Kelly-Peterson 46 Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just over 46 feet and a long waterline, she was designed for serious cruising, blending performance with the amenities necessary for extended life at sea. Her interior, designed by Victor Huff, further emphasized comfort and liveability, making her a prized possession for those seeking adventure without sacrificing onboard comfort.

History and Design

The genesis of the Kelly-Peterson 46 can be traced back to the vision of yacht broker Jack Kelly, who sought to create a performance cruiser that could excel on the open ocean. To realize this ambition, he enlisted the talents of Doug Peterson, a highly respected California yacht designer known for creating fast and well-balanced hulls. Peterson, whose designs were in high demand for various racing and cruising classes, brought a philosophy of blending speed with seaworthiness to the 46-foot design.

Production of the Kelly-Peterson 46 commenced in 1980 and continued until 1990, with approximately 30 units built by Queen Long Marine Co., Ltd. in Taiwan. During this period, Queen Long Marine, established in 1978, was rapidly building its reputation for meticulous fiberglass yacht construction, a material that had revolutionized boat building. Their ethos focused on producing robust, high-quality vessels suitable for global adventures, a philosophy that perfectly aligned with the KP46's design goals. The shipyard would later become widely known for its Hylas Yachts brand, carrying forward the same commitment to expert engineering and luxurious, capable blue-water cruisers.

While the Kelly-Peterson 44, also a Doug Peterson design, preceded the 46, the KP46 was a distinct and new design, not merely an enlarged version. It was specifically engineered as a cutter rig, a configuration often favored for offshore sailing due to its ability to break down the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, offering versatility in varying wind conditions. Although some other Taiwanese yards, like Formosa Yachts, produced an extended variation of the 44 known as the Formosa 46, the Kelly-Peterson 46 built by Queen Long Marine remained a highly prized and well-regarded independent design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Kelly-Peterson 46's design ratios reveal much about its intended performance profile. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 13.48, she is not a light-air specialist but rather a powerful vessel designed to perform best in a good breeze. This ratio suggests that the boat carries its sail area well and will benefit from moderate to strong winds, offering a solid and steady motion rather than twitchy responsiveness.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio, at around 0.34, indicates a moderate amount of ballast relative to its overall weight. While not exceptionally high, this, combined with its heavy displacement, contributes to good form stability and a comfortable ride, allowing the boat to stand up to a significant amount of canvas without excessive heeling. Owners frequently praise the KP46 for its stable and comfortable motion in a seaway, even in challenging conditions.

Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 218.6 firmly places the Kelly-Peterson 46 in the category of a moderate-displacement performance cruiser. This balance allows for respectable speeds on passage without sacrificing the robust build and load-carrying capacity essential for blue-water cruising. Anecdotal evidence from owners consistently describes the KP46 as "fast, comfortable and seaworthy," with many noting its "spectacular sailing skills" and how it "looks fast" under sail. The cutter rig enhances its versatility, making sail handling easier and safer, particularly when short-handed or in heavy weather.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Kelly-Peterson 46 is highly regarded for its robust construction, quality joinery, and practical layout, designed for extended periods at sea. While specific headroom details are not available, owners consistently describe the interior as warm and inviting, often featuring beautiful solid teak trim and finishes throughout.

The typical layout of a Kelly-Peterson 46 emphasizes comfort and functionality for cruising. Forward, a private V-berth cabin often provides comfortable sleeping quarters. Aft of this, a spacious salon typically features a U-shaped settee and a dining table, creating a welcoming social hub. The galley is generally U-shaped or linear, strategically positioned for efficiency and security while underway. It is often described as "sea friendly," offering ample counter space, storage in numerous cupboards, and provisions for cooking and food preparation, essential for long voyages.

A dedicated navigation station is usually present, equipped for essential electronics and chart work. The vessel typically includes one or two heads (bathrooms), often with a separate shower stall. Aft, a large owner's cabin, sometimes with a center-line berth or an athwartship double, provides a private retreat. The joinery and hardware throughout the interior are noted for their high quality, exceeding that of some contemporary vessels. Ventilation is typically managed through multiple opening ports and hatches, ensuring a comfortable environment in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Kelly-Peterson 46 consistently laud its attributes as a capable and reliable blue-water cruising yacht. A frequently cited strength is the boat's solid construction and its ability to handle diverse ocean conditions with a comfortable and predictable motion. Many praise its seaworthiness, making it a popular choice for those undertaking long-distance voyages or considering a liveaboard lifestyle. The high quality of the interior finish, often featuring abundant teak joinery and sturdy hardware, is also a point of satisfaction for owners. The KP46 is widely considered a "well-rounded cruising yacht" that offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and safety.

While specific common problems unique to the Kelly-Peterson 46 are not extensively documented in broad owner forums, like many vessels of its age (built between 1980 and 1990), potential owners should anticipate typical maintenance considerations associated with a boat of that vintage. These might include inspecting and potentially addressing the condition of original systems, deck fittings, and aging components, which are common to any vessel approaching or exceeding 40 years of service.