hylas 48 sailboat

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

Boat Review: Hylas 48

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: June 12, 2019

Cruising, racing, daysailing, chartering: Every sailboat is built to meet a need. But in the course of inspecting and sailing some 20-odd vessels during and after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, each fall, CW’s Boat of the Year judges sometimes have to rely on the builder to make that intent clear.

Not so with the new Hylas 48. From its solid stainless-steel stem fitting and double anchor rollers to a versatile cutter rig, hip-high life lines and robust emergency- steering system, not one of the judges doubted that this was intended to be a long-legged, bluewater voyager.

They were so certain, in fact, they named the Hylas 48 the Best Full-Size Cruiser Under 48 Feet. In being so recognized, the newest yacht from Taiwan’s Queen Long Marine joins a number of its siblings that have received similar accolades over the three generations the family-owned yard has been in operation.

“I’ve always been amazed at how well this boatyard does,” said veteran BOTY technical judge Ed Sherman. “This is a situation where we’ve got an experienced Taiwanese workforce, and they’re artisans. They take what they do seriously, and they do a very good job.”

Sherman’s colleague, judge Alvah Simon, ticked off the reasons he thought the 48 rose to the top of the fleet: “The flow on deck was good, the nonskid was good, the pushpit and pulpit were just excellent. The stanchions were outboard of the toe rail. The vents and hatches were just incredible. I can’t imagine the cost in the stainless-steel work. Lots of good ventilation. Cleats were good. Lifelines were very good.” Simon even praised the size and location of the manual bilge pumps, in close proximity to the helm.

Though the Bill Dixon-designed H48 is somewhat a departure from the builder’s longtime collaboration with Germán Frers, the boat still has the look and feel of a Hylas, with its center-cockpit deck layout and sugar-scoop transom with steps for boarding from the dinghy.

There is a long traveler just aft of the cockpit, mounted on the aft cabin’s roof. And forward, the cutter rig provides a self-tacking jib for upwind work and a genoa that’s mounted forward of it for light-air conditions or when off the wind. Headsail furlers and the in-mast furler for the main are all electric and operated by switches at the wheel.

Underway on Chesapeake Bay, the Hylas definitely had the feel of a heavier displacement cruiser. In 8 or so knots of breeze, we tacked upwind at a not-too-shabby 5.7 knots — I should mention that the Mamba rod steering delighted the fingertips. Bearing off, the speed dipped slightly with just the jib set but bounced back when we rolled out the genny.

It was the boat’s motion, though, that really caught everyone’s attention. “It felt very stiff — in a good way,” noted judge Tim Murphy. “When we were coming down the Severn River, there were powerboats loading in for the next boat show, doing testing and whatnot, and this was kind of an old-school cruising boat feeling when you’d come through those wakes. She just really powered through.”

The H48’s hull is hand-laid, solid fiberglass, with vinylester resin and Isophthalic gelcoat. Below the water line, there are two layers of epoxy barrier coat to prevent blisters. The deck, also hand-laid, is balsa cored. Watertight bulkheads are located at both the bow and stern to enclose the interior in case of a collision.

The boat’s deck-saloon interior is stunning. Wraparound windows in the coachroof provide lots of daylight and a panoramic view. The white composite cabin top and ceiling sits atop rich teak cabinetry, bulkheads and furniture, and the teak-and-holly sole radiates warmth. Deep fiddles line the counters, and all edges and corners are rounded — as they should be.

The boat’s layout is fairly traditional for a center cockpit. A large dining table dominates the saloon, with U-shaped seating to port and a cushioned bench on the centerline. A curved settee is opposite, flanked by a cabinet forward and the nav station and electrical panel aft, near the foot of the companionway. The sole is raised, which both helps the view when seated and allows for tankage and machinery down low in the hull, where it belongs.

To port of the steps, the galley takes up both sides of the passageway leading to the aft cabin. Counter space abounds, as does storage, both under and outboard. The fridge and freezer are top and front opening, and they are located adjacent to the three-burner propane stove and oven.

To port, a walk-through head and shower also leads to the aft cabin, a cozy compartment that any owner should be pleased to call home. An island queen berth sits on a slightly raised sole. In the daytime, light pours in through overhead opening hatches and ports located to either side and behind the bed.

There are two more cabins forward of the saloon, plus a second generously sized head and shower to starboard. To port, there are double bunks for kids or crew; forward, the guest cabin also has an island queen berth.

On deck, the step in and out of the cockpit is a big one, but the Bimini top’s robust frame provides a good handhold, and once inside, there’s not a pressing need to leave.

