HUGHES 48
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 48 ft |
| LWL | 33 ft |
| Beam | 11.83 ft |
| Draft | 7 ft |
| Displacement | 30,000 lb |
| Ballast | 15,699 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 54.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 48.1 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 18.04 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 23.5 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9.75 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 968.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 499.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 849.1 sq ft |
About the HUGHES 48
S&S #1956 and originally the SEAFARER 48. The design was first introduced at the NY Boat show in 1969 and designated 'Queen of Show'. It was one of the largest sailboats ever displayed there. It is thought that no more than 5 were built at the Seafarer plant on Long Island, NY. How many were built by Hughes is unknown. Also called NORTHSTAR 48.
The Hughes 48 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising yacht designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Hughes Boatworks Ltd. in Canada. With only one hull built in 1970, this unique vessel represents a singular example of late-1960s/early-1970s Canadian boatbuilding.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced offshore cruisers seeking a robust, heavy-displacement vessel with a proven S&S pedigree, likely appealing to those who value traditional construction and substantial ballast for stability.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 30000.0 lb, a ballast ratio of over 50%, and a low capsize ratio of 1.53, the Hughes 48 is well-suited for bluewater cruising, offering excellent stability and seakeeping in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other Sparkman & Stephens designs from the era such as the Tartan 42 or O'Day 42, due to similar heavy displacement, fin keel configurations, and emphasis on offshore capability over planing speed.
Direct variant of the HUGHES 48
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the HUGHES 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 48ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
3 reported issues across 2 systems for the HUGHES 48, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a HUGHES 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 3 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 HUGHES 48?
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Used sails that fit the HUGHES 48
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…