Seafarer 45 Yawl Information, Review, Specs

The Seafarer 45 Yawl commenced production in 1961, during a transformative period for its builder, Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts, Inc. While the company initially operated as an importer, it transitioned to direct boat building in 1965, consolidating all production at a new plant in Huntington, New York. This shift solidified Seafarer's commitment to manufacturing their own line of yachts, often characterized by a focus on "racing-inspired hull designs" and a consistent collaboration with elite naval architects.

The design of the Seafarer 45, specifically the yawl version (S&S #1618.1), originated from the renowned drawing boards of Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for its elegant and performance-oriented naval architecture. The yacht was also available in a sloop configuration (S&S #1618) and was later marketed as the Sailmaster 45, indicating some variations during its production run. The choice of a yawl rig, featuring an additional mizzen mast aft of the main mast, was a common configuration for larger cruising yachts of the era, often favored for its versatility in sail handling and ability to balance the boat in various conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seafarer 45 Yawl presents a blend of offshore capability and manageable performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.25, she is a boat that appreciates a good breeze to achieve her full potential, suggesting a moderate performance in lighter air. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.37, indicates a vessel with decent initial stability, though she may require some attention in gusty conditions or when pressed hard.

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of her hull form is her significant displacement to length ratio, which calculates to approximately 399. This exceptionally high figure points to a heavy displacement cruiser, ensuring a comfortable and forgiving motion in a seaway, ideal for extended passages. Despite this substantial displacement, the Seafarer 45 is equipped with a fin keel, a design choice that contributes to "splendid manoeuvrability," distinguishing her from traditional full-keel cruisers of a similar vintage. The yawl rig itself is generally considered easier to handle, particularly in strong winds, as the mizzen can be used for balance and steadying. Furthermore, with a comfort ratio of 45.60 and a capsize screening formula of 1.51, the Seafarer 45 Yawl demonstrates strong indicators of a stable and safe offshore vessel.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Seafarer 45 Yawl are not extensively documented in widely available information, the general approach of Seafarer Yachts focused on delivering comfortable and well-appointed interiors for their cruising models. Given her substantial length overall of 45.08 feet and generous beam of 11.0 feet, the Seafarer 45 Yawl would have offered a spacious interior for her time. Typical layouts for yachts of this size and era often included a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley, and a navigation station. While the exact maximum headroom is not specified, boats of this size from the period generally aimed for comfortable standing room in the main living areas. The emphasis would likely have been on practical use of space, incorporating traditional wood finishes and robust, sea-kindly arrangements suitable for cruising.