FORMOSA 47

About the FORMOSA 47

Also available with a cutter rig.

The Formosa 47 is a rare, heavy-displacement ketch designed by Claude Puvieux and built by Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd. in Taiwan, with production records indicating a build year of 1980 and an unknown total hull count. Its substantial displacement of 30865.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 36.12 suggest a vessel engineered for stability and seakeeping rather than speed.

Best for:

This boat is best suited for experienced offshore cruisers who prioritize motion comfort and heavy-weather security over planing performance or tight maneuverability. Its ketch rig and substantial ballast make it a strong candidate for long-range voyaging where self-sufficiency is paramount.

Bluewater capability:

With a low capsize ratio of 1.79 and a high displacement-to-length ratio of 289.26, the Formosa 47 exhibits strong inherent stability and resistance to capsizing, making it highly suitable for bluewater cruising.

Comparables:

Comparable vessels include other heavy-displacement ketches from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Hallberg-Rassy 43 or the O'Day 42, which share similar design philosophies focused on durability and offshore capability. The Formosa 47 distinguishes itself with its specific Taiwanese build origin and Puvieux design lineage.