Seafarer 46 Information, Review, Specs

The Seafarer 46 began its production run in 1967, emerging from the Huntington, New York, facilities of Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts, Inc.. The company, which transitioned from importing to direct boat building in 1965, established a reputation for collaborating with elite naval architects, and the Seafarer 46 is a product of this ethos, designed by McCurdy & Rhodes. While specific design goals for the 46 are not extensively documented, McCurdy & Rhodes were instrumental in developing a wide range of Seafarer's designs throughout the 1970s, which often aligned with Seafarer's general philosophy of producing "racing-inspired hull designs" that balanced performance with cruising comfort.

Notably, the Seafarer 46 was available with both a yawl and sloop rig, offering flexibility to owners. The yawl configuration, as equipped on the model described, is often favored for its versatility in sail handling, especially for offshore cruising. It is also suggested that the Seafarer 46 is "more than likely another version of the SEAFARER 45", indicating a design evolution or close relationship between the two models. A distinctive aspect of Seafarer's business model was the availability of many of their models, including the 46, in kit form, allowing owners to undertake the completion of their yachts themselves.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 46 feet and a waterline length of 31 feet, the Seafarer 46 is classified as a large sailboat, typically performing as a capable cruiser. Her design incorporates a fin keel, which contributes to good upwind performance and maneuverability.

Quantitative analysis of its design ratios provides further insight into its sailing characteristics:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/Disp): At approximately 15.51, this ratio suggests the Seafarer 46 is a moderately powered vessel. While not designed for extreme light-air performance, it indicates a boat that should handle well in typical cruising conditions without being overly sensitive to wind strength.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/Disp): With a robust ratio of 0.416, the Seafarer 46 demonstrates significant stiffness and stability. A higher ballast ratio means the boat is better equipped to stand up to a breeze, reducing heel and providing a more comfortable motion in a seaway. This contributes to a feeling of security, particularly in offshore conditions.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): A D/L ratio of approximately 404.47 places the Seafarer 46 firmly in the heavier, more traditional cruiser category. This suggests a