DISCOVERY 47
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 47 ft |
| LWL | 36 ft |
| Beam | 12.83 ft |
| Draft | 7 ft |
| Displacement | 26,080 lb |
| Ballast | 11,110.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 54 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 47.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 20.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 18 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,015.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 486 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 826.2 sq ft |
About the DISCOVERY 47
Design appeared in 'Yachting' Magazine, Aug. 1969.
The Discovery 47 is a classic cruising sloop designed by Peter Hatfield and built in 1969, with the total number of hulls built unknown. This single-year production run represents a distinct era of American boatbuilding, characterized by its substantial 26080.0 lb displacement and 36.0 ft LWL.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a traditional, heavy-displacement sailing experience, as its 34.28 comfort ratio suggests a stable, motion-dampened ride. It appeals to owners willing to invest in significant maintenance and modernization, given the age of the original build.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.73 and a high displacement-to-length ratio of 249.55, the Discovery 47 possesses strong inherent stability and offshore potential, provided the hull integrity and rudder systems are thoroughly restored.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other late-1960s American heavy-displacement cruisers such as the O'Day 38 or Pearson 36, which share similar build eras and cruising-oriented hull forms. These vessels are comparable due to their shared emphasis on seaworthiness and interior volume over high-performance racing metrics.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the DISCOVERY 47 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
6 reported issues across 4 systems for the DISCOVERY 47, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DISCOVERY 47? 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 6 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 DISCOVERY 47?
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 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the DISCOVERY 47
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…