Efficiency and seakeeping first, everything else second. That was the directive we were given at the outset for this 47’ express cruiser. The client for this project had spent some time aboard Marcy, a 32’ express cruiser we designed and built in 2021, and was blown away by how well such a little boat handled rugged seas. While he enjoyed the 41’ production boat he owned, he had too often been limited by her hull shape offshore and wanted something that would allow him to cruise fast and handle the typical chop of a breezy day in the gulf of Maine with ease.  

We decided that the best way to optimize the balance of accomodations, seakeeping, and efficiency in this design would be to keep a similar internal volume to the 41’ he was used to, but stretch the hull and reduce the beam. After several rounds of optimization, we decided on a hull with a length of 47’ and beam of 14’ at the sheer. Generous hull flare and moderate overhang forward yields a bottom with a waterline aspect ratio of 3.7. Highly engineered wood-composite construction keeps weight low despite high safety factors on all scantlings and a full cruising outfit. 

A single 850hp MAN i6 will give her a top speed in the low 30s and an efficient cruise in the mid to upper 20s. The propeller is tucked up into a carefully sculpted tunnel that reduces draft and maximizes propulsive efficiency. One major advantage of a single diesel in a yacht such as this is that tankage can be optimally placed in wing tanks to maintain optimal running angles at any fuel load while still leaving generous working space around the engine. 

Her arrangement is designed to make best use of her long length. Typically the owners will cruise just the two of them, but do like to entertain larger groups for day trips. We decided early in the process that a second cabin would be a poor use of space. The result is a spacious arrangement that will be as comfortable for the two of them as for a dinner party of six. 

Construction is starting in early 2025 and she is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2026.

To inquire about building or purchasing this design, email Will at wsturdy@brooklinboatyard.com