Wauquiez Centurion 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Designed by Ed Dubois, the Centurion 47 was engineered to be a stiff, powerful upwind performer. With a displacement-to-length ratio that leans toward the "moderate" category for its era (approximately 15 tons displacement), the boat carries its weight low in a lead keel, providing excellent righting moment. According to historical design notes from the Wauquiez official history, the collaboration with Dubois was specifically intended to infuse the brand with contemporary naval architecture that prioritized speed without sacrificing the brand’s hallmark seaworthiness.

Under sail, the 47 is known for its "big ship" feel; it tracks exceptionally well due to a deep semi-skeg or spade rudder (depending on the specific build year) and a balanced hull form that resists rounding up in heavy gusts. The cockpit is laid out for efficiency, often featuring large primary winches positioned for the helmsman or crew to handle high-sheet loads. While the large overlapping genoa requires physical effort to tack, the boat’s momentum allows it to punch through heavy chop with minimal hobby-horsing. Owners frequently report that the vessel finds its "groove" at about 15 knots of apparent wind, where the Dubois-designed hull exhibits a remarkably stable motion.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Centurion 47 is a showcase of traditional French craftsmanship, dominated by hand-finished Burmese teak and robust joinery that is rarely seen in modern high-volume production boats. The layout was typically offered in two primary configurations: an "Owner’s version" and a three-cabin arrangement. In the Owner’s configuration, the forward section is dedicated to a sprawling V-berth with a private en-suite head and a separate vanity area. The three-cabin version splits the forward space or adjusts the aft quarters to accommodate additional guests or charter requirements.

The salon is characterized by a large U-shaped settee to port and a linear or L-shaped galley that provides secure bracing for offshore cooking. Because the 47 and the 49 are siblings, the internal volume is nearly identical, though the 49 offers slightly more storage in the lazarette area due to the extended transom. Ventilation is a high point of the design, with numerous opening ports and Lewmar deck hatches, though the low-profile coachroof does result in a slightly more "snug" feel compared to the high-volume "deck saloon" models that Wauquiez would later popularize.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Centurion 47 with a focus on high-ticket maintenance items typical of late-80s performance cruisers.

1. Teak Deck Longevity: Most Centurion 47s were delivered with thick teak side decks. Unlike modern vacuum-bonded decks, these were often fastened with screws. Over decades, the bungs can wear down, leading to water ingress into the balsa core of the deck. A professional moisture meter test is mandatory.
2. Rudder Bearing Wear: The large spade rudder on the 47 experiences significant torque. It is common to find play in the lower bearings, which can lead to a "thumping" sensation at the helm. Replacement of these bearings is a standard but labor-intensive refit item.
3. Chainplate Inspection: The 47 carries a powerful rig with high shroud loads. The stainless steel chainplates are robust, but they are recessed into the deck; any signs of weeping or rust streaks in the interior cabinetry near the chainplate knees should be investigated for crevice corrosion.
4. Engine Access: While the Perkins or Volvo Penta engines typically installed are reliable, access is primarily from the front (behind the companionway steps). Side access for servicing the heat exchanger or salt-water pump can be tight in certain interior configurations.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and historical documentation for this model is Wauquiez Forever, a non-profit association dedicated to the preservation of the brand’s heritage. The organization maintains archives of original brochures and technical drawings that are invaluable for owners performing structural refits. Additionally, the Wauquiez Owners Info technical wiki provides a repository of crowdsourced solutions for specific systems found on the Dubois-designed Centurions.

The Verdict

The Wauquiez Centurion 47 remains a premier choice for the offshore sailor who values aesthetic elegance and "bulletproof" construction over the interior volume of a modern wide-transom cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: Built during an era when Wauquiez prioritized material thickness and hand-finishing over production speed.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The Dubois lines are timeless, avoiding the "clunky" look of modern high-freeboard yachts.
• Bluewater Capability: A heavy-duty hull and rig capable of safe transoceanic passages in comfort.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensive: Aged teak decks and complex older systems require a dedicated maintenance budget.
• Limited Transom Access: Unlike the sibling Centurion 49, the 47’s reverse transom makes boarding from a dinghy or swimming more difficult.
• Heavy Steering: Without a modern oversized wheel or updated bearings, the helm can feel heavy in a blow.