A True Bluewater Cruiser

Sailing is more than just a mode of travel…it’s a way of life. Our Mason 48 named Fika is more than just a sailboat; it’s our home, our passage to adventure, and a vessel built to cross oceans with confidence. Known for its classic design, exceptional craftsmanship, and seaworthy performance, the Mason 48 has a well-earned reputation as one of the finest bluewater cruising yachts ever built.

Designed by Al Mason and built by Robert Vaughn, this cutter-rigged yacht is a perfect balance of strength, comfort, and long-range capability. With its solid fiberglass hull, deep keel, and powerful rig, it is built to handle the open ocean with ease while providing a comfortable and secure living space at sea.

From the moment we stepped aboard, we knew this was the boat that would take us on our journey. With her timeless lines, spacious interior, and thoughtful design, she embodies the true spirit of offshore cruising. Whether slicing through blue water under full sail or anchored in a remote harbor, she offers the reliability and comfort needed for life on the water.

This page will share more about the history, specifications, and unique features of our Mason 48. We don’t know much about the origin of our specific Mason 48, and many of the details below reflect what our particular hull may have had originally, but we are happy to share the results of our research to date.

Read on!

Mason 48 Sailboats (circa 1972) – History and Characteristics

Background and Design Origins

The Mason 48 is a classic 48-foot bluewater cruising sailboat designed by naval architect Alvin “Al” Mason around the early 1970s. Mason had a pedigree in yacht design – he worked with renowned firms Sparkman & Stephens and Philip Rhodes​[sailboatdata.com], and his designs were known for being “beautiful, rugged and seaworthy” [mason-sailboats.org]. The Mason 48 was conceived as an ocean-going cruising ketch with traditional lines and a center-cockpit layout. In fact, Walter Cronkite’s famous yacht Wyntje was a Mason-designed Sunward 48 – a 48′ ketch that Mason drew while at Sparkman & Stephens​ [yachtingmonthly.com]. The design’s lineage ties back to earlier successful cruisers (Mason had been influenced by John Alden’s classics and S&S designs like Finisterre), aiming to combine shoal draft capability with offshore durability.

Initial examples of the Mason 48 were built in the early 1970s in the United States. Notably, at least one was launched in 1972 – a center-cockpit cutter-ketch built by Robert Vaughn in the USA​ [sailboat.guide]. This suggests the design was available for custom construction before any series production. It wasn’t until 1978 that production was formalized under the Sparkman & Stephens banner as the Sunward 48. Beginning in 1978, the Sunward Yacht Company (Wilmington, North Carolina) built a limited number of Mason 48/Sunward 48s – approximately 27 hulls through about 2000​ [yachtworld.com, ca.boats.com]. These semi-custom yachts were finished to a high standard (with interiors by firms like Rose Yacht Interiors) and gained a reputation among serious cruisers. While most Mason 48s were built in North Carolina, the Florida connection comes from the early, custom-built boats and the fact that many ended up owned, sailed, or sold in Florida. For example, one 1972 Mason 48 was reportedly built in Florida​[sailboat.guide], and later many of these boats have been based in Florida (one 1980 Mason 48 was listed in St. Augustine​ [ses-y.com] and another Sunward 48 departed from Florida on a long cruise​ [sailboat.guide]).

Size and Dimensions

The Mason 48 is a substantial yacht in this size range, and its dimensions reflect its ocean-cruising purpose:

