Coronado 45 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Coronado 45 made its debut in 1974, marking it as one of the last models introduced under the Coronado nameplate before the brand was retired in 1976. Its production spanned a brief two-year period, concluding in 1975. By this time, Coronado Yachts had been acquired by the Whittaker Corporation in 1968, a conglomerate that also owned Columbia Yachts. The builder's history indicates that after 1974, the separate Coronado manufacturing plant ceased operations, and all subsequent Coronado-badged boats, including the Coronado 45, were built by Columbia, often utilizing Columbia molds. The Coronado 45 shares origins with the Columbia 43/45, suggesting a shared lineage in design and construction.

William H. Tripp Jr., the designer, was known for creating capable and comfortable cruising yachts. His designs typically prioritized seaworthiness and interior volume, characteristics that are evident in the Coronado 45. The hull features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a common and effective configuration for cruising boats of this era, balancing good tracking with reasonable maneuverability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Coronado 45 is engineered as a capable cruising vessel, emphasizing stability and a comfortable motion rather than outright speed. With a length overall of just over 45 feet and a waterline length of 34.42 feet, she presents a substantial platform for offshore sailing.

Analyzing her performance ratios provides insight into her character:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At approximately 15.14, the Coronado 45 indicates a design leaning towards comfortable cruising. This ratio suggests that while she might not excel in very light airs, she will be well-powered and manageable in moderate to strong winds, providing a steady, predictable ride.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): A high ballast ratio of approximately 0.49 (49%) points to significant initial stability. This means the Coronado 45 is a very stiff boat, capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a secure feeling for those on board, especially in challenging conditions.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): With a D/L ratio around 273.5, the Coronado 45 falls into the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. This heavy displacement contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, dampening pitching and rolling, making for a more pleasant experience on longer passages. Her robust construction and displacement are hallmarks of a solid, traditional cruiser. The fin keel design offers good maneuverability, a beneficial trait for a vessel of this size.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Coronado 45 require owner-supplied information or period brochures, general characteristics can be inferred from her substantial dimensions and the design philosophy of the era. With a generous beam of 12.33 feet, the Coronado 45 would typically offer ample interior volume for comfortable living aboard. Given her cruising aspirations, her interior layout would likely feature a traditional arrangement with accommodations designed for extended stays.

Expected features would include a spacious main salon, a well-appointed galley for meal preparation, and private sleeping cabins, typically a V-berth forward and potentially a quarter berth or aft cabin, depending on the specific configuration. Headroom would be generous, further enhancing the sense of space. Storage capacity would be a priority, with numerous lockers, shelves, and hanging space throughout. The finish quality would likely reflect the production standards of Columbia Yachts during the mid-1970s, which often involved a blend of fiberglass surfaces with wood trim, aiming for durability and ease of maintenance suitable for a cruising boat. Fresh water capacity is noted at 100 gallons, indicating a design suitable for extended time away from shore facilities.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Coronado 45 generally appreciate its solid build and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway. Discussions among owners suggest that the boat's robust fiberglass construction holds up well over time, similar to other well-built fiberglass boats of its vintage. While specific widespread "common problems" are not frequently cited beyond general maintenance expected of any vessel of this age, owners often praise the boat's stability and seaworthiness, attributes directly linked to its high ballast-to-displacement ratio and moderate-to-heavy displacement. Prospective owners and those researching the model typically find that the enduring appeal of the Coronado 45 lies in its reputation as a reliable and spacious platform for cruising.