Kaufman 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Kaufman 47 is celebrated for its balanced helm and "powerful" feel under sail. With a Displacement-to-Length ratio (D/L) typically falling in the moderate range of approximately 220 and a Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio (SA/D) around 17, the boat is optimized for a wide range of conditions. While many IOR-influenced designs of this era suffer from "squirrelly" behavior when running downwind due to pinched sterns, Scott Kaufman’s design utilized a more moderate hull form that provides greater stability and tracking.

Under sail, the boat is known to be exceptionally weatherly. The fin keel and deep spade rudder allow for tight tacking angles, often outperforming modern cruising boats of similar length. Editorial reviews in publications such as Cruising World have historically highlighted the model's ability to maintain high average speeds in offshore conditions, noting that it "powerfully carves through head seas" without the pounding associated with flatter-bottomed designs. The cutter rig configuration, frequently found on these hulls, provides versatile sail-handling options, allowing the yacht to be easily depowered by furling the headsail and setting a staysail when the breeze freshens.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Kaufman 47 reflects the era’s commitment to "Old World" craftsmanship, featuring extensive use of solid teak and high-quality veneers. Most layouts follow a traditional three-cabin configuration. The forward V-berth is usually followed by a guest cabin with bunk beds or a double, while the master stateroom is located aft. Because many of these yachts were semi-custom, variations exist, including some versions with a larger navigation station or different galley orientations.

The main salon is typically characterized by a U-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, providing ample seating for a full crew. Headroom is generous, often exceeding 6'4" in the main cabin, which prevents the "closed-in" feeling common in performance-oriented hulls. The galley is designed for use at sea, usually featuring deep double sinks and a high-degree of "wrap-around" security for the cook. Sibling models of the 47 include the Kaufman 46, which features a slightly shorter waterline, and the later Kaufman 49, which utilized a similar hull form but offered an extended transom for integrated swim platforms and increased storage.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Kaufman 47 does not have a "movie star" status, it is a frequent name in offshore racing and cruising history. Scott Kaufman's designs, including the 47, gained a cultural footprint in the late 20th century as the preferred choice for yachtsmen transitioning from racing to fast-latitude cruising. The model is a staple in the archives of the New York Yacht Club and similar high-performance cruising communities, often cited as a benchmark for the "modern classic" aesthetic that bridges the gap between 1970s IOR racers and 1990s luxury cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Kaufman 47 with a technical eye toward its Taiwanese construction origins and its age.

• Chainplates: The original stainless steel chainplates are often glassed into the hull or hidden behind cabinetry. Given their age, these are high-priority inspection items for crevice corrosion.
• Deck Core: Like many yachts of the 1980s, the Kaufman 47 uses a balsa-cored deck. Moisture ingress around stanchion bases or windlass mounts can lead to delamination, requiring expensive "peel and replace" repairs.
• Gate Valves: Many Taiwan-built boats of this era originally utilized gate valves rather than modern seacocks. These should be replaced immediately if still present, as they are prone to internal failure.
• Rudder Bearing: The deep spade rudder can put significant stress on the bearings. Check for play in the steering and any signs of "weeping" around the rudder post seal.

Community & Resources

Support for the Kaufman 47 is largely decentralized but remains active among owners of Scott Kaufman designs. Technical data and historical brochures can often be sourced through the designer's legacy network, and owners frequently congregate in high-performance cruising forums to share refit data. For those seeking technical specifications or original design intent, the Sparkman & Stephens archives sometimes hold peripheral data, as Scott Kaufman spent formative years with that firm before launching his own successful studio.

The Verdict

The Kaufman 47 is an uncompromising performance cruiser for the sailor who values speed and elegance over maximum interior volume. It remains a top-tier choice for offshore enthusiasts who want a boat that can "shave days off a passage."

Pros:

• Excellent windward performance and heavy-weather tracking.
• Exquisite interior joinery and classic aesthetic appeal.
• Robust construction capable of serious bluewater voyaging.

Cons:

• Maintenance-heavy due to extensive teak and older mechanical systems.
• IOR-influenced hull design can be narrower than modern cruisers.
• Complexity of the cutter/performance rig may require more crew effort than simpler sloops.