  • Length Overall (LOA): Approximately 48 feet on deck. (Some sources cite about 53′ including bowsprit and boomkin extensions​ [sailboat.guide].)
  • Length at Waterline (LWL): ~38.5 feet [​sailboatdata.com], giving long overhangs for a seakindly ride.
  • Beam (Width): ~13.5 to 14.3 feet (about 13′5″ in early builds [​sailboat.guide], and listed at 14.25′ in later specs [​sailboatdata.com]). This moderate beam provides good interior volume and stability.
  • Draft: Designed as a shoal-draft cruiser. Early Mason 48s have a centerboard keel allowing about 4′6″ draft board-up and 9′ with board down [​sailboat.guide]. (The keel is a full keel with a cut-away forefoot and a centerboard for versatility.) Later Sunward 48 specifications list a fixed draft around 5.5 feet [​sailboatdata.com], indicating some may have a fixed keel variant or a partially raised board configuration. In any case, the draft was kept relatively shallow for a 48′ yacht, enabling access to Florida and Bahamas waters while still providing deep-keel performance when the board is down.
  • Displacement: Approximately 48,000–50,000 lbs (about 22–23 metric tons) in full cruising trim [​yachtingmonthly.com, ​sailboatdata.com]. This very heavy displacement (for comparison, about 20+ tons) is typical of a robust ocean cruiser of the era, contributing to a comfortable motion at sea.
  • Ballast: Roughly 16,500 lbs of ballast (likely lead) [​sailboatdata.com] carried low in the keel for stability. The ballast-to-displacement ratio (~33%) is moderate, befitting a stable cruising design.
  • Rig: Masthead ketch rig (also described as a “cutter ketch”). The main mast and a smaller mizzen mast carry a divided sail plan for easier handling. The foretriangle is large and often rigged with two headstays (yankee and staysail) making it a true cutter-ketch combination ​[sailboat.guide]. Standard sail area is on the order of 1,000–1,100 ft² total [​sailboatdata.com] – ample for driving this heavy hull.

Overall, the Mason 48’s dimensions give it a burly profile – long keel, hefty displacement, and a spacious beam – all traits oriented toward comfortable long-range cruising rather than racing. It has a hull speed of around 8.3 knots​ [sailboatdata.com] and, thanks to Mason’s design, can still make reasonable speed even in lighter winds despite its weight​ [yachtingmonthly.com].

Construction Methods and Materials

One of the standout aspects of Mason 48s is their robust construction. These boats were built during an era when fiberglass construction was perhaps at its peak of strength (over-built by modern standards), and the Mason 48 exemplifies that:

