The Whistler 48, also known as Able 48, is a luxurious blueboat sailboat that boasts an elegant and sleek design. Measuring 14.5 meters in length, this monohull sailboat is the perfect choice for sailors looking for a comfortable and spacious cruising experience. The boat was designed by renowned naval architect C. W. (Chuck) Paine and built by the world-class craftsmen at Able Marine.
The structure of the Able 48 is designed to offer both strength and stability while cruising. The hull is made of hand-laid fiberglass with Airex core which provides a lightweight yet stiff structure, which is also well insulated acoustically and thermally. The hull is painted in a Flag Blue color with white whale stripe and a single white boot stripe that adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. The decks are also made of composite wood and fiberglass with a core that provides added strength. The decks are painted in a contrasting white and San Mateo Wheat non-skid color that provides a sleek look. The stainless steel and teak bowsprit with bobstay, integrated anchor roller, and headstay attachment adds to the overall functionality of the yacht. The integrated bulwark at the intersection of the hull and deck ensures added security while on deck.
The Able 48 deck is designed for ease of handling and safety. The aft cockpit is roomy and perfect for lounging and entertaining, with deep coamings for added safety while underway. The deck is made of teak and has a varnished teak toe rail cap on the bulwark. The handrails, eyebrow, dorade boxes, sea hood and name boards are also made of varnished teak. The bow and stern rails are stainless steel and there are double white vinyl coated lifelines with port and starboard gates. The side decks are wide and provide easy access forward and the foredeck has flush hatches that provide access to fresh and saltwater deck wash. There are also deck prisms in the foredeck that bring natural light into the forward cabin. The cockpit has teak decking and removable teak inserts over the cockpit sole. There is an Edson helm pedestal with stainless steel teak-rimmed wheel and binnacle. There are mounts at the helm for Raymarine Axiom chartplotter and depth and speed instruments and a single-lever engine control mounted to the helm pedestal. The cockpit also has a custom triple-leaf Able cockpit table that seats 5 people, Navman depth sounder and Datamarine wind instrument mounted on the forward bulkhead of the cockpit and storage under the cockpit settees and coamings. Additionally, the cockpit has a shower in the coaming locker.
The interior of the Able 48 is designed with a classic aesthetic, featuring white bulkheads and overheads, varnished cherry trim, and a solid plank teak cabin sole. The cushions are upholstered in a maroon Ultraleather, adding a touch of elegance to the interior. This bluewater sailboat is well-equipped with ample storage options, including behind louvered locker doors, in drawers, and shelves. The yacht is also well-ventilated with abundant opening portlights, overhead hatches, and dorades, and is also climate controlled with air conditioning and heat.
The forward stateroom includes a V-berth with filler, bureaus aft of the starboard berth, cabinets above, and a large hanging locker to port and starboard. Three opening ports and a large escape hatch provide ample light and ventilation. Additional features include individual heat/AC controls, a shipstrike and barometer, directional brass reading lamps, and a collector-quality Dutch oil lamp. The aft cabin is also spacious and well-appointed.
The yacht’s galley is ideally configured for cooking while passaging, and is located on the vessel’s mid-ship axis and separated from the saloon by a serving space. It is equipped with 16 sq. ft. of counter space in a U-shape, and features a double sink on centerline, top opening deep freeze and refrigerator with Sea Frost holdover plates cooled by engine or 110v compressors, a 3-burner gimballed LPG stove, and a microwave.
The main saloon features a dinette to port that comfortably seats six, and offers great visibility from all seating. To starboard is the full helm station, and the space under the dinette is cleverly configured to allow a workbench with vise and full spares locker when the outboard seating is removed. The aft stateroom is private and features a double berth to starboard, drawer storage beneath, and a handsome hanging locker on centerline with five more drawers and a mirrored backdrop. The cockpit is well-designed and spacious, with twin steering wheels for redundancy and great visibility from the windward helm. The cockpit also features a folding table, strong handholds, a stowage cubby, a central navigation display, and a compass binnacle. Deck flow is good, but the uneven steps from the cockpit to the side decks may create a tripping hazard. The boat features a loop rig with removable inner forestay for staysail and anodized aluminum mast with double spreaders, stepped on keel. The Awlgripped mast and LeisureFurl boom are a great addition to the boat and make it easy to handle. The cockpit layout and lines are led aft and designed for a couple to sail her with ease, especially with the addition of electric mainsail halyard winch.
The Able 48 is a performance cruiser that offers excellent sailing capabilities, designed for ease of handling and shorthanded sailing. The modified fin hull with a full skeg and Scheel keel provides a balance of stability, speed and maneuverability. The rig is designed with a furling main, staysail and headsail, with electric primaries and an electric mainsheet winch for easy operation. The Navtec hydraulic vang and backstay offer precise sail control. The electrical and safety systems are top-notch, including a Givens 6-man liferaft, Lifesling, deployable storm stay, and AGM batteries for sailboat’s service and engine start. The generator and inverter provide ample power for all systems on board. All in all, the Able 48 offers a perfect combination of classic design, comfort and performance for ocean cruisers looking for a seaworthy, well-built yacht.
The rigging plan is suitable for shorthanded sailing with sail controls led to the helm wherever possible. It features a soundspar aluminum double-spreader furling mainmast stepped on the keel, Profurl furling units for staysail and headsail, electric primaries, electric mainsheet winch, hand secondary and reefing winches and manual in-mast furling for main and self-tacking staysail with club boom.
Able 48 is a well-built and designed sailboat, with a comfortable and spacious interior that is perfect for cruising. With its modified fin hull and Scheel keel, the boat provides excellent performance and seaworthiness. The boat is well-suited for shorthanded sailing, with sail controls led to the helm wherever possible and electric winches for easy handling.
The boat has a variety of safety features, including a Givens 6-man liferaft, lifesling, deployable storm stay, and 6 Switlick safety harnesses. Overall, Able 48 is a top-quality yacht that is perfect for those who value comfort, performance, and safety.
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