ALDEN 48
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 48.75 ft |
| LWL | 37.08 ft |
| Beam | 13.5 ft |
| Draft | 10.08 ft/ 5.33 ft min |
| Displacement | 32,000 lb |
| Ballast | 13,001.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 60 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 19.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 53.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 19.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,119.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 577.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 981.8 sq ft |
About the ALDEN 48
Based on Alden design #1193. Similar to ALDEN 46 but with extended stern. The ALDEN 46, 48 and 50 are derived from the same design.
The Alden 48 is a heavy-displacement cruising sloop designed by Niels Helleberg and built by Alden Yachts Inc. in the USA, with production records indicating a single build year of 1987. With a displacement of 32000.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 38.07, this vessel represents the pinnacle of traditional American yacht building, prioritizing seakeeping and durability over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious bluewater cruisers and offshore passagemakers who prioritize safety, comfort, and long-term durability over high-performance racing metrics. Its heavy displacement and full keel design make it particularly well-matched for owners planning extended voyages in challenging sea conditions.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 32000.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.7, and a full/long keel, the Alden 48 exhibits exceptional offshore stability and self-righting capability, making it highly suitable for extended bluewater passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Swan 48 and the O'Day 48, as they share similar eras and roles as large, heavy-displacement cruising sloops. However, the Alden 48 distinguishes itself with superior build quality and a more conservative, seakindly hull form compared to the often lighter or more performance-oriented designs of its contemporaries.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.6 | 7.7 |
| 60° | 5.4 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.1 |
| 75° | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| 90° | 5.8 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.4 | 8.7 |
| 110° | 5.7 | 7.0 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.0 |
| 120° | 5.6 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 8.5 | 8.8 | 9.4 |
| 135° | 5.0 | 6.3 | 7.3 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.3 |
| 150° | 4.3 | 5.4 | 6.4 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.2 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 5.0 |
| Run VMG | 3.7 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the ALDEN 48 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 48.75ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 7 systems for the ALDEN 48, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ALDEN 48? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your ALDEN 48?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the ALDEN 48
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