  • Hull: Hand-laid solid fiberglass hull with very generous thickness. The hull laminate is reportedly “over 1 inch thick below the waterline” [sailboat.guide], and an early 1972 hull was noted to be “solid fiberglass, 1 1/2″ thick” with no blister problems [​sailboat.guide]. This extremely thick GRP hull adds weight but also immense strength – owners report no osmotic blister issues even decades later​ [sailboat.guide]. Fiberglass construction was done to a high standard (hand lay-up, likely using quality resin for the era), contributing to the yacht’s longevity.
  • Keel and Underside: The Mason 48 has a full keel with a cut-away forefoot and a skeg-hung rudder for protection [​sailboat.guide]. Many were built with a centerboard housed in the keel (a design influenced by successful shallow-draft cruisers like Finisterre). This keel design (sometimes called a “Brewer bite” or modified full keel) provides directional stability and protection offshore, while the centerboard option allows shoal draft when needed. The skeg-hung rudder adds to the directional stability and protects the rudder from debris or grounding – a safety feature for cruising.
  • Deck and Structure: The deck is fiberglass; given the era, it’s likely a fiberglass sandwich (perhaps plywood or balsa core in flat sections for stiffness, though specific details aren’t widely published). The Mason 48 features a molded fiberglass deck house and cockpit. Notably, the center cockpit is designed with safety and comfort in mind – it’s deep with high coamings/backrests to keep crew secure, and many boats were fitted with a full all-weather cockpit enclosure (hard dodger or canvas bimini with side curtains) for protection​ [sailboat.guide]. Some owners describe the cockpit as “enormous” and very well protected, essentially an “all-weather” cockpit [​sailboat.guide] that suits offshore passagemaking.
  • Integrated Tanks: In later Sunward 48s, the builder took the unusual step of integrating tanks into the fiberglass structure. For example, “integrated and baffled fiberglass tanks” for fuel and water are built into the hull​ [sailboat.guide]. This means the boat can carry very large tankage (on the order of 400 gallons of fuel and 400 gallons of water in some cases​ [sailboat.guide]) without the risk of corrosion that metal tanks face. Such capacity is enormous – it reflects a design intended for long voyages or possibly luxury charter service (where extended range and plenty of water for guests were desirable). The integrated tanks also improve the ballast distribution and stability (weight low and centered).
  • Rigging and Hardware: The ketch rig is supported by a stout spar and rigging system. Mason 48s were typically equipped with mast steps (for going aloft), multiple large winches (e.g., Lewmar 3-speed primary winches)​ [sailboat.guide], and often roller furling on the headstay (yankee jib) and sometimes a staysail furling system [​sailboat.guide]. The divided rig (main and mizzen) means each sail is of more manageable size; combined with features like Hydrovane self-steering and hydraulic wheel steering (Wagner systems were mentioned)​[sailboat.guide], these boats were set up for serious cruising with minimal crew. Most had a powerful diesel auxiliary as well (early boats had Perkins diesels ~85 HP [​sailboat.guide]; later ones often had 100+ HP engines, such as a 127 HP Detroit diesel in original specs​[sailboatdata.com] or upgraded Westerbeke engines [​sailboat.guide]). The engine room is notable – Cronkite described his Mason 48 as having “a near walk-in engine room” [​yachtingmonthly.com], a rarity on a 48-foot sailboat, made possible by the boat’s volume and design prioritizing maintenance access.
  • Interior Joinery: Construction quality extended to the interior. Mason 48s are richly appointed with solid wood joinery – teak, mahogany, ash, and other hardwoods are used generously​ [sailboat.guide]. Bulkheads and furniture are usually teak-faced marine plywood or solid timber, tabbed firmly to the hull for stiffness. The craftsmanship and finish were often compared to the best yachts of the time (on par with brands like Hinckley or Alden in build, though these were fiberglass not wood). Owners often remark that the interior feels like a fine classic yacht, with proper cabinetry, louvered locker doors, and robust construction.

Overall, the construction of the Mason 48 is heavy-duty and high-quality, aiming for maximum longevity. One broker described Masons in general as “very high quality built boats… their quality will catch your eye” [cruisersforum.com]. Many Mason 48s have safely weathered decades of hard use, attesting to their build integrity.

Layout, Features, and Options

The Mason 48 was designed to be comfortable for long-term cruising or liveaboard life. Several key features and options stand out:

