Independence 45 Information, Review, Specs

The lineage of the Independence 45 traces back to the classic Hans Christian 45 design, with its origins often attributed to designer Harwood Ives, and some accounts also mentioning Geoffrey White in partnership with Hans Christian. The original Hans Christian 45 began production as early as 1976 by Anderson Yachts Ltd. in Taiwan. While the provided data indicates a production start year of 1979 for this model, Cherubini Boat Company later took over U.S. production of the Independence 45 in 1996, further cementing its reputation for solid construction.

Hans Christian Yachts, and by extension the Cherubini Independence 45, are known for a design philosophy centered on creating high-quality, traditional-looking vessels built for long-distance cruising. Cherubini Yachts, during its era of building such vessels, maintained a commitment to robust construction, often utilizing hand-laid fiberglass hulls and meticulous attention to detail, aligning perfectly with the heavy-duty nature of the Independence 45. The design, characterized by a full keel, was intended to provide a comfortable motion in challenging sea conditions and exceptional stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 45 feet and a waterline length of 37 feet, the Cherubini Independence 45 is a substantial vessel designed for steady offshore passages rather than nimble racing. Its displacement of 31,000 pounds classifies it as a very heavy displacement cruiser, indicative of a boat built to handle formidable seas with grace.

The calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 10.83 is quite low, suggesting that the Independence 45 is not a light-air performer and will require significant breeze to achieve optimal speeds. However, this heavy design contributes to its exceptional stability and comfortable motion in a seaway. The Ballast to Displacement ratio, estimated around 36.45% (based on a ballast of 11,300 lbs for the Hans Christian 45), points to a reasonably stiff hull, capable of standing up to a good amount of wind without excessive heeling. The extremely high Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 612 further underscores its heavy, traditional cruising credentials, implying a powerful hull that maintains momentum well through waves.

Owners frequently describe the Hans Christian 45, the progenitor of the Independence 45, as a "proud seaworthy hull" with a "bullet-proof design" that takes challenging weather "in stride." These characteristics highlight its capability as a dependable and stable offshore cruising platform, prioritizing safety and comfort over speed. While the specifies a cutter rig, the Hans Christian 45 was also offered with ketch or staysail ketch rigs, which are generally considered easier to handle for their smaller individual sail areas, further enhancing its appeal as a long-distance cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Cherubini Independence 45 is designed for spaciousness and comfort, reflecting its long-distance cruising intentions. Reviews and owner descriptions often highlight a generous interior layout, providing comfortable living quarters suitable for extended passages or liveaboard life.

Typical arrangements include two staterooms, two heads, a well-equipped galley, a spacious salon, and a distinctive raised pilothouse. The pilothouse is a key feature, offering excellent visibility and a protected helm station, particularly beneficial in adverse weather. Forward, one might find a cabin with two single berths, providing versatile sleeping arrangements or additional storage. The finish quality often features robust joinery and traditional marine-grade materials, consistent with Cherubini's reputation for bespoke craftsmanship and the Hans Christian tradition of solid, practical interiors. The emphasis is generally on durable, sea-kindly furnishings and ample storage to support long voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Cherubini Independence 45, and its Hans Christian forebear, for its exceptional stability, comfort, and dependability. Many report that the vessel handles difficult weather conditions with remarkable ease, instilling confidence in offshore passages. Its "bullet-proof design" and "proud seaworthy hull" are frequently mentioned as significant strengths, underscoring its robust construction and ability to withstand the rigors of the sea.

However, common considerations for owners include the maintenance of its extensive exterior woodwork, a characteristic of many traditional designs, which can be time-consuming and costly. The relatively low boom is another point noted by some owners. Despite these aspects, the collective viewpoint suggests that the Independence 45 offers a high level of comfort and security, making it a highly regarded vessel for those seeking a reliable and capable bluewater cruiser with timeless appeal.