Sail controls all lead to electric Antal winches adjacent to the wheel, and as mentioned earlier, reefing of sails is a push-button affair, as is operation of the bow thruster. Thick seat and back cushions line the seating area, and the tall coamings provide plenty of support for any crew intent on sitting back and enjoying the ride.

All the comfort and convenience has a cost, of course. The price tag for the H48 starts at right around $730,000; the boat we sailed runs closer to $850,000. Still, I’ll let Simon put that into perspective: “I see real value in this boat because it’s solidly put together. It’s a very elegant-looking boat, and for a couple that wants that kind of bluewater cruiser, I think they’re in for a sweet ride.”

Mark Pillsbury is CW ‘s editor.

Hylas 48 Specifications

Hylas Yachts 786-497-1882 hylasyachts.com

• More: 41 - 50 ft , blue water cruising , Boat Reviews , hylas , monohull , offshore , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Meet the Bali 5.8

Celebrating a Classic

New to the Fleet: Italia Yachts 12.98

Bitter End Expands Watersports Program

Miracle in a Bowl

Cole Brauer Completes the Global Solo Challenge

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Sailboat specifications

• Last update: 17th April 2020

Hylas 48's main features

• 2019: Cruising World - Boat of the Year: Full-Size Cruiser Under 48 Feet
• 2019: SAIL magazine - Best Systems

Hylas 48's main dimensions

Hylas 48's rig and sails, hylas 48's performances, hylas 48's auxiliary engine, hylas 48's accommodations and layout.

Similar sailboats that may interest you:

Hylas H48, A Bill Dixon’s Design To Appeal Couples and Families

Designed to appeal to couples and families who wish to answer the siren call of true offshore sailing, the Hylas H48 made the World debut at the 2019 Newport International Boat Show .

Bill Dixon’s design stays true to the builder’s mission to create semi-custom ocean-ready cruising boats with a focus on simple sailing and interior comfort.  “The H48 uses some elements from the proven quiver of Hylas attributes, including true oceangoing capability , the center cockpit, the large windows, and the swim platform, ” Dixon says.  “But this model changes the flow on board, whether the owners and guests are moving about the spacious decks or relaxing together in the bright saloon, making the most of the onboard volume while factoring in the need for human-size spaces .” Hylas Yachts and Dixon also worked together on the design for the H57 (the H57 will be at Miami International Boat Show next week).

For the Hylas H48 , the security of the deep center cockpit makes it the ideal on-deck gathering place for skippers and guests, with space for lounging and conversation. Wrap-around cushioned seating is served by a centerline drop-leaf table forward of the centerline helm station.

Hylas H48: the design allows for safe movement

Control of the yacht is centralized in the cockpit, thanks to a powerful sail plan that’s easily managed, with an optional self-tacking jib on the inner forestay of the cutter rig, and use of only primary winches, which helps keeps deck spaces clear and uncluttered of unnecessary lines and with thoughtful considerations such as shrouds that don’t interfere with the wide side decks. The design allows for safe movement fore and aft, both for the work of sailing the boat and relaxing at sea or at anchor. Wide transom steps lead to a swim platform within the scoop transom.

To make the most of her length overall of 48 feet,  Hylas and Dixon have created a hull with abundant volume, thanks to a 14-foot, 6-inch beam that carries well aft. Constructed of solid hand-laid fiberglass with isophthalic gelcoat, the H48 has a solid lead fin keel, and a sturdy semi-skegged rudder, which combines strength and performance. Additionally, Hylas has incorporated a saildrive, which improves the positioning of the engine within the hull, reduces the amount of space required, and also helps to further reduce vibration under power.

That hull volume is put to good use, as the H48 uses large windows to create an open and airy-feeling semi-raised saloon, building on the ambiance created by Bill Dixon’s design. Unlike many builders, Hylas Yachts encourages a high degree of customization within the design, so prospective owners should feel free to ask about creative solutions to configure the boat to fulfill their needs. Of course, finishes and trim can be selected for as sleek or as traditional a look as desired.

Uniquely for yachting in this class, every Hylas is a true semi-custom built yacht, offering endless possibilities for customization to fulfill the exacting requirements of their owners. The H48 offers the choice of two- or three-stateroom layouts, both with two large head/shower compartments. The owner’s stateroom has excellent headroom in its aft position, fully benefiting from the center cockpit design. The berth is accessible all around, with a settee to starboard and a combination desk and dressing table are to port. Portlights aft and to either side open for ventilation and natural light. A private head has locker space and a separate shower.