  • Center Cockpit & Deck Layout: The Mason 48 is a center-cockpit design. This layout yields a large aft stateroom and also keeps the cockpit safe (higher, and surrounded by the cabin trunk). The cockpit itself is quite spacious for a cruising boat – described as “very large and comfortable with deep seating and high backrests” [​sailboat.guide]. This makes long watches or even living at anchor more pleasant for crew. Many owners add a full cockpit enclosure (hard dodger or soft enclosure) – one listing notes a “watertight bimini and full enclosure” that allows crew to be “protected from the elements” in bad weather​ [sailboat.guide]. Deck space is ample; with the ketch rig, sail areas are broken up so there’s room to move about. There is typically plenty of deck storage for cruising gear (dinghies, jerry cans, etc.), and some boats were fitted with davits for a dinghy at the stern [​sailboat.guide].
  • Rig and Sails: The standard rig is a staysail ketch (cutter-ketch). This means there is a furling yankee (genoa jib) and a staysail on the forward mast, and then a mainsail and a mizzen sail. The cutter rig allows flexibility – one can sail under jib and mizzen, or main and jib, or any combination to balance the boat in various conditions. The ketch rig reduces the size of individual sails – easier for a small crew to handle. Advertisements note that the “cutter ketch combination allows easy setup for all weather conditions for a crew of two” [sailboat.guide]. In heavy weather, one can shorten to just a staysail and reefed mizzen (a very balanced, low sail plan). In light winds, all sails up (main, mizzen, yankee, staysail) provide a respectable area (~1,100 ft²). Some Mason 48s carry additional sails like a mizzen staysail or spinnaker for downwind use. Seven sails in total were mentioned in one inventory​ [sailboat.guide] (likely including storm sails). This versatility made the Mason 48 capable of ocean passages in a wide range of conditions. Many boats also came with windvane self-steering (e.g., Hydrovane) for long passages​ [sailboat.guide] and robust autopilots​ [sailboat.guide].
  • Interior Layouts: Thanks to the center cockpit, the interior is expansive for a 48-footer. A typical layout includes two or three private staterooms plus generous common areas. For instance, many have a large aft master cabin (often with a queen berth or double, and en-suite head), a forward cabin (V-berth), and sometimes a mid cabin with bunk beds or a single berth. Cronkite noted his boat had “four separate cabins: V-berths forward, over-and-under bunks immediately aft (forward guest cabin), a single bunkroom for crew, and the owner’s stateroom aft”​ [yachtingmonthly.com] – indicating a 4-cabin layout optimized for charter or hosting guests. More commonly, 3-cabin, 2-head layouts were used: one listing describes “three staterooms and two heads” in its accommodation​ [sailboat.guide]. The main saloon is typically amidships and is very spacious – one account mentions seating for seven around a large table​ [yachtingmonthly.com], and headroom often 6.5 to 7 feet throughout​ [sailboat.guide]. The saloon often has an L-shaped settee and chairs, and because of the beam, it feels full-width. Adjacent to the saloon is usually a full nav station with ample space for electronics (these boats often retrofitted modern navigation suites).
  • Galley: The Mason 48 usually has a fully equipped seagoing galley, often laid out as a walkthrough galley on the passageway to the aft cabin (common in center-cockpit designs) or an L-shaped galley. One owner listing highlights an “L-shaped galley with abundant storage and three refrigerator/freezer units” [​sailboat.guide] – indicative of a yacht that might have been used for extended cruising or charter (lots of cold storage for provisions). The galley typically has a gimbaled propane stove/oven, double sinks, and huge pantry storage. Some even have conveniences like microwaves and even dishwashers, depending on owner customization (Cronkite mentioned his had a microwave and air conditioning installed​ [yachtingmonthly.com]).
  • Other Features: Mason 48s were often outfitted for comfort and long-term living: Air conditioning and generators were not uncommon (especially on later builds or retrofits)​ [ses-y.com]. With the large tankage, they could support watermakers or long periods between ports. The engine room (centered under the cockpit) provides space for a generator, tools, and spares. The electrical systems were typically robust for the time (and many have been modernized). Safety gear such as life rafts, EPIRBs, etc., were typically added by serious cruisers; one 1972 boat listing noted carrying an 8-man life raft, dinghy with outboard, and even spare sails and parts for extended cruising​ [sailboat.guide].

In terms of options, because these boats were often semi-custom, original buyers could specify interior wood choices, upholstery, electronics packages, and rigging tweaks. However, the core design (hull, rig, layout) remained consistent. The emphasis was clearly on a boat that could be “a comfortable liveaboard” and handle ocean voyages. Spacious accommodations, abundant storage, and seakindly design were the selling points, which remain attractive to bluewater sailors today.

