Spindrift 46 Information, Review, Specs

The Spindrift 46 commenced production in 1982, utilizing the same molds as the Formosa 46, which saw production between 1980 and 1984. This era marked a significant period for Taiwanese yacht builders like Formosa, who embraced fiberglass construction to meet the growing demand for durable, lower-maintenance cruising vessels. Formosa Boat Building Co. Ltd. cultivated a distinct identity for solid, displacement-oriented yachts, often featuring classic lines and robust construction suitable for long-distance sailing.

The design of the Spindrift 46 is primarily credited to Doug Peterson, a distinguished American yacht designer known for his performance-oriented yet capable sailing vessels. Peterson's philosophy often balanced speed with seaworthiness, aiming for boats that were both competitive and comfortable offshore. However, the Spindrift 46's story is unique due to the involvement of R. Hillier, who oversaw its construction for the US market and later encountered legal issues with Peterson over the unauthorized use of his design. For the Australian market, these yachts were known as the Hillier/Peterson 46, indicating a specific regional variation and acknowledgment of Hillier's role. The vessel was consistently rigged as a cutter, a configuration favoring versatile sail handling and performance across a range of wind conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Spindrift 46 is characterized by a long keel hull type, a design choice that contributes significantly to its sailing characteristics. This hull form is known for providing excellent directional stability, which is a highly desirable trait for offshore cruising, ensuring a comfortable motion in a seaway. With a displacement of 30,700 lbs and a length overall of 45 feet, she is indeed a heavy vessel.

Analyzing its key performance ratios provides further insight:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 14.61: This relatively low figure indicates a heavy displacement cruiser, suggesting that the Spindrift 46 is not optimized for light-air performance. Instead, she is designed to carry her way steadily through more robust conditions, valuing stability and comfort over outright speed in marginal winds.
• Ballast to Displacement (Bal/Disp) ratio of approximately 0.33: While not exceptionally high, this ratio, combined with the long keel, suggests a boat that will be stable once heeled and capable of standing up to a good breeze. Owners often describe the Spindrift 46 as a "solid boat" for bluewater sailing, appreciating its robust build.
• Displacement to Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of approximately 221.4: This indicates a moderately heavy cruiser, reinforcing its identity as a substantial vessel built for comfort and safety rather than light-footed agility.

The Spindrift 46 has a calculated hull speed of 8.43 knots, a respectable pace for a boat of its type. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat offers a balanced helm and handles predictably, solidifying its reputation as a "proven ocean-going cruiser with character and capability" purpose-built for extended offshore adventures. The long keel and, in some models, an encapsulated long fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, ensure directional stability, albeit with a trade-off in maneuverability in tight quarters compared to boats with fin keels.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Spindrift 46 is consistently praised for its impressive, "luxurious" and "spacious" accommodations, making it well-suited for extended living aboard or long-distance cruising. The Formosa builder's emphasis on large interior volume is clearly evident.

Stepping below, one typically finds glowing solid teak joinery and cabin soles, contributing to a warm and classic yacht aesthetic. Many Spindrift 46 models feature a center cockpit configuration, which often allows for an expansive aft cabin. This "optimal rear Master cabin layout" is a highlight, offering a private stateroom, often with an ensuite head, and sometimes an aft companionway for direct access. The forward section of the boat usually includes a spacious private stateroom, often with a custom mattress, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for guests or additional crew.

The main salon is typically luxurious and roomy, offering comfortable seating arrangements for dining and lounging. While specific galley layouts can vary, an L-shaped galley has been noted in some center cockpit versions, providing ample counter space and storage for offshore provisions. Overall, the Spindrift 46's interior is designed for comfort and liveability, with some configurations offering as many as three or four private cabins and multiple heads, demonstrating significant flexibility in layout for different cruising needs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Spindrift 46, and its close cousin the Formosa 46, generally value their vessels for their robust construction and bluewater capabilities. They are seen as solid and dependable boats well-suited for extended voyages., 20] The expansive and beautifully finished interiors, often featuring rich teak joinery, are a frequently lauded aspect, contributing to a comfortable living environment. The reliable handling characteristics and directional stability provided by the long keel are also consistently praised by those who appreciate a comfortable motion in a seaway.

However, as with many Taiwanese-built boats of its era, ownership of a Spindrift 46 can come with specific considerations. The broader Formosa lineage has garnered a reputation for potential "core problems," particularly moisture intrusion into cored decks and hulls, which can lead to delamination or rot over time., 14] This means that while the fundamental structure is strong, diligent maintenance and, in some cases, extensive refitting or repair work may be required for older models to address these issues. Despite these potential challenges, a well-maintained Spindrift 46 is widely regarded as a capable and characterful bluewater cruiser, attracting owners who appreciate its traditional aesthetics, spaciousness, and proven ocean-going ability.