Tollycraft 48 Motor Yacht: A Pacific Northwest Classic

When R.M. “Tolly” Tollefson founded Tollycraft Boats in 1958 in Kelso, Washington, he started a company that would become synonymous with rugged, well-built cruising boats in the Pacific Northwest. Over the decades, Tollycraft earned a reputation for combining practical, sea-kindly hull forms with comfortable accommodations, and the Tollycraft 48 Motor Yacht introduced in 1976 stands as one of the company’s most respected models.

Roots and Evolution of Tollycraft

Before the company fully adopted fiberglass construction, Tollycraft produced four wooden models between 1952 and 1967, ranging from 24 to 34 feet. Those early wooden boats provided the experience and design basis for Tollycraft’s fiberglass transition in 1967. The company’s development continued steadily; one of its most successful designs, a 34-foot sedan, saw 194 units built and helped establish Tollycraft as a builder of desirable, dependable cruising yachts.

Design and Hull Characteristics

Naval architect Ed Monk, Jr. was responsible for the Tollycraft 48 Motor Yacht’s hull and general arrangement. His semi-displacement hull was designed to balance efficient cruising with comfortable motion in a variety of sea states. Key features included a springy sheer and an upswept bow with a sharp entry to cut through waves, together with a modestly raked stem and a deep forefoot intended to help the yacht handle larger swells.

With a draft of 3 feet, 2 inches and an approximate displacement of 38,000 pounds, the 48 MY was equipped for seaworthy coastal cruising while remaining practical for many harbors and anchorages in the region. A full-length keel beneath the hull protected running gear and contributed to steady tracking underway, characteristics valued by owners who cruise open water or more exposed coastal routes.

Deck Layout and On-Deck Features

The yacht’s 15-foot, 2-inch beam allowed for generous side decks, substantial bulwarks and continuous handrails that run nearly the full length of the boat—important elements for safe movement on deck. The design included a modest aft cockpit suitable for boarding and working with the dinghy, while a large dinghy storage area atop the aft cabin provided dedicated space for a tender and associated gear. A wide flybridge offered commanding sightlines and comfortable seating for helm operations and socializing.

Interior Arrangement and Accommodations

The 48 MY’s interior emphasized practical, comfortable liveaboard spaces. The raised salon contained a lower helm station on the starboard side with twin doors leading to the side decks and internal stairs up to the flybridge. The U-shaped galley sat three steps down and forward of the lower helm, positioned for both serviceability and flow between salon and cockpit.

Typical layouts included a dining or banquet table to starboard and a large forward cabin with an ensuite head. The owner’s cabin aft featured a fore-and-aft double berth, extensive stowage lockers and its own ensuite head, creating a private and functional accommodation arrangement for extended cruising.

Propulsion and Performance

During the first decade of production, owners could choose twin 210-hp Caterpillar engines or more powerful twin 320-hp Caterpillar 3208TA diesels. Later examples were offered with other reliable diesel options, including paired 300-hp Cummins engines or 375-hp Caterpillars, giving owners flexibility in power and performance to suit their cruising style. The combination of a semi-displacement hull and these diesel drives provided economical cruising speeds while maintaining a steady, comfortable ride when conditions were less than calm.

Legacy and Tollefson’s Own Yacht

R.M. “Tolly” Tollefson remained closely associated with his boats. In 1991, at age 80, he took delivery of his personal 48 Motor Yacht painted a striking blue with “Tolly” across the transom. He spent the next decade cruising the American and Canadian coasts of the Pacific Northwest and even made a trip to Alaska. He retired from active cruising at age 90 and passed away in 2011, shortly after a memorable 100th birthday celebration where 165 admirers gathered to honor him.

Why the Tollycraft 48 Endures

The Tollycraft 48 Motor Yacht endures in part because of its clear design priorities: seaworthiness, protective features for the running gear, sensible onboard systems, and comfortable accommodations suited to longer trips. For cruisers who value a classic aesthetic paired with practical engineering, the 48 MY remains a sought-after example of Pacific Northwest yacht design and Tollycraft’s commitment to craft and function.

This article was originally published in the November 2023 issue.