Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Centurion 49 is characterized by its powerful, high-aspect rig and a hull form that favors stability and tracking. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the performance-cruiser category, the boat is designed to handle offshore conditions with grace rather than slamming into head seas. The Ed Dubois influence is evident in the underwater profile, which features a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, providing the helm with a sensitive, responsive feel often compared to a much smaller racing yacht.
In light air, the 49’s generous sail area allows it to outpace many contemporary cruisers of the same weight class. However, it is in 15 to 25 knots of breeze where the hull truly settles into its groove. Anecdotal evidence from long-distance voyagers suggests the boat maintains a very comfortable motion on a reach, though its low freeboard can lead to a "wet" deck in heavy weather—a common trade-off for its aesthetic appeal. The cockpit layout is optimized for a full crew, yet the primary winches are positioned such that a seasoned couple can manage the yacht if they are proficient with sail handling.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Centurion 49 is a testament to the woodworking standards of the Wauquiez yard during its peak production years. Typically finished in rich Burmese teak or high-grade mahogany, the cabin provides a warmth and solidity that modern, production-line yachts often lack. The layout was primarily offered in a three-cabin configuration, featuring a massive owner’s suite aft with a centerline queen berth and private head, and two guest cabins forward.
A notable variation in the Centurion lineage is the relationship between the 49 and its predecessor, the Centurion 47. The 49 is effectively a "stretched" version of the 47, with the extra length often utilized to create a more integrated sugar-scoop transom, which greatly improves Mediterranean-style boarding and swimming access. Internally, some 49s were commissioned with a "charter" layout featuring four cabins, though these are rarer as the model was predominantly aimed at private owners. The salon is characterized by a large U-shaped settee and a proper forward-facing navigation station that reflects the boat's serious offshore intentions. Headroom is excellent throughout most of the vessel, though it tapers slightly as one moves into the forward V-berth areas.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Centurion 49 should approach the vessel with an understanding of its sophisticated construction and the maintenance requirements of its era.
- Teak Deck Integrity: Like many high-end yachts of the 1990s, the 49 featured thick teak decks often screwed into a balsa-cored subdeck. Buyers should meticulously inspect for soft spots or signs of water ingress around the screw bungs, as a full deck replacement on a boat of this scale is a significant capital expense.
- Keel Bolt Inspection: The 49 utilizes a deep keel with a high righting moment. It is critical to inspect the keel floors and the stainless steel keel bolts for any signs of "smile" cracks or weeping, which could indicate the need for re-torquing or sealant replacement.
- Rudder Bearings: Given the spade rudder design, the bearings are subject to considerable stress. Any "play" or vibration at the helm should be investigated, as these bearings may require replacement to maintain the yacht's signature steering precision.
- Porthole Sealing: The sleek, low-profile portlights are an iconic design feature but are known to develop leaks over decades of thermal expansion and contraction. Ensuring these have been re-bedded is a common maintenance task for this model.
Community & Resources
The Wauquiez community is highly active, centered largely around the Wauquiez Owners Association, which provides a repository of technical manuals and historical data for the Centurion range. Owners also frequently collaborate through regional European groups, where the 49 remains a popular entrant in offshore rallies and classic yacht regattas.
The Verdict
The Wauquiez Centurion 49 is an "iron fist in a velvet glove," offering a level of sailing performance that remains competitive today, wrapped in a classic, seaworthy design. While it requires more maintenance than a modern flat-bottomed cruiser, the reward is a yacht that tracks beautifully and commands respect in any harbor.
Pros:
- Exceptional Build Quality: Hand-laid fiberglass and superior interior joinery that stands the test of time.
- Timeless Aesthetics: The Dubois-designed flush deck remains one of the most beautiful profiles in yachting.
- True Performance: Capable of high average speeds on long passages with excellent pointing ability.
Cons:
- Maintenance Intensive: Extensive teak work and older systems require a dedicated upkeep budget.
- Wet Deck: The low freeboard and sleek lines result in more spray in the cockpit during heavy weather.
- Deep Draft: The performance keel may limit access to shallower cruising grounds and certain marinas.
