and disciplined weight management. It is not a coastal cottage, but rather a precision instrument for those who want to cover 300 miles in a day.

Pros

• Exceptional light-wind performance and top-end speeds exceeding 25 knots.
• Daggerboards provide superior windward ability compared to fixed-keel cats.
• High-quality vacuum-bagged construction with advanced composite materials.
• Distinctive, timeless aesthetic that stands out in any marina.

Cons

• Low bridge deck clearance can lead to uncomfortable slamming in certain sea states.
• Minimal payload capacity compared to modern 47-foot cruising catamarans.
• The narrow hulls offer less "living room" volume than competitors from Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot.
• The high-performance rig requires more active management and maintenance.