Hunter 45 WK Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The production of the Hunter 45 WK commenced in 1985, marking its place within Hunter Marine's popular "Legend" series. This period was pivotal for Hunter, as the company had shifted its focus in the early 1980s from purely racing boats to more comfortable cruising designs, a move that emphasized applying efficient production methods to the sailboat industry, drawing from founder Warren Luhrs' background in powerboat manufacturing. The Legend series, including the 45 WK, was specifically designed to offer a roomy interior within a robust yet relatively lightweight fiberglass hull, 7]. The "WK" designation in its name signifies its wing keel configuration, a design choice aimed at reducing draft while retaining good lift and stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hunter 45 WK is characterized as a light sailboat for its size, offering reasonably good performance under sail. With a length overall of 46.67 feet and a waterline length of 39.58 feet, its dimensions contribute to a respectable hull speed of approximately 8.43 knots. The design ratios further illustrate its sailing characteristics: a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 17.45 suggests a well-balanced performer, capable in a variety of wind conditions without being overly tender or sluggish. A high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of approximately 0.425 indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 184.6 classifies it as a moderately light displacement cruiser for its size, hinting at its responsiveness and ability to perform efficiently. The wing keel, typical of the Hunter 45 WK, contributes to its maneuverability while allowing for shallower draft compared to traditional fin keels of similar performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts can vary between individual vessels based on owner modifications or minor production changes, the Hunter 45 WK, consistent with Hunter's "Legend" series ethos, was designed with a focus on maximizing interior volume and comfort for extended cruising. The hull and deck are constructed from solid fiberglass, providing a robust platform. Typical layouts for a vessel of this size and era would generally include a spacious main salon, often featuring a U-shaped settee and a dining table, a well-appointed galley for meal preparation, and a dedicated navigation station. Accommodations usually comprise multiple cabins, such as a forward V-berth and an aft owner's cabin, often with private access to a head. Hunter boats of this period were known for incorporating ample storage solutions throughout the interior, making them suitable for multi-week coastal cruising or longer passages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Hunter 45 Legend frequently praise its comfort and suitability for cruising, often considering it for multi-week voyages. The boat's generous interior space is a commonly appreciated feature, contributing to a comfortable living environment aboard. While specific recurring issues for the original 1985 Hunter 45 WK are not as widely documented as for some later Hunter models, general maintenance points for boats of this vintage, such as inspecting and re-bedding original deck fittings to prevent leaks, are common considerations for owners of any vessel from this era. Owners value its solid construction and overall reliability for coastal and offshore sailing.