Performance and Handling

Although heavy in weight, the Mason 48 has a reputation as a capable cruiser under sail. As Cronkite described, “It’s a heavy boat, 48,000 pounds. It lays nicely to a rough sea and yet makes good way in a light breeze” [yachtingmonthly.com]. Owners generally find that the long waterline (for a full-keel boat) and generous sail area give it respectable performance for a cruiser – one can expect cruising speeds of 6–8 knots in good wind. The divided ketch rig means the boat can be balanced in varying conditions, reducing helm strain. The combination of skeg-hung rudder and long keel makes tracking in big seas very steady (it’s not prone to quick maneuvering, but it holds a course well – a desirable trait offshore). The shoal draft (with board up) is a huge advantage in places like the Bahamas or Florida Keys, though when beating to windward offshore, lowering the centerboard (if equipped) to 9′ draft greatly enhances upwind pointing. The engine power on later models (100+ HP diesel) gives a solid 7+ knot motoring speed and the ability to push through headwinds or maneuver in harbor confidently. With nearly 800 gallons of fuel+water combined on some boats [sailboat.guide], the range under power and endurance between stops is enormous. The high freeboard and heavy displacement also mean it can carry a lot of gear (and many owners do load them with spares and cruising equipment) without greatly affecting performance or trim. In racing terms, a Mason 48 won’t beat lighter modern boats, but in the context of comfortable cruising, its “comfort ratio” is very high (calculated ~54, which indicates a very comfortable motion in waves [sailboatdata.com]). The capsize screening ratio of ~1.55 [sailboatdata.com] also shows it’s a steady platform unlikely to capsize – a reassuring statistic for ocean sailors.

Build Quality and Reputation

Mason 48 sailboats enjoy an excellent reputation in the sailing community, both for their construction quality and their capabilities. A few points highlight this reputation:

  • Robustness: The thick fiberglass build and overall solid construction give owners confidence. Even decades after launch, Mason 48 hulls have held up well. Blister issues, common in 1970s fiberglass boats, are virtually unheard of on these heavily laid hulls (one 50-year-old example had “no blisters on the hull” ​[sailboat.guide]). The integrated tank design also meant fewer leak or corrosion issues over time. Systems like steering (often hydraulic) and rigging were generally over-spec’d. This robustness makes the Mason 48 a popular choice for world cruising – many have crossed oceans. In fact, most of the Mason sailboats built are “still in service today and have become beloved and respected icons”​ [mason-sailboats.org], a statement that certainly includes the Mason 48.
  • Fit and Finish: Owners often praise the traditional beauty of the boat – “their quality will catch your eye”, as one sailor noted​[cruisersforum.com]. The interior joinery, the classic sheer line, the bowsprit with dolphin striker, and the general heavy-duty fittings (bronze ports, solid teak caprails, etc.) give the Mason 48 an air of a classic yacht. They were expensive boats in their day, usually owned by discerning sailors. The build quality from Sunward (and the custom builders) was generally on par with high-end yards. Many point out the Mason 48’s build is “very (and I mean VERY) high quality” ​[cruisersforum.com].
  • Seaworthiness: With a comfort ratio of 54+ and a ballast ratio around 33%, the Mason 48 is considered a safe, steady cruiser​ [sailboatdata.com]. It can carry sail in a blow and heave-to reliably if needed. The boat’s behavior in rough conditions is often described as reassuring – it doesn’t “snap roll” or pound, due to its weight and hull form. Cronkite’s comment that it “lays nicely to a rough sea”​[yachtingmonthly.com] encapsulates this – the boat has a long, shallow keel that imparts a gentle motion and prevents deep rolling. Many Masons have weathered major storms; their names pop up in cruising logs around the world.
  • Space and Comfort: For living aboard, the Mason 48 rates highly. “As with all Mason designs, [the interior] makes maximum use of the space”​ [yachtingmonthly.com]. Owners enjoy the roomy cabins and ample headroom. Little touches, like a proper stand-up engine room or workshop space, set the Mason 48 apart from lighter production boats. One could comfortably spend months on this vessel – which is exactly what many have done, sailing to far-flung destinations or even circumnavigating.
  • Notable Owners: The most famous owner of a Mason 48 was news anchorman Walter Cronkite, which adds to the boat’s prestige. His Sunward 48 Wyntje was hull #17 of the series (built in 1986)​ [yachtworld.com] and he spoke highly of its performance and comfort ​[yachtingmonthly.com]. Knowing that an experienced sailor like Cronkite chose the Mason 48 (after owning other sailboats) bolsters the design’s reputation. Additionally, a Mason 48 (“Karma”) even had a bit of TV fame, appearing in the series Dawson’s Creek as a featured yacht​sailboat.guide!

