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
| LOA | 48’0”-14.63 m |
| Length of Waterline | 42’0”- 12.80 m |
| Beam | 14’6” – 4.42 m |
| Shoal Draft | 4’11” – 1.5 m |
| Standard Draft | 6’6” – 1.98 m |
| Displacement | 35,360 lb. – 16,039 kg |