Lancer 45 Information, Review, Specs

The Lancer 45's production run, from 1981 to 1985, falls within the operational period of Lancer Yacht Corporation, which was established in 1974 by Richard Valdez. Lancer, which initially shared manufacturing facilities with Endeavor Yachts, rapidly developed a line of 14 models, gaining a reputation for its innovative motorsailer concept. The Lancer 45, designed by Herb David, was central to this philosophy, aiming to deliver a yacht that could perform tolerably well under sail while also being capable of speeds exceeding 15 knots under power, 9]. This dual-purpose design was a hallmark of David's work for Lancer, emphasizing versatility for cruisers. The Lancer name and tooling were eventually sold to Newport Offshore Yachts of California, with no new Lancer boats believed to have been constructed after 1986. The Lancer 45 features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder and a masthead sloop rig, a common configuration for cruising boats of its era, known for strength and ease of handling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lancer 45, with a length overall of 45 feet and a waterline length of 37.25 feet, is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat. Its design ratios offer insight into its performance profile:

• With a sail area to displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.33, the Lancer 45 indicates reasonably good light-air performance for a cruising vessel, suggesting it can move well in lighter breezes.
• The ballast to displacement (B/D) ratio, around 29%, suggests it is reasonably stable and stiff, possessing good righting capability. While this percentage might appear modest compared to some dedicated racing designs, it aligns with a cruising motorsailer intended for comfort and power efficiency.
• The displacement to length (D/L) ratio of roughly 207.6 places the Lancer 45 in the moderately heavy displacement category. This contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway, suitable for coastal cruising and potentially offshore passages, balancing speed with seakindliness.

General descriptions indicate the Lancer 45 is a "reasonably good performer" under sail, with a design that prioritizes stability. The masthead sloop rig is a robust and straightforward setup, contributing to its ease of management on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The Lancer 45, as a 45-foot cruising motorsailer, would typically offer substantial interior volume designed for comfortable living aboard, although specific detailed layout descriptions are not extensively available through grounded search. Owners can expect a functional layout common to cruising yachts of its vintage. Key features would generally include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with seating and a dining area, a well-appointed galley for meal preparation, and an enclosed head compartment. Given its substantial size, the boat would likely provide ample storage throughout the cabin. It boasts a generous water capacity of 225 gallons, supporting extended stays aboard. Due to the scarcity of detailed online information, specific qualitative descriptions of interior finish quality, materials used, or ventilation systems are not readily available.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Lancer 45 vessels often congregate in online forums, reflecting a dedicated community for these distinctive motorsailers. A frequently discussed issue among owners pertains to the fuel system, with some reporting problems with fuel contamination and losing prime, particularly in rougher water. This often necessitates accessing and cleaning or replacing the fuel tank, suggesting that the original fuel systems may require attention on older models. Despite such potential maintenance challenges, the active discussions on refurbishment and upgrades imply that current owners value these boats and are willing to invest in their upkeep, underscoring the enduring appeal and functionality of the Lancer 45 as a versatile cruising platform.