In summary, the Mason 48 earned a reputation as a top-tier cruising yacht of its time – often mentioned in the same breath as other heavy cruising ketches like the Hinckley 49, Whitby/Brewer 42, or Formosa 51, but with arguably better build quality and designer pedigree. As one forum commenter put it, “A Mason is generally a very high quality built boat… a refreshing design”​

cruisersforum.com. Its blend of strength, seakeeping, and liveability make it a sought-after classic on the used market even today.

Florida Connections – Builders and Shipyards

The question of Florida manufacture of Mason 48s is interesting, as the main production was in North Carolina. However, Florida did play a role in the Mason 48 story:

  • Early Florida Build: The 1972 Mason 48 built by Robert Vaughn is believed to have been built in Florida (possibly a custom project at a Florida yard or by a Florida-based builder)​ [sailboat.guide]. While detailed records are scarce, this vessel (and perhaps a few others in the early-mid ’70s) were essentially custom one-off builds from Al Mason’s plans. Florida, being a hotbed of boating, had craftsmen capable of building such a boat even before it went into series production. It’s quite likely the Vaughn-built Mason 48 was constructed in the Florida area (Robert Vaughn’s name does not correspond to a known large shipyard, suggesting a smaller operation, which points to the custom boatbuilding scene in Florida in that era).
  • Sunward Yachts and Bennett Brothers (North Carolina): The official production of Mason 48s was handled by Sunward Yacht Corp, founded by Bob Yunaska in 1978 in Wilmington, NC​ [hindecoder.com]. Sunward built the majority of Mason 48 (Sunward 48) yachts. Later on (by the late 1980s), Bennett Brothers Yachts, also of Wilmington NC, was involved in construction or finishing – sailboat data lists “Builder: Sunward Yachts/Bennett Bros. Yachts (USA)”​ [sailboatdata.com]. While these are not Florida companies, it’s worth noting that the Mason 48 production was a small, high-quality operation not unlike some semi-custom yacht builders in Florida at the time.
  • Designer and Design Firms: Al Mason was the naval architect; because he was operating as an independent designer, he likely provided plans to anyone who commissioned them. He had connections to Sparkman & Stephens (S&S), which took on the Mason 48 design in their catalog, branding it the “S&S Sunward 48”. S&S oversaw the design refinement and perhaps helped market it. Sparkman & Stephens is a New York-based firm, but they worked with builders worldwide. In this case, they chose Sunward in NC for the production run. Florida doesn’t appear to have hosted a dedicated production line for Mason 48s, but Florida boat shows and brokers certainly featured them.
  • Florida Ownership and Charter: Florida’s influence is more on the ownership side. Many Mason 48s found their way to Florida due to the state’s large sailing community and proximity to the Bahamas/Caribbean. For instance, one Mason 48 (the 1980 model “Z”) was listed for sale in St. Augustine, FL​ [ses-y.com]. Another, “Karma,” sailed from Florida on a 20,000-mile cruise​ [sailboat.guide]. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Florida charter companies and private owners were interested in large center-cockpit ketches for chartering in the islands – the Morgan Out Island series (built in Florida) was one result of that demand, and the Mason/Sunward 48 (though built in NC) was conceptually in the same space but higher-end. It’s quite possible some Mason 48s were finished or outfitted in Florida even if their hulls were molded in NC. For example, an owner could take delivery of an unfinished yacht and have customization done in Fort Lauderdale (a yachting hub). The mention that Rose Yacht Interiors did finish work – if Rose was Florida-based (unconfirmed) – could be an example of outsourcing some fitting out.
  • Related Florida Builders: While not directly building the Mason 48, Florida did have contemporaries like Morgan Yachts, Gulfstar (St. Petersburg), and Irwin Yachts (Largo, FL) who were building center-cockpit cruising ketches in the 1970s. The Mason 48 can be seen in context with these – e.g., Charlie Morgan’s 41 and 51 foot Out Islands were aimed at charter; Vince Lazzara’s Gulfstar 50 was another heavy ketch (though with slightly lighter construction). The Mason 48 distinguished itself by being a custom/upmarket build (often owner-financed rather than mass-produced). Florida’s yards didn’t produce the Mason 48, but a Florida boat buyer in 1972 could commission one from Al Mason’s plans (as happened with the Vaughn build). By the early 1980s, a Florida sailor interested in a new Mason 48 would likely be directed to Sunward’s operation in NC.

