Design and Construction
Wauquiez built the Centurion 48 S in vacuum-formed glassfibre, using vinylester/polyester resin around a closed-cell PVC foam core. This vacuum-bag technique was intended to avert sandwich-delamination problems, while producing a light, stiff hull with significant weight savings.
The first laminate layer is impact-resistant aramid. Two further layers of aramid cloth run from bow to keel for impact protection, while the bow itself is reinforced with four layers of Twaron. An Airex core is bonded to unidirectional and biaxial fabric skins, and multiple internal coating treatments guard against osmosis.
Resin-bonded hull stringers and spars form the structural framework, with no structural counter-moulds. At the spars, a solid-laminate omega runs from one side of the hull to the other. The bulkheads and furniture are bonded to the hull or deck, while aluminium floors beneath the sole are bonded to the internal framework.
The deck is also of sandwich construction. It is mated to the hull by a moulded overlap with mechanical fastenings. The fin keel has lead ballast with embedded keel bolts. The spade rudder has no skeg, and its stainless-steel rudder stock turns on self-aligning roller bearings.
Rig, Steering, and Performance
The Centurion 48 S carries a keel-stepped Sparcraft mast just over 20 metres tall, supported by triple swept-back spreaders and Navtec rod rigging. Its masthead rig includes a fully battened mainsail with 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 on either side of the helm. Lewmar 66ST winches farther forward handle the genoa, while all halyards remain at the mast. A two-way hydraulic power unit operates the split backstay, vang, and foresail forestay.
Whitlock steering with rod transmission gives a smooth helm, and the rudder responds quickly and precisely in reverse. Test sailors found the wheel light under heel thanks to balanced hull volumes. In medium winds, the boat’s preferred gait seemed to be upwind, although, like other medium-heavy-displacement yachts, she tends to sit in the stern without a spinnaker.
At cruising speed, the Centurion 48 S comfortably reaches 8 knots. At maximum rpm, she exceeds 9 knots, against a critical speed of 8.5.
Interior and Stowage
Wauquiez offered only one interior layout: three double cabins and two heads. The master stateroom fills the bow and includes a very large V-berth and a separate shower compartment. The two aft cabins are both en suite and sit beneath hatchways and opening portholes. The starboard cabin also has an overhead pilot berth.
The linear galley is well forward, abeam of the mast, and extends along both sides of the forward corridor. A 1997 review considered this position too far forward. The galley includes a gimballed four-burner cooker with oven, grill, and extractor fan.
In the saloon, the dinette combines a long L-shaped sofa with two swivel armchairs. Opposing benches at the charting station allow it to convert into an additional table. Standing headroom exceeds two metres almost everywhere.
Teak is the standard interior wood, although the test boat was finished in light maple. The standard of finish is excellent. Stowage includes a large bow sail locker, narrow and deep lockers beneath the humpback, and a transom-accessible compartment for the life raft.
Machinery and Cruising Equipment
A 75 hp engine with shaft transmission drives the 35,273 lb hull. The electrical system is neatly divided between 270 Ah of 24-volt service batteries and 200 Ah of 12-volt engine batteries, each bank having its own alternator and charger.
Abundant water and diesel capacity support extended cruising. Other ocean-oriented equipment includes a planked teak deck and a double bow roller carrying a 60 lb plough anchor with 60 metres of chain on an electric windlass. A foredeck locker accommodates a 2.4 m dinghy.
Known Issues
Weight carried forward brings some compromises. A tank in the bow penalizes pitching motion, while the location of the fuel tank in the bow is questionable.
The V-Drive transmission sends some vibration into the aft cabins at high rpm, and the engine compartment is somewhat compressed. Access to the aft lockers is awkward. The galley’s forward position also draws the cook away from the saloon.
The Verdict
The Centurion 48 S is a Dubois thoroughbred for sailors who want racer-cruiser pace without giving up comfort. Its light, stiff foam-sandwich hull, powerful masthead rig, and well-finished three-cabin interior make a persuasive combination. Forward tankage and vibration in the aft cabins are the price of the layout, but the boat’s build integrity and sea-kindly helm argue in the design’s favour.
Pros
- Vacuum-bagged foam sandwich with aramid impact layers and osmosis coatings
- Light, precise helm, strong upwind preference, and good control in reverse
- Well-finished three-cabin layout with abundant headroom and tankage
Cons
- Bow tank penalizes pitching; the fuel tank’s forward location is questionable
- V-Drive vibration in the aft cabins at high rpm and a compressed engine bay
- Galley is far forward, and access to the aft lockers is awkward