The bow guest stateroom has the same high level of finish and shares the second head compartment with the saloon and the optional third stateroom. All accommodations feature ample hanging lockers. The spacious saloon of the H48 is the center of the action in the lower-deck accommodations, with a large settee wrapping around a dining table to port, with a luxurious upholstered lounge to starboard, all arrayed beneath the large semi-raised saloon windows. Moveable upholstered stools create flexible seating around the table. 

The galley serves as the passageway to the owner’s stateroom aft, and the design makes the most of its elongated space by allowing the cook to brace effectively on either tack. Appliances include a three-burner propane cooktop, refrigerator/freezer boxes that open from both the front and the top for full access. Lockers and cabinets offer a large volume of stowage.

H48 specs

Five best places where to sail at least one time in your life, the countdown has begun for the new ice 66 rs, lagoon 60, freedom of space and panoramic views, setting sail with swan 51: a milestone in performance cruisers, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.

The Hylas 48 is a 48.0ft masthead sloop designed by Bill Dixon and built in fiberglass by Queen Long Marine since 2018.

The Hylas 48 is a moderate weight sailboat which is under powered. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a heavy bluewater cruising boat. The fuel capacity is excellent. There is a good water supply range.

Hylas 48 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

Login or register to personnalize this screen.

You will be able to pin external links of your choice.

See how Sailboatlab works in video

We help you build your own hydraulic steering system - Lecomble & Schmitt

Accommodations

Builder data, other photos.

Modal Title

The content of your modal.

Personalize your sailboat data sheet

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Hylas 48 is a 47 ′ 11 ″ / 14.6 m monohull sailboat designed by Bill Dixon and built by Hylas Yachts USA and Queen Long Marine starting in 2018.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Discover Related Sailboats

United States Sailboat Show 2019

The sailboat show in Annapolis runs Oct 10—14, 2019, and features over 130 sailboats, including the premiere of 30 models over 30 feet.

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Featured Yachts

Worldwide Search

Sailing the New Hylas H48 Offshore

On November 3rd Peggy Huang and David Crafa of Hylas Yachts and this year’s Fleet Captains of the SDSA  Bahamas leg set off from Hampton, VA. Their departure was delayed by 15 hours due to late arrival of crew. The new Hylas H48 they sailed was nicknamed “Winner” because she was awarded best boat of 2019 by Sail Magazine & Cruising World magazine. She not only made up the 15 hour delay but arrived in Eleuthera at the head of the fleet!  

Below is the Interview of Captain David Crafa by Hank George, President SDSA

Hank: David, you’ve just finished sailing the Hylas 48 as part of the Salty Dawg Fall Rally. In this case you sailed from Hampton, VA to Harbor Island, Eleuthera, the Bahamas. I’d like to ask you some questions about this passage and the new Hylas 48. First, for the perspective of our readers, how many offshore miles do you estimate you’ve sailed, and on what kinds of boats?

David: I’ve been sailing between the East Coast and the Caribbean for about 15 years now, averaging about 3,000 nm per year. I first sailed offshore in a Hunter Passage 420, and then crewed on a Hylas 70 on passages to the Caribbean for several seasons. That opened my eyes to what a proper blue water boat should be. I then bought my own Hylas 54 in 2015, and now my wife Peggy Huang of Hylas Yachts  and I are building a new Hylas 57 Hybrid Center Cockpit.

Hank: What were the weather and sea conditions like for this passage?

David: The weather and sea conditions for this passage were pretty benign. There wasn’t that much wind to sail fast. We motor-sailed quite a bit which can be a problem in itself for vessels that don’t carry a lot of fuel . One of the critical features of the Hylas H48 is its ability to carry massive amounts of fuel and water. We never had to worry about running out of fuel. When motor sailing with the H48 or any Hylas yacht depending on your rpm, you can extend your fuel range to thousands of miles.

Hank: From this passage, what are your impressions about the Hylas 48’s sailing abilities? What other features about this boat impressed you on this passage? 

David: Very fast! And comfortable too. We left 15 hours after most of the yachts on the Salty Dawg departed for the Bahamas and we ended up being one of the first boats to arrive in Spanish Wells! The cockpit is spacious yet protected with good viz. Loved the offshore gourmet galley. Makes meal prep a breeze. With 3 luxury staterooms, everybody had their own berth and private cabin which left the salon a community area for relaxing off watch and crew dinners. The yacht is cutter rigged but we never got close to using the staysail.

Hank: What other features about this boat impressed you on this passage?

