Cabo Rico 45 Information, Review, Specs

Launched by Cabo Rico, a builder renowned for its semi-custom, heavily built sailboats, the Cabo Rico 45 represents the pinnacle of their design philosophy at the time of its introduction. Her substantial construction, combined with Crealock's proven design acumen, positioned her as a formidable contender in the serious cruising yacht market.

The Cabo Rico 45 began its production run in 1995, marking a significant addition to the builder's celebrated lineup of cruising vessels. It was notably the largest design W.I.B. Crealock penned for the company, following a successful collaboration that included iconic models like the Tiburon 36 and Cabo Rico 38. Crealock's design philosophy, evident in the 45, centered on creating yachts with excellent seakeeping ability, comfort, and seaworthiness, traits that have become synonymous with the Cabo Rico brand.

Cabo Rico, under the stewardship of Edi and Fraser Smith who acquired the company in the late 1980s, maintained its ethos of producing "heavy displacement offshore cruising yachts". This commitment translated into robust construction, often featuring solid fiberglass hulls and decks, and beautifully finished solid teak interiors, which are hallmark characteristics of their vessels. The Cabo Rico 45 was offered primarily with a cutter rig, a configuration well-suited for offshore sailing due to its versatility in sail handling, and was also available as a ketch rig, providing owners with options for sail plan management.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cabo Rico 45 is characterized by a full keel with a cutaway forefoot, contributing to its renowned directional stability and comfortable motion in a seaway. With a length overall of 45 feet and a waterline length of 35 feet, her heavy displacement of 35,600 pounds points to her robust construction and emphasizes her role as a capable offshore cruiser. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.93 knots.

Analyzing her design ratios provides further insight into her performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 19.29, the Cabo Rico 45 is classified as a moderately powered cruiser. This suggests she will perform competently in light to moderate air, offering a good balance between speed and ease of handling, though she might require earlier reefing in stronger winds compared to lighter displacement designs. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.379 indicates a good level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable amount of sail in a breeze. Coupled with her heavy displacement, this ratio contributes to a stiff and secure sailing experience. Finally, a Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 370.6 firmly places the Cabo Rico 45 in the heavy displacement category. This characteristic is central to her reputation for delivering a remarkably comfortable and predictable motion, particularly in adverse sea states, making her ideal for serious blue-water passages. Owners and reviewers often praise her predictable sailing characteristics and good seakeeping ability, highlighting her as a safe and comfortable vessel for ocean cruising. The inclusion of an advanced attached rudder design further enhances her handling capabilities. Powering the vessel is a 62 horsepower Yanmar diesel engine, providing reliable auxiliary propulsion.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts could vary due to Cabo Rico's semi-custom building approach, the Cabo Rico 45 is consistently lauded for its spacious and elegant interior, showcasing the builder's commitment to quality craftsmanship and comfortable living spaces. True to Cabo Rico's reputation, the interior typically features extensive use of solid teak joinery, creating a warm, traditional, and luxurious ambiance.

Though maximum headroom details are not universally available, Cabo Rico yachts are generally known for offering comfortable standing room throughout their cabins. The layout often includes a substantial V-berth forward, a large salon, a well-appointed galley, and private sleeping quarters, possibly with quarter berths or a dedicated aft cabin. Storage is typically generous, with numerous lockers, drawers, and shelving units designed to accommodate the provisions and gear required for extended voyages. Ventilation is usually managed through a combination of opening ports and overhead hatches, crucial for comfort in tropical climates. The robust construction and thoughtful use of materials also contribute to excellent insulation from exterior noise and temperature fluctuations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Cabo Rico 45 consistently express high satisfaction with their vessels, frequently praising the yacht's exceptional build quality, robust construction, and beautiful woodwork. The solid construction instills confidence for offshore cruising, a core design principle for all Cabo Rico yachts. The interior's comfort and elegant finish are recurring positive comments, making the boat a pleasant home for extended periods at sea.

Common strengths highlighted by owners include the boat's predictable and stable motion in a seaway, its ability to handle challenging conditions with grace, and the overall feeling of safety and security it provides. The heavy displacement contributes significantly to this comfortable motion, which is highly valued by those undertaking long passages. While specific "common problems" are not widely documented in publicly available owner forums, the general consensus points to a well-engineered and durable vessel, typical of the Cabo Rico brand's enduring quality. Any issues are typically related to the aging of original equipment rather than inherent design or construction flaws, a common consideration for any pre-owned vessel.