Sailing yacht Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 47 claims to be a large and luxurious cruise boat, with a well-protected cockpit, a wardroom with panoramic views and a superb aft cabin.
Since the release of the first Pilot Saloon 43, released in 1998, the Wauquiez shipyard (read: Wakyo), from year to year and from boat to boat, has improved its skills in this type of cruiser, very comfortable for long voyages. In the 47th boat, this experience is used to the greatest extent. More elegant than previous models, the clearly defined wheelhouse blends in perfectly with the overall look despite its height.
The splash-proof cockpit meets all sailing requirements in stormy weather. The radar arch overlooking the cockpit, with the boom-sheet extended on it, is a practical support for attaching a bimini awning.
Designed by the design bureau Berret-Racoupeau, this powerful and stylish sailboat fits perfectly into the Wauquiez range. Conceived for long voyages, it has a fairly impressive displacement, which allows you to load more water and fuel, without harming driving performance. The option provides a second stay and a second twist, respectively, and in the basic version the boat is equipped with a davit.
The deck is fully covered with 8 mm Birmanie teak. The whole ensemble inspires a sense of solidity, and importantly, with a very neat finish.
Pilot Saloon 47 interior
The light polished teak finish creates a warm atmosphere inside. Very light, thanks to the large windows of the high deckhouse, the saloon does not provide a direct view of the sea for those sitting in the saloon, but it is enough to stand up and you will have a full panorama of the horizon. The perception of the volume of the cabin is emphasized by more than an impressive ceiling height (2.05 m – 2.40 m in the wardroom and galley, 1.95 m in the forward cabin).
In addition to light teak, the interior is made with quality fabrics or, currently fashionable, material – Alcantara (optional). Excellent ventilation – eleven portholes and opening hatches only in the wardroom.
The floor difference problem, common to all Deck Salon and Pilot Saloon yachts, has been successfully addressed in this series. The saloon has a completely flat floor, with the exception of minor level differences in two places: one towards the galley and aft cabin and the other towards the forward cabin. The galley has a good place on the port side, which is very practical.
It is reasonably well equipped with kitchen equipment and numerous lockers. In addition, you will appreciate the large chart table and sofa on the port side, with an ingenious reclining handrail that doubles as a back.
The master cabin, which occupies the entire aft space of the yacht, is a privileged one. Isolated from the rest of the boat, it is completely private, with a 2m by 1.6m bed and a latrine with a separate 2.4m high shower! The central aisle divides two cabins forward, one very spacious with a 2mx1.5m double bed, the other with two couches 2mx 0.78m connected. Between these two cabins there is another toilet with a separate shower.
On the run
Equipped with electric winches and spinning sails, this 47 foot can be easily operated by two or one person, except maybe setting a spinnaker in high winds.
The boat we are testing has the Ocean package, which is an option. This package includes electric genoa and mainsail twists, electric jib winches and bow thruster. With this kind of equipment it becomes child’s play to hoist and adjust the sails, and although the mainsail spinning into the mast is not our preferred system, we must admit that it works very well here, especially since the sails from Hydranet, triradial cut, are quite solidly shaped.
The jib-sheet winches are located next to the helmsman, the control of the rest of the running rigging is concentrated on the roof of the wheelhouse. The only drawback is that for the helmsman of a short stature, the visibility in the forward sector of the view is limited due to the wheelhouse. At the same time, however, passengers will appreciate the comfort of a well-protected cockpit.
This impeccable cruiser demonstrates her strengths in calm weather, picking up speed quickly and accelerating at 3.5 knots on GPS at 6 knots of wind and over 5.5 knots at 10 knots. This is more than satisfactory, given that the tacking angle at 10 wind knots is less than 40 degrees. It is definitely a well balanced and responsive boat with a docile but still a bit stiff steering wheel.
The yacht is very good at tacking, but with the second heading in the option (available on the tested model), help is needed to re-roll the genoa when turning, either manually or partially folding it (here electric spin comes to the rescue).
So, the speed increases, reaching 7 knots on full courses at 12 knots of wind. Now is the right time to lift the asymmetrical spinnaker, which has an area of 120 sq. The yacht responded with an immediate increase in speed, 9 knots are achieved at 13-15 knots of wind, and it is felt that for this boat the speed limit is not 10 knots with an even wind. These qualities are all the more valuable because they are complemented by the comfort of the cockpit and the soft ride along the wave.
Power 75 hp the Yanmar diesel is sufficient, although a 100 hp engine is offered as an option. At full speed (3950 rpm) the speed exceeded 9 knots, and the constant mode of 3500 rpm allows you to keep the speed of 8.9 knots for several hours or easily go against the wave if necessary. In economy mode, the speed is 7.3 knots at 2500 rpm, or 6.4 knots at 2200 rpm if you want silence.
The soundproofing could have been better for more interior comfort. When maneuvering in port, this 47 foot proves to be very easy to control, and with the bow thruster it literally turns on a nickle.
Our conclusion
Elegant, well-built, with excellent seaworthiness, the Pilot Saloon PS 47 strengthens the position of the Wauquiez shipyard and maintains the prestige of the Beneteau group as a whole. The increased autonomy of the boat allows for long passages. And all this with a comfortable interior that combines luxury and practicality. The safety issues on board are well thought out: there is room for a life raft, a bulwark that fenders the deck and a strong guardrail.
Price
You can’t expect less from a prestigious cruise boat. This model is much more expensive than other yachts of the same size also produced by the Beneteau group.
Pilot Saloon Theses 47
In good spinnaker winds, this powerful cruiser averages 8-9 knots, with a maximum speed of 10 knots when the wind picks up.
Convenient ladder to the wardroom with well-positioned handrails and emergency lighting of the steps.
Large chart table measuring 98 x 84 cm, with a wide opening lid. A navigator’s dream!
Good ventilation in the wardroom, with 6 portholes inscribed in the side window openings and five deck hatches.
The wardroom uses a table (not folding) for 4-6 guests.
The galley with numerous lockers is functional and comfortable in any weather.
The forward cabin is bright thanks to the many portholes.
King-sized aft cabin with huge central bed, sofa, bureau and roomy wardrobes.
The giant toilet with separate shower is well ventilated.
Pros:
Bright wardroom.
Large chart table.
Wide doors without thresholds.
Spacious cockpit well protected from bad weather.
Ease of maneuvers with the Ocean package.
Kitchen ventilation.
Steering room with comfortable curved seats.
Space for a liferaft under the floor, between the two helms.
Minuses:
Hatches protrude high from the deck.
The forward sector of view is closed to the helmsman by the high wheelhouse.
Source: Bateaux Magazine # 572, January 2006
Chief Editor
pilotroughsailingsaloonseasyacht
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