David: The volume of this H48 design by Bill Dixon makes the yacht feel much larger. I feel like I’m back on my Hylas 54. Bill has done the impossible and designed a yacht that from the outside has a racy, sleek, and crisp lines, and sails super-fast for its size. And, then you go down below and are blown away by the amount of space. It’s like the Tardis on Dr Who.

TAGS: HYLAS

LEAVE A COMMENT

Latest posts.

Start Your Next Adventure

Send us a message.

Purchasing a bluewater vessel can be a daunting prospect, especially if it’s your first boat. When you work with a dedicated DWY broker, you benefit from our team’s 200+ combined years of maritime experience.

Weather Forecast

2:00 pm, 06/12: -11°C - Partly Cloudy

2:00 am, 07/12: -4°C - Clear

2:00 pm, 07/12: -7°C - Partly Cloudy

2:00 am, 08/12: -3°C - Overcast

• Cruising Compass
• Multihulls Today
• Advertising & Rates
• Author Guidelines

British Builder Southerly Yachts Saved by New Owners

Introducing the New Twin-Keel, Deck Saloon Sirius 40DS

New 2024 Bavaria C50 Tour with Yacht Broker Ian Van Tuyl

Annapolis Sailboat Show 2023: 19 New Multihulls Previewed

2023 Newport International Boat Show Starts Today

Notes From the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2022

Energy Afloat: Lithium, Solar and Wind Are the Perfect Combination

Anatomy of a Tragedy at Sea

What if a Sailboat Hits a Whale?!?

Update on the Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, BVI

Charter in Puerto Rico. Enjoy Amazing Food, Music and Culture

With Charter Season Ahead, What’s Up in the BVI?

AIS Mystery: Ships Displaced and Strangely Circling

Holiday Sales. Garmin Marine Stuff up to 20% Off

• Boat Reviews

The Elegant, New Hylas 48

Hylas reboots the company with an elegant, raised-saloon, center-cockpit sloop that is a born passagemaker  (published November/December 2018)

I’ve had the good fortune to sail Hylas yachts many miles, particularly the 54 that became the company’s most popular and successful model. The Hylas concept has always been to offer good, modern cruising boats for couples that provide a lot of boat and high quality for a good value.

Right after the 48’s debut at the Annapolis sailboat show, I got a chance to take it for a sail. Climbing aboard from the dock at Mears Marina in Back Creek, you could tell at once that the design was a good old-fashion, medium-displacement cruiser that was destined for blue water sailing. She just felt solid underfoot.

The 48 was designed by Englishman Bill Dixon who has spent the last 30 years designing luxury, mega-sailing yachts for the rich and famous. His boats are known for their fine seakeeping qualities, their elegant looks and attention to traditional details. The 48 is very much in the Hylas family of designs with a raised saloon, center cockpit, large aft cabin, open plan saloon and a simple roller furling cutter rig. The 48 looks very salty because it is very salty.

At 2300 rpms, the 48 cruised along smoothly at seven knots while at full revs of 3300 rpms she got up to 8.5 knots. Even at high revs there was not much cavitation on the prop or vibration on the rudder. Once out into the bay, we headed into the breeze so we could roll out the mainsail from the mast. The sail has three vertical battens which allow the sailmaker to give the mainsail a slightly positive roach and thus a little more sail area than a batten-less main.

We fell off the wind and rolled out the 135-percent genoa and trimmed for a close reach that would take us out into the bay. The helm felt light and the steering linkage very smooth. The boat has a fairly large rudder so she handles easily. With the sail trimmed, the 48 gradually gathered speed and was soon sailing at five and a half knots in the light breeze. You could feel how well the design tracks and holds its course, so it will be easy for an autopilot to steer, even in bouncy weather, I suspect.

We put the 48 through a series of tacks, which were made easier by the use of the electric sheet winches. In the light breeze the boat tacks in just over 90 degrees and carries her speed well through the tacks. In a medium displacement cruising boat like the 48, many skippers would motor sail in these light conditions; with only 1200 rpms on the engine, we got her cruising upwind with the sails full at 7.5 knots.

As we headed back to the docks, we eased sheets and jibed our way downwind. At 160 degrees off the wind, the 48 nipped along well and it was easy for two people to handle the jibes. Again, in the breeze we had, an assist from the engine makes a huge difference while burning very little fuel.

The center cockpit seats six comfortably and all lines and sheets are accessible. The boat we sailed had a dodger and full Bimini over the cockpit, so we were well protected from the elements. The afterdeck is quite wide and has large lazarettes for stowing lines, fenders, and gear. There are two seats aft built into the pushpit and a gate to the swim platform. Two stainless steel handholds on either side of the swim platform will make landing a dinghy easy and provide an aid for folks climbing aboard.

