the 47 weights the same as a 44 the bow of the 47 is to light wanders in the surf to much keeps you on your toes to much and will fitage a crew faster because it snaps back and forth in the surf or in moderate seas.

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I have never seen the '47 except in photos and on TV, but I would guess that this boat is much closer to the '52 (I served as an MK on the Victory, 52312) than the old 44s; the 47s look to be a much larger and heavier boat, even if they are only 3 feet longer. The '52s are only 8 feet longer, but are about twice the weight (IIRC) of a 44 MLB, and a completely different boat. The round hull of the '52 always meant for some seasickness, and a less lively feel. I remember being on the Victory when Chief Haigh took the designer of the '52 out in some surf off Newport, and they were commenting on how the stern deck was almost always awash in surf.




Still, in the really hairy stuff, and for long distance offshore crap, I would prefer the '52 to the '44; it had a lot more power for heavy tows, and while not as lively, it didn't get knocked about as much either.




I would guess the '47 is probably a bit more comfortable boat too - if for no other reason than it sounds like it is a lot faster, and trying to get to a boat in trouble when you have to travel 50 miles at 12 knots makes for a long trip.

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I don't have nearly the time on a 47' as I do on a 44', but my opinion is that they are entirely different boats. The 44' is slow and loud and the crew is exposed, but the ride is reasonable and it is somewhat forgiving of mistakes in the surf. The 47' ride is absolutely brutal on the crew in heavy seas due to it's hull design, and it seems to be much less forgiving of mistakes in the surf. A lot of folks think the 47' is great, but if I had a choice I would choose the 44' for the really choppy stuff. At least your kidneys will still be there when you get home. Ideally I think we should have built a scaled up version of a 44' hull with the power and updated technology of the 47'. Now THAT would be a nice boat.