VAGABOND 47
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 46.58 ft |
| LWL | 35.75 ft |
| Beam | 13.42 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 40,000 lb |
| Ballast | 11,000 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
About the VAGABOND 47
LOA incl. bowsprit: 55' Also known as VAGABOND VOYAGER 47, HERITAGE VAGABOND 47. A number of interior layouts were available.
The Vagabond 47 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruising ketch designed by William Garden and built by Bluewater Yacht Builders Ltd. in Taiwan, with production records indicating a single build year of 1972. With a displacement of 40000.0 lb and a full/long keel, this vessel represents a classic, seakindly design intended for serious offshore passage making.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced bluewater cruisers who prioritize seakeeping and safety over speed, particularly those seeking a stable, heavy-displacement platform for long-distance coastal or offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 40000.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.57, and a comfort ratio of 49.91, the Vagabond 47 is highly capable offshore, offering exceptional stability and motion comfort in heavy seas due to its full/long keel and heavy ballast of 11000.0 lb.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and the O'Day 42, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, full keel designs, and staysail ketch rigging configurations from the same era, prioritizing comfort and stability over planing performance.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
7 listings · boat years 1981–1986 · median $96,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 46.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 5 systems for the VAGABOND 47, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a VAGABOND 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 13 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
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Used sails that fit the VAGABOND 47
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