The 48 is a fine sailing cruising boat that is easy for a couple to handle. The cockpit is well protected from the elements so standing night watches won’t be a chore. With all lines led aft, one watchstander can reef and trim by herself. The staysail, which we didn’t use, provides a number of sail plan options that will be ready to be deployed in a wide range of weather and sea conditions. In short, the new Hylas 48 is set up for a couple to explore the world in style, comfort and safety.

LIVING ABOARD There is something about boats at the luxury end of the market that makes them distinctive. Such details might be the deep gloss of the varnish on a burled walnut saloon table or the deep satin finish on the teak and holly soles or the matching grain and rubbed effect varnish on all cabinets and doors. You know a lot of care, a lot of expense and a lot of man hours were involved to get this superb finish. That’s the impression you have when you first climb down the 48’s companionway ladder to the saloon.

The 48 is a three-cabin boat with a huge master stateroom aft, a great double guest cabin forward and a pullman cabin with two bunks just aft to port. The master cabin has its own large head with a separate shower stall. The boat’s owners could move in here and expect to live comfortably for years. The two forward cabins are served by a single head with a phone-style shower mounted at the sink.

The galley is in the passageway that leads aft to the master stateroom, so it has a ton of counter space, storage and room for two large under counter fridge-freezer units. The twin sinks are nearly on the centerline so they will drain properly on both tacks. This is one of the handiest and best laid out galleys you will find in a boat under 50 feet and will work extremely well when making offshore passages.

The saloon has a curved dinette to port with the burled walnut table. Three or four can sit here for meals and a portable bench seat can provide seating for two more. To starboard there is another bench settee with storage behind it.

The chart table is large and old-fashioned, just the way a lot of skippers like it. The table is wide enough to spread out a folded chart or ChartKit and inside it’s roomy enough for all of the nav gear you need, plus cruising guides, a laptop computer and sundry tools. The electrical panel is as comprehensive and as well labeled as you will find on any yacht. When it comes time to troubleshoot systems, you will start here with a distinct advantage. There are handy vertical spaces at the chart table for mounting instruments, radios, modems, tank monitors and the control heads for a watermaker and genset.

The 48 carries 119 gallons of water, which is a generous amount for a boat of this size. But it was assumed, I suspect, that all owners will add a watermaker so the tanks do not need to be huge. That said, it is also assumed that owners will sail far and wide and will cross oceans from time to time, and will use the gen set regularly, so tankage for 290 gallons of diesel fuel has been squeezed into the hull.

The 75-horsepower Yanmar will burn about three quarters of a gallon an hour at six knots. Keeping a 10 percent fuel safety margin, the remaining 260 gallons will give you a maximum motoring range of over 1,500 miles. That is three times the range recommended by most offshore rallies that cross oceans.

The new Hylas 48 is a classy addition to the Hylas line and to the cruising fleet in general. There are not many boats these days under 50 feet that fit the “luxury” category but this is certainly one. And, as the first new boat from the Hylas 2.0 company, it gives a great foreshadowing of what’s to come when larger designs emerge in the months and years ahead.

LOA 48’0” LWL 42’0” Beam 14’6” Draft 6’6” Displ. 35,360 lbs. Water 119 gals. Fuel 290 gals Engine 75-hp. Designer Bill Dixon

www.hylasyachts.com

Author: George Day

This rugged, comfortable cruiser has plenty of performance to make quick passages

I think it’s safe to say that Hylas is the longest running, that is to say continuous production sailboat builder in Taiwan today. I first visited that yard, Queen Long, in the late 1970s. It was a chilly morning and they gave me a special drink to help with the cold. I never did figure out exactly what I drank, but it may have been hot tea with a lot of milk added. Maintaining construction in one boatyard for that long speaks to the success of that  partnership.

To borrow from the world of classical music, I’ll call the new Hylas 48 Bill Dixon’s variation on a theme by Hylas. The Hylas philosophy of what makes a good cruising boat has not changed over the years. The details have changed, but the end target has not: performance, comfort and a rugged build done with finesse.

The hull shape is moderate in all ways, which is pretty typical of Bill Dixon’s work. Beam is carried aft as you would expect today but there is some taper to the planform that will make for a nicer looking hull at the expense of some trivial amount of interior volume. This is a good trade-off in my opinion. 

