COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 47 ft |
| LWL | 37 ft |
| Beam | 13.5 ft |
| Draft | 6.25 ft |
| Displacement | 27,500 lb |
| Ballast | 6,998.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 53.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.2 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 15.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 856.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 486.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 827.6 sq ft |
About the COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS)
The COMPASS 47 is a popular cruiser from South Africa. Of the 50 that have been built, 7 are cold-molded PLY and the remainder in solid FG. Variations include center and aft cockpits, sloop and ketch rigs.
Designed by Angelo Lavranos and built by Compass/Anchor Marine, the Compass 47 is a rare vessel with only 50 hulls constructed in 1980. This limited production run creates a distinct market position for this 47.0 ft masthead sloop, characterized by its substantial 27500.0 lb displacement and 33.19 comfort ratio.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a comfortable, stable platform for extended offshore passages, given its high displacement and low capsize ratio of 1.79. It is well-suited for owners willing to invest in modernizing electronics and propulsion, as the fleet shows heavy adoption of Raymarine and Yanmar systems.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 27500.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.79, the Compass 47 is inherently stable and well-suited for bluewater cruising, a capability reinforced by owner reports of watermaker and solar panel installations for self-sufficiency.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-1970s and early-1980s heavy-displacement cruising sloops like the Cal 40 or O'Day 42, the Compass 47 shares a similar emphasis on comfort and stability over pure speed. Its 37.0 ft LWL and 13.5 ft beam place it in the same category as other Lavranos designs like the Compass 36, though with significantly greater volume.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.7 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| 60° | 4.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 7.7 | 7.8 |
| 75° | 4.2 | 5.6 | 6.5 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
| 90° | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.4 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.6 |
| 110° | 3.8 | 5.3 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 8.9 |
| 120° | 3.7 | 5.1 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.4 | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| 135° | 3.3 | 4.7 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 7.9 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 9.5 |
| 150° | 2.7 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.5 | 9.1 |
| Beat VMG | 2.3 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Run VMG | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS) 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 47ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 3 systems for the COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS)? 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 7 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 COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Perkins — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the COMPASS 47 (LAVRANOS)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…