Seafarer 45 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Seafarer 45 commenced in 1961, marking an early venture into larger fiberglass yachts for Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts, Inc. The boat was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for its influential and prolific designs, often focusing on performance optimization. The Seafarer 45, specifically S&S design #1618, was envisioned as a racer-cruiser, embodying this blend of capability and comfort. Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts, Inc. quickly established a reputation for sound naval architecture and robust build quality, utilizing solid fiberglass for both the hull and deck construction. The company's ethos during this era emphasized durable construction and thoughtful design, often collaborating with elite naval architects like Sparkman & Stephens.

Throughout its production, the Seafarer 45 was offered in two primary rigging configurations: a masthead sloop (S&S design #1618) and a masthead yawl (S&S design #1618.1), providing options for different sailing preferences. The yawl rig, with its additional mizzen mast, typically offered more flexibility in sail plan management, particularly in heavier weather or for stability while at anchor. The model was later also known as the Sailmaster 45.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seafarer 45's design characteristics translate into a particular set of sailing attributes. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.38, she falls into the category of a moderate performance cruiser. This suggests she is adequately powered for general cruising, capable of moving well in a range of wind conditions without being overly tender or excessively slow in light airs. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.38 indicates a good level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind and maintain a comfortable heel angle.

However, the boat's Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at a very high 399, points to a heavily built, full-bodied vessel. This heavy displacement typically translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making her well-suited for offshore passages where stability and motion comfort are prioritized over outright speed. Indeed, comparisons with similar sailboats indicate a significantly high "comfort value," suggesting the Seafarer 45 offers a more comfortable ride than many comparable designs. While not a light-displacement racer, her Sparkman & Stephens pedigree suggests a well-balanced helm and predictable handling characteristics, even given her substantial weight.

Accommodations and Layout

Details regarding the specific interior layout of the Seafarer 45 are not readily available through general searches, and the provided specifications do not include maximum headroom. However, given her substantial length overall of 45.08 feet and her design as a long-distance cruiser, it can be inferred that the Seafarer 45 would typically feature a classic cruising yacht interior for her era. This would likely include a private forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and an enclosed head. Quarter berths or an aft cabin might also be part of the arrangement, depending on the specific iteration.

Based on Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts' reputation for solid construction and quality, the interior would likely feature durable materials, possibly including a mix of fiberglass liners and traditional wood trim for warmth and finish, common in yachts of the early 1960s. Storage would be ample, consistent with a vessel designed for extended cruising, with lockers and compartments throughout the living spaces. Ventilation would typically be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, crucial for comfort at anchor.