Given the way cruising boats like this are outfitted today, I’d say the displacement of 36,360 pounds is a bit optimistic but I’ll use it nonetheless for a D/L of 208. Dixon has avoided the fashionable plumb bow for one with some rake to help get the anchor away from the stem. I like this. 

The L/B is 3.3 making this boat textbook “medium” in terms of beam. The rudder is hung on a partial skeg. My guess is that this was a Hylas requirement. I would have gone with a pure spade rudder. I’m not sure what the advantage of a partial skeg is other than allowing for a smaller diameter rudder stock. It is more expensive to build than a spade rudder. But you can see that Dixon has added some planform area to the rudder below the skeg to give the rudder some balance to reduce helm pressure. I would expect this boat to have good manners in reverse.

The interior layout works off what has worked for Hylas in previous models. There is nothing novel about it but I think that’s a good thing. Incremental improvements are enough with this tried and proven layout. Keep in mind that Hylas builds a semicustom layout so you would have some room for modifications on your own boat. I can’t see anything at this stage that I would modify. 

My only concern would be the ability to seat more than four for dining below. But this is very common in this size range. The boat’s just too beamy for a drop-leaf table and port and starboard settees. A small centerline bench seat, as shown, is about the best you can do. I’ll eat at the step-down nav station. That way I can put my elbows on the table. 

The galley stretches down the passageway to port and is big with plenty of counter space. The aft cabin has an adjoining head with a generous shower stall. More cabin sole is gained aft by stepping up at the double berth. Forward you have a small cabin to port that shows one single berth. Maybe that could be an upper and lower berth for kids. The forward cabin has another double berth. You can access the forward head from the saloon or the forward cabin.

The deck plan shows a track for a self-tending jib. I really like the detail of an inboard genoa track for sheeting options when you don’t need the convenience of self-tacking. Maybe I’m old fashioned but I’ve done  quite a few boats with self-tacking jibs and I think that feature is overrated. If you are tacking a genny with an LP of 135% or less it’s just not that difficult.  

Having a center-cockpit means the mainsheet traveler can be well aft of the cockpit on the cabintop. I can’t tell how the main is sheeted. It disappears into the boom, but I can’t see where it comes out or where it goes. Like almost all center-cockpit boats this size, climbing in and out of the cockpit could be a challenge.

The SA/D for this slightly swept-spreader rig is 20.4. One sailplan I have shows a jumper strut at the upper spreader. This is an odd detail and I wonder how well that will work with a self-tacking jib. The other sailplan I have does not show the jumper strut.

The Hylas 48 is a  variation on a well-known theme, but it’s a good variation. It’s a handsome boat that should tick off all the boxes for a cruising family.

LOA 47’11”; LWL 42’4”; Beam 14’6”; Draft 6’6”; Displ. 36,360 lbs.; Ballast 13,111 lbs.; Sail area 1,373 sq. ft.; SA/D 20.4; D/L 208; L/B 3.3 Auxiliary 75-hp; Fuel 290 gal.; Water 119 gal.

Hylas Yachts                                    

1688 Meridian Avenue, 7th Floor 

Miami Beach, FL 33139       

786-497-7882                     

www.hylasyachts.com

Also in Perry on Design

• Wallyrocket 51
• Clubswan 28
• Beneteau Oceanis 37.1
• M.A.T. 12.2
• Jeanneau Yachts 55

Also from Robert H. Perry

Jordan Yacht Brokerage

We Never Underestimate Your Dreams

Tayana 48 review: hylas comparable.

The Robert H. Perry designed Tayana 48 is one of Taiwanese yard Ta Yang’s most successful models. In the 1970’s, Ta Yang was one of the earliest yards in the world’s boat building city, Kaohsiung. They built Yankee Clippers and the Tanton cat ketch among other design. Ta Yang which means in Chinese “Big Ocean” branded their own yachts “Tayana” meaning “belongs to big ocean.” And, oh did they belong. In 1979, Ta Yang started building the prolific Robert H. Perry designed Tayana 37. The famous Robert Harris designed Tayana 42 followed. They became one of the first Taiwanese yards to scale up and soon started building larger yachts including a Perry 52, Harris 65, and this Perry 48.

In the mid 1980’s, Tayana built a 47 version along the same Perry lines. According to SailboatData.com, Tayana extended her to become the 48 in 1992. Tayana is still making these fine yachts. As a side benefit to ownership, Tayana boasts arguably the most active owners group, TOG News. On their website, you can find detailed information about the 48 and other models. If you cannot find what you are looking for, email your question to the TOG News list, and many happy owners will respond.

