Valiant 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Valiant 47 is often described by its designer as a "hot rod" compared to its contemporaries. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 205 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 17.6, the vessel sits firmly in the moderate-displacement category, avoiding the sluggishness of traditional heavy cruisers. The hull features a modified fin keel with a cutaway forefoot and a deep, skeg-hung rudder, a combination that provides a remarkable balance between tracking stability and maneuverability.

On the water, the 47 is noted for its ability to maintain high average speeds in a variety of conditions. In his own reflections on the design, Perry noted that the 47 was intended to be faster and more "lively" than the 40. According to Valiant Yachts, the cutter-rigged sail plan allows for easy sail handling by a couple, with the mast positioned far enough aft to provide a large, efficient foretriangle. Owners frequently report that the boat feels powerful in heavy air, remaining controllable even in gusts of 30 knots or more, while the flatter bilge curve compared to the Valiant 40 helps the boat stay on its feet and accelerate out of tacks.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Valiant 47 is defined by a traditional seafaring aesthetic, dominated by high-quality teak joinery and a layout optimized for life at sea. Because many units were semi-customized at the Texas factory, configurations can vary, but most feature a two- or three-cabin layout. The galley is almost universally a secure, U-shaped configuration located near the companionway, providing a safe workspace for the cook while underway.

A notable variation in the 47 is the choice between a center or offset companionway, which significantly alters the flow of the salon and the accessibility of the aft quarters. Headroom is generous throughout, typically exceeding 6'4" in the main salon. In later models built in Texas, the interior took on a more "overbuilt" feel, with increased attention to structural bonding and cabinet security. The transition to the Valiant 50 in 1993 introduced even more flexibility, allowing owners to customize the placement of hatches and portlights, but the core 47 remains highly regarded for its ergonomic "working" interior that prioritizes handholds and sea-berths over open-concept aesthetics.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Valiant 47 holds a prestigious place in the history of short-handed ocean racing. Perhaps its most famous appearance was in the 1986-87 BOC Challenge (now the Velux 5 Oceans Race), where Mark Schrader campaigned a stock Valiant 47 named Lone Star. According to Practical Sailor, Lone Star was the only vessel in the fleet to complete the grueling solo circumnavigation without stopping for major repairs, a testament to the design's structural integrity.

The model was also the choice for Bill Pinkney’s historic solo circumnavigation. Sailing a Valiant 47 named Commitment, Pinkney became the first African-American to sail around the world via the five Great Capes. These high-profile voyages cemented the 47’s reputation as a "bulletproof" passage-maker capable of handling the most extreme conditions on the planet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Resin Blistering (Bellingham Models): For boats built between 1981 and early 1984 at the Uniflite facility, the use of "Hetron" fire-retardant resin is a critical concern. This resin is known to cause pervasive hull blistering that is difficult and expensive to remediate. Buyers should prioritize Texas-built hulls (post-1984) or ensure a Bellingham boat has had a professional peel and epoxy bottom treatment.
• Keel Attachment: Some owners have reported the need to re-bed the external lead keel as the original sealant (often 3M 5200) ages. Inspection of the keel-to-hull joint for "smiles" or weeping is essential during a survey.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The 47 often features large, glassed-in stainless steel or aluminum tanks. If these tanks develop leaks due to internal corrosion, replacement is an invasive process that may require cutting into the cabin sole or furniture.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the age and high mileage of many 47s, the skeg-hung rudder should be checked for play in the lower bearing. Wear here can lead to vibration and increased helm effort.

Community & Resources

The Valiant owner community is exceptionally active, reflecting the brand’s cult-like following. The most prominent resource is the Valiant Owners Group, which maintains a technical wiki and forum where owners share detailed maintenance logs for the 40, 47, and 50 models. Technical support is also often available through the archives of Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers, as the architect remains a vocal advocate for the fleet.

The Verdict

The Valiant 47 is a "sailor’s sailboat" that sacrifices modern dockside luxury for world-class offshore security and speed.

Pros:

• Exceptional heavy-weather tracking and stability.
• Proven racing pedigree with multiple successful circumnavigations.
• Robust, high-quality construction (especially Texas-built units).
• Seaworthy interior layout with excellent storage for long-range cruising.

Cons:

• Risk of serious blistering on early Bellingham-built hulls.
• Invasive and costly tank replacement if failures occur.
• Heavier helm feel compared to modern spade-rudder designs.
• Relatively high price point in the used market due to brand reputation.