Design and Construction
Wauquiez built the Centurion 48 S as a sandwich model using vacuum-formed glassfibre with vinylester/polyester resin enclosing closed-cell PVC foam, a method that keeps the hull light and stiff while allowing significant weight savings vacuum bag technique to avert problems of sandwich delamination. The first laminate layer is impact-resistant aramid, and two layers of aramid cloth run from bow to keel for impact-proofing, while the bow itself is doubled with four layers of Twaron. An Airex core is bonded to unidirectional and biaxial fabric skins, and multiple internal coating treatments guard against osmosis. Structurally, resin-bonded hull stringers and spars form the framework with no structural counter-molds, and a solid laminate omega spans broadside to broadside at the spars. Bulkheads and furniture are bonded to hull or deck, with aluminium floors bonded to the internal framework under the sole. The deck is also sandwich construction, mated to the hull by a moulded overlap with mechanical fastenings, and the rudder stock is stainless steel on self-aligning roller bearings beneath a spade rudder with no skeg. Keel bolts are embedded in the lead ballast of the fin keel.
Rig and Handling
The 48 S carries a keel-stepped Sparcraft mast of just over 20 metres, supported by triple swept-back spreaders and Navtec rod rigging, with a masthead rig bearing a fully battened mainsail, three reef points, and a 150 percent genoa. A symmetrical spinnaker of roughly 2,065 square feet is available. The German mainsheet system splits to Lewmar 48ST winches either side of the helm, while Lewmar 66ST winches forward handle the genoa, and all halyards remain at the mast. A two-way hydraulic power unit controls split backstay, vang, and the foresail forestay. Whitlock steering with rod transmission gives a smooth helm, and the boat shows quick, precise rudder response in reverse. Test sailors found the wheel light under heel thanks to balanced hull volumes, and in medium winds her preferred gait seemed to be upwind, though like other medium-heavy displacements she tends to sit in the stern without a spinnaker tends to sit in the stern without spi. At cruising speed she comfortably reaches 8 knots and exceeds 9 at maximum rpm against a critical speed of 8.5.
Accommodations
There is only one interior layout: three double cabins and two heads. The master stateroom occupies the bow with a very large V-bed and a separate shower compartment, while twin aft cabins — both en suite, the starboard one adding an overhead pilot berth — sit under hatchways and opening portholes. The linear galley is set well forward abeam the mast and developed along both sides of the fore corridor, a placement the 1997 review noted as too far forward; it holds a gimbal four-burner cooker with oven, grill, and extractor fan. The dinette pairs a long L-sofa with two swivel armchairs, and a charting station with opposing benches converts to an extra table. Standing headroom exceeds two metres nearly everywhere. Teak is the standard wood, though the test boat showed light maple; the finish is excellent. A large bow sail locker and narrow deep lockers under the humpback complement a transom-accessible raft compartment.
Known Issues
A tank in the bow penalizes pitching motion, and the fuel tank's bow location is questionable — both stem from weight carried forward. The V-Drive transmission sends some vibration to the aft cabins at high rpm, and the engine compartment is somewhat compressed. Access to the aft lockers is awkward, and the galley's forward position draws the cook away from the saloon.
Refits and Ownership
The electrical system splits cleanly: 270 Ah of 24-volt service batteries and 200 Ah of 12-volt engine batteries, each with its own alternator and charger. A 75 hp engine with shaft transmission moves the 35,273 lb hull, and abundant water and diesel capacity support extended cruising. The planked teak deck, double bow roller with 60 lb plough and 60 metres of chain on an electric windlass, and foredeck locker for a 2.4 m dinghy speak to a boat specified for ocean use.
The Verdict
The Centurion 48 S is a Dubois thoroughbred that rewards the sailor who wants racer-cruiser pace without surrendering comfort: a light, stiff foam hull, a powerful masthead rig, and a single well-finished three-cabin interior. Forward tankage and aft-cabin vibration are the price of her layout, but the build integrity and sea-kindly helm argue for the design.
Pros
- Vacuum-bag foam sandwich with aramid impact layers and osmosis coatings
- Light, precise helm with strong upwind preference and reverse control
- Single high-finish three-cabin layout with abundant headroom and tankage
Cons
- Bow tank and fuel location penalize pitching and raise questions
- V-Drive vibration in aft cabins at high rpm; compressed engine bay
- Galley far forward; awkward aft-locker access