First Impressions The 48 has a roundish aura. Some combination of the slight sheer, rocket ship stern, and flow of stanchions on deck give her a soft, appealing appearance. She has above average freeboard, a sharp bow with a broad beam of 14′ 6″ carried slightly aft of amidships. I will compare her here and throughout to the Hylas 46 and 49 as these are strikingly similar yachts in build and arrangement. In fact, the yards are in the same Taiwanese city. In the small world of Taiwanese boat building, the yard founders are related. Along with the 46 Hylas, the 48 has two portholes below deck one each side: one amidships and one aft to lighten up the saloon and master stateroom. The 48 is beamier amidships than the Hylas while the Hylas maintain that maximum well aft. The Tayana has more freeboard and a broader entry, a dryer yacht. At 70′ bridge clearance, she has more sail area than the 63′ high rigs of the Hylas 46 and 49. Bob Perry’s original specifications called for 70′, but many were built with Intracoastal rigs of 64′ clearance. Underneath, the 48 has a skeg hung rudder paired with a longer fin keel than the 46 and more like the 49. Her bottom is more roundish like the 49 S&S Hylas.

I feel like being a bit hard on Bob Perry because there is something missing aesthetically to the Tayana 48. The symmetrical portholes and generic cabin trunk of the Tayana 48 have always stuck me as a bit uninspired. The good news if you feel like me is that the Tayana 48 comes in a deck saloon version by Rob Ladd that breaks up that monotony with two large windows that may incite your passion, not to mention provide a panoramic view from below.

Construction Ta Yang builds their yachts tougher than cobs. They have lead the way in Taiwan since the beginning and continue to be one of the finest yards. The layup schedule uses mat and woven rovings and ortho-phthalic resins. An isopthalic gelcoat is sprayed on all exterior fiberglass surfaces. Interestingly, they use PVC cored hull construction in these days of solid glass. PVC insulates, strengthens, and lightens the hull. And with quality workmanship makes a solid shell that protects the core. The deck used to be high end grain balsa and now synthetic Balsatek. All deck hardware areas are reinforced using encapsulated marine grade plywood. Deck hardware is through bolted using stainless steel backing plates. There is not a molded liner in sight. An eggrate-like matrix of longitudinal and transverse foam cored stringers maximizes hull stiffness. The skeg mounted rudder has an internal stainless steel rudder post and integral stainless steel reinforcement secured with a bronze shoe.

One owners says, “I am generally pleased with the level of construction in our T48 – the hull seems to be bombproof, and the deck as well…I’ve not found any deck leaks yet, tho the mast leaks a fair amount during blowing rain. Every thru-deck opening I’ve encountered was properly epoxy-sealed to keep the core dry.” Compared to Hylas, the construction is similar except for the foam cored hull. Hylas are solid glass or possibly Twaran, a bulletproof Kevlar like aramid. The ballast material on Tayana 48’s is difficult to ascertain. According to the manufacturer, they use both lead and cast iron, depending on the order. The keel comes in shoal 5’3″ and deep 6’0″ versions. Usually the deep draft is cast iron. The shoal draft 5′-3″ has lead ballast. The Hylas 46 has external lead in 5’5″ and 6’6″ drafts while the Hylas 49 has internal lead of 6′ 0″ draft.

What To Look For Reviewing the TOG News archives, the most common complaint is of the steering. It is a cable-in-sleeve design which is “spongy” owners say meaning there is some looseness in the sleeve system. When it is heavily loaded, the cables act like they are stretching. One owner says, “The chain will jump cogs in the pedestal if you push hard enough. He suggests increasing the amount of support for the sleeves. Another owner says, “It can be a little unnerving to hear the chain bumping against the inside of the pedestal.” He thinks increasing his tension at the steering quadrant might help.

Another owner was disappointed in his stainless steel water tanks. He says to look for “poor welds that are rusting (and leaking) – the tanks will need to be completely replaced, and it won’t be cheap. The access plates should not be difficult to remove – but be warned, they will only go back on one way, so mark them before you remove.” Hiring Bob Perry as a consultant might be a worthwhile investment. Besides getting the change to speak to the legendary designer, Perry knows intimately the production problems of the Tayana 47/48 series. For the 47, Perry describes insufficient bracing with the rudder post in the first few hulls. Ta Yang retrofitted these with a strange steel framework.

Watch for the shoal versions of 5’3″. That is really a great Bahamas draft for a serious offshore yacht though the real draft with cruising weight is probably deeper. The DS versions have a deck mold by Robert Ladd with the same Robert H. Perry hull. These are raised salon models with extra tankage below the sole and a pilothouse type atmosphere. The 48 DS is more similar to the 46 Hylas than the standard version.

