Perry 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Perry 47 is defined by its balance. With a displacement-to-length ratio (D/L) of approximately 275 and a sail area-to-displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.58, the boat is categorized as a moderate-to-heavy cruiser that requires a decent breeze to truly wake up. Once moved, however, it is known for a remarkably "soft" motion in a seaway. The hull’s sharp entry is designed to slice through chop rather than pound over it, a characteristic frequently praised in owner testimonials found in Latitude 38.

Handling is predictable thanks to the skeg-hung rudder, which offers both protection and excellent tracking. Unlike many modern flat-bottomed cruisers, the Perry 47 stays on her lines even when pressed, though she prefers to be sailed at a moderate heel. The rig was most commonly delivered as a cutter or a ketch, with the cutter being the preferred choice for those seeking better upwind performance. The ketch rig, while adding complexity, offers an "easy gears" approach to sail handling, allowing the crew to maintain balance by dropping the mainsail and sailing under "jib and jigger" in heavy weather.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Typical of the "Taiwan Clipper" era, the Perry 47 features an interior dominated by high-quality, old-growth teak. The layout was most frequently a center-cockpit configuration, which allowed for a palatial master stateroom aft with a private head. The galley is generally located in the starboard or port walkthrough, providing a secure place for the cook to brace while underway. Headroom is generous throughout, often exceeding 6'4", catering to the American and European markets Perry was targeting.

Variations exist due to the semi-custom nature of Universal Marine's production. While the hull remained constant, some owners opted for a more open salon with a U-shaped settee, while others prioritized a larger navigation station for serious offshore work. The sibling models of this era—specifically the Cheoy Lee 48 and the later Stevens 47—share the same design DNA but often feature different deck moldings and cockpit arrangements. The Stevens 47, for instance, utilized a Sparkman & Stephens-inspired deck that was slightly more streamlined than the original Perry 47.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Perry 47 with a focus on structural and system aging common to Taiwan-built boats of the late 70s.

• Teak Decks: Many original models featured thick teak decks screwed into a balsa-cored fiberglass sub-deck. Over decades, these screws can allow moisture to penetrate the core. An inspection should prioritize "tapping out" the deck for delamination or using a moisture meter.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are often buried behind cabinetry. Given the boat's age, these should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion, a known "gotcha" for any blue-water veteran of this vintage.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were typically made of black iron (fuel) and stainless steel (water). If they are original, they are likely at the end of their lifespan and can be difficult to remove without cutting through the cabin sole.
• Rudder Skeg: While robust, the connection point of the skeg to the hull should be inspected for stress cracking or "osmotic" blistering, as this is a high-load area.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Robert Perry Design Facebook Group, where the designer himself frequently interacts with owners to provide original drawings and historical context. Additionally, the Robert Perry Fan Club and various "Good Old Boat" owner networks provide a wealth of knowledge on refitting these classic hulls.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and comfort in heavy weather.
• Exquisite teak joinery and a spacious, private aft cabin.
• A "forever boat" capability for those planning a circumnavigation.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements for exterior teak and aging systems.
• Moderate speed in light air due to a relatively heavy displacement.
• Access to tanks and plumbing can be restrictive due to the dense interior layout.