In summary, Florida’s role in the Mason 48 story is primarily as an early incubator (for at least one custom build) and as a hub where many of these yachts have been based or passed through. The known manufacturers/shipyards for the Mason 48 are: the Robert Vaughn project (1972, Florida) for the custom build; Sunward Yacht Corp (1978–1980s, NC) for series production; and Bennett Brothers Yachts (late 1980s–90s, NC) for continued production and support​ [sailboatdata.com]. The designer was Al Mason, working in conjunction with Sparkman & Stephens on the Sunward project [yachtingmonthly.com]. This collaboration combined Mason’s cruising design expertise with S&S’s reputation and naval architecture resources, resulting in a yacht that carries both names in different contexts (Mason 48 or S&S Sunward 48).

Historical Context and Legacy

The Mason 48 emerged at a time (late 1960s–1970s) when long-distance cruising under sail was growing in popularity. The design encapsulates the trends of that era – heavy fiberglass construction (as fiberglass had superseded wood, builders often overbuilt hulls for safety), ketch rigs for easier handling, center cockpits for better accommodations, and shallow draft for the Bahamas/Caribbean cruising grounds. It shares DNA with other classics of the time but stands out for its pedigree and quality.

Historically, the Mason 48 is part of Al Mason’s legacy of fine cruising yachts. Al Mason’s designs, including the smaller Mason 43 (built by Ta Shing in Taiwan)​ [cruisingworld.com], and larger Mason 53, have all become respected bluewater boats. The Mason 48/Sunward 48 is less common (with only a few dozen built), but it holds a special place as “the big sister that almost was” in the Mason line – it wasn’t mass-produced by Pacific Asian Enterprises like the 43, yet it has a devoted following.

In the decades since, Mason 48s have crisscrossed the globe. They’ve been used as family world cruisers, liveaboard homes, and luxury charter yachts. Many have been refit and updated, but their fundamental structure and design remain relevant. As a testament to their enduring appeal, Mason 48s occasionally appear on the brokerage market and often attract attention; a well-kept example is considered a “classic plastic” gem.

In conclusion, the Mason 48 is a historic design from 1972 that embodies the best of its era’s cruising ideals. It offers substantial size and comfort, a thoughtful design by one of the era’s great yacht designers, solid construction methods, and a reputation that has stood the test of time. Whether built in Florida as a one-off or in North Carolina as part of the Sunward series, these sailboats have proven to be “impressive” bluewater cruisers​ [sailboat.guide], highly regarded for their build quality and sea-going capability. For anyone researching Mason 48s, the key takeaways are their generous dimensions and accommodations, bulletproof fiberglass build, ketch rig versatility, and the storied heritage of Al Mason’s design — truly “beautiful, rugged and seaworthy” yachts​ [mason-sailboats.org] with a bit of mystique in their history.

Sources: The above information was compiled from historical yacht listings, owner accounts, and published specifications of the Mason 48 (often referred to as the S&S Sunward 48). Notable references include:

These collectively provide a rich picture of the Mason 48’s historical context and characteristics.