Cape Dory 45 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Cape Dory 45 emerged during the final years of Cape Dory Yachts' primary sailboat production, with construction spanning from 1982 to 1985. As with the vast majority of Cape Dory's iconic sailboats, the 45-foot ketch was designed by Carl Alberg, a naval architect renowned for shaping the brand's identity. Alberg's design philosophy consistently favored vessels with classic lines, long graceful overhangs, and low freeboard, prioritizing ease of handling, comfort, and seaworthiness over pure racing performance. His goal was to create comfortable family cruisers and capable bluewater yachts, a vision perfectly aligned with the Cape Dory 45's intended purpose.

Cape Dory Yachts, founded by Andrew Vavolotis, built its reputation on solid, thick fiberglass layups and a commitment to traditional aesthetics and durability. A cornerstone of the builder's design identity was its unwavering commitment to full-keel designs, which contribute significantly to a boat's directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Cape Dory 45 was available in both cutter and ketch versions, though the specific model discussed here is configured as a ketch.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cape Dory 45, with its substantial displacement of 24,000 pounds and a waterline length of 33.5 feet, is a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser, indicated by a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 285.0. This characteristic suggests a vessel designed for comfort and stability in varied sea conditions rather than exhilarating speed. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 15.33 further reinforces this, indicating a boat that will be steady and powerful in a breeze but may require more wind to perform optimally in lighter air.

With a ballast of 9,400 pounds, primarily lead, contributing to a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.391, the Cape Dory 45 boasts a respectable level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a strong wind and maintain a comfortable heel angle. Like other Cape Dory vessels, she is known for her "sea-kindly motion" and sturdy build. While general anecdotal descriptions of Cape Dory models suggest they are well-mannered and handle a wide range of conditions, the full-keel design, while excellent for directional stability offshore, can make turning in confined spaces, such as harbors, a more deliberate maneuver. Her hull speed is calculated at 7.76 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

Given the Cape Dory 45's designation as a blue water cruiser and her generous beam of 13.0 feet, her interior is designed for comfortable extended living aboard, though specific detailed layouts are scarce due to the limited number built. Typical of Cape Dory's larger models, the interior would likely feature a traditional layout with extensive use of wood trim, creating a warm and classic ambiance.

While precise headroom figures are not readily available, a vessel of this size and purpose would generally offer comfortable standing headroom throughout the main salon. Expect a spacious salon, a well-equipped galley suitable for offshore cooking, and multiple sleeping cabins, including a V-berth forward and potentially quarter berths or an aft cabin. The design would also incorporate ample storage for provisions and gear, essential for long voyages. The vessel is equipped with substantial tankage, including 200 gallons of water capacity and 100 gallons of fuel, underlining her self-sufficiency for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Due to the extremely limited production run of only three Cape Dory 45s, specific owner reviews and common problem discussions are exceptionally rare. However, the general consensus among owners of other Cape Dory models, and the brand's overall legacy, provides insight into what one might expect from the 45.

Owners consistently praise Cape Dory yachts for their solid construction and a comfortable motion in a seaway, often prioritizing a secure and reliable ride over cutting-edge performance. The thick fiberglass layups and full-keel designs contribute to a sense of security and durability. While the full-keel can lead to a larger turning radius compared to fin-keel boats, this is generally accepted as a trade-off for enhanced directional stability and a more forgiving motion in rough conditions. The enduring quality of Cape Dory's solid fiberglass construction means that even decades after their build, these classic boats often remain easily insurable and actively sailed worldwide, supported by a passionate owner community through organizations like the Cape Dory Sailboat Owners Association.