On Deck Aftmost built into the stern pulpit sometimes are teak seats. These seats are surprisingly comfortable and great spots when cruising. The swim platform is modern unlike most of the canoe sterned Robert H. Perry-Ta Yang designs. There is a handy aft lazarette but no chain locker access forward. The cockpit is beautiful with long seats for laying down and perfect level seating for the helm. One I saw had running backs which cluttered the side decks. The owners had a clever system of pulleys that once revealed fixed the problems. Using a pulley forward, the backstays neatly came down flush against the cabin trunk and quickly out of the way. My client noted, “Well one thing I do not like is there is not any space for a dinghy?” He was right. The coachroof goes well forward as on many R. Perry designs. The best option would be to have a special case built for a dinghy on deck to keep her out of the way. Davits would be another option.

Down Below The 48 comes in three standard layouts (A, B, C) and more custom ones. The changes affect the forward stateroom area while all version have a centerline queen aft and similar galley along the walkthough. The variations slightly change the orientation of the settees in the saloon and the navigation station. I saw one with exactly the same layout as a 46 Hylas with the head forward and portside Pullman. My client much preferred the Tayana 48’s layout. Particularly, the navigation station is a highlight. As the 48 is two feet longer than the 46 Hylas, that length enlarges the saloon-navigation station area. The comfortable swivel chair and extravagant controls made the navigation station the best I have ever seen.

A 48 may have two or three staterooms. The three stateroom versions remind you of a Hylas 49. With a V-berth forward and portside double, she is a small three stateroom yacht with tighter quarters than the 49. The two stateroom versions which are more common and valuable have a V-berth forward or portside Pullman and enlarged head and vanity storage areas. Ta Yang’s trademark golden tones of premium teak and stellar joinery work makes the interior spectacular on this truly luxurious yacht.

The number one reason a client might prefer the 48 over a Hylas is the separate stall shower in the aft stateroom. Standard layout 46’s and 49’s have the tremendously popular double walkthrough layout which opens up the interior but prevents the inclusion of a true stall shower. The 49 has a separate alcove in the head and meets this requirement better than the 46, but neither Hylas matches the value of the Tayana 48’s master shower.

Engine and Under Sail Access to the standard 62HP Yanmar is under the stainless sinks in and through the walkthrough. That means there is access from a single side on the engine while the generator under the sinks has front access through the companionway ladder. The fuel capacity is 120 gallons in a black steel tank. The 48 Tayana is a rare bread: a serious offshore sailor combined with excellent Caribbean cruising capability. The freeboard at the bow is relatively low, and waves can come over. An owner says, “We’ve taken a few waves that have hit the dodger but not often. At one point we were caught in a 10 mile six foot ‘square wave’ situation (height in feet = period in seconds) going upwind and we saw the bow lights glowing red and green from under water. The boat was fine the next day and we learned to listen to weather forecasts in Mexico.” Another owner notes:

How does she sail? Well, I don’t have any complaints, especially now that we’ve replaced the main and gotten the weather helm under control – good speed, quite stable and if you have a rail in the water, you really ought to reef, ‘cuz you’ll go faster. We tack thru 90 degrees if the wind is above 10-12 knots, and I am NOT a racer, nor are my trimming skills race-ready!

Conclusion These 48’s are a relatively common yacht with the success of Ta Yang. Robert H. Perry and Ta Yang have given this soft appearing cruisers serious skills offshore. A quick search of the brokerage market shows 11 48’s ranging from $320,000 to $675,750 on the used market. The TOG News owners exchange is the premier place for more questions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Whether  you’re enjoying the serenity of the water, or embarking on the next big adventure, your Hylas is equipped for any condition you’ll encounter.

Sailing Yachts

Power Yachts

Our Heritage

For over 40 years, Queen Long Marine has created innovative yachts under the Hylas brand from the designs of Sparkman & Stephens, Germán Frers, Bill Dixon and Dean Salthouse. Many have been award winners, both for their beauty and build quality.  

More about us

Testimonials

More from hylas, news & events.

Hylas helps sow the seeds of the sailing dream

At Hylas, we believe in the power of giving back to the community, and today, we are thrilled to share an inspiring story of how we’ve teamed

Subscribe to our Newsletter

If you are interested in learning more about us, or one of our boat models, or to make an appointment, feel free to send us a message.

Contact Us +1 954 866 0750 info@hylasyachts.com

© 2021 Hylas Yachts International

Terms and conditions, privacy policy.