Design and Construction
Berret-Racoupeau laid down a powerful hull intended to tackle the most demanding sailing conditions, and the numbers behind it explain why the boat carries conviction offshore. At 48.5 feet overall with a 41.8-foot waterline, a 15.1-foot beam, and roughly 30,900 pounds of displacement balanced by 8,600 pounds of iron ballast, the 48-2 sits in a narrow band of capable bluewater cruisers. Cruising World called her a perfect bluewater cruiser and the essence of the builder’s craft a perfect blue water cruiser. The sleek coachroof lines give a stylish, luxurious look while affording excellent forward visibility, and the uncluttered deck — achieved through flush hatches and sail controls led aft — reinforces the thoroughbred style the editors noted. Modern Wauquiez method uses infused fiberglass with a balsa core in both hull and deck for rigidity, a step beyond the solid hand-layup hulls of earlier generations.
Rig and Handling
A fractional sloop rig with about 1,098 square feet of sail area drives the 48-2, and the deck plan keeps everything manageable for a small crew. Control lines lead back to the cockpit so maneuvers stay centralized, and an optional self-tacking track can be integrated for simplified short-handed work. The helm station gathers the assistance needed for single-handed sailing, with oversized winches mounted right at the wheel, and the builder describes the layout as maintaining direct control over information during maneuvers. Under sail the hull is stiff and performs well at all speeds, a flat claim from the manufacturer that matches the boat’s ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 28 percent. A spade rudder and bulb keel (standard draft about 6.9 feet, with shorter and deeper options documented) give the 48-2 predictable manners in close quarters and offshore.
Accommodations
Life aboard centers on the pilot saloon concept, where interior and exterior spaces blend seamlessly. Cabins and living areas are bathed in light and offer generous volumes for the whole crew, a deliberate departure from the cave-like saloons of older designs. The cockpit continues that theme: designed by Wauquiez craftsmen to be practical, safe, and comfortable, it converts the transom into a swim platform and gives easy access to a tender garage. A 36-litre refrigerator and optional adjustable ambient lighting turn the cockpit into a convivial open-air lounge, while the coachroof’s sightlines keep the helm connected to the horizon.
Equipment and Deck Details
Beyond the rig, the 48-2’s equipment list reflects its small-crew cruising brief. The helm consolidates autopilot-style assistance without surrendering manual command, and the flush hatches remove tripping points from the foredeck. A single 110-horsepower Yanmar diesel provides propulsion, ample for a boat of this displacement to make harbor in calm or charge batteries under load.
The Verdict
The Pilot Saloon 48-2 is a thoughtfully evolved bluewater cruiser that balances Wauquiez’s structural pedigree with a bright, social pilot-saloon layout. She is stiff and quick across the speed range, easy to handle short-handed, and built with modern infused-composite methods that lend rigidity without excess weight. The blend of tender garage, swim platform, and light-filled cabin makes her as livable at anchor as she is competent at sea.
Pros
- Stiff, capable hull documented to perform well at all speeds
- Pilot saloon layout with excellent forward visibility and light-filled volumes
- Deck and cockpit arranged for small-crew or single-handed cruising
- Modern balsa-cored infused construction with structural grid
Cons
- Sub-7-foot standard draft limits some shallow cruising grounds
- Cockpit amenities and optional lighting suggest a premium, equipment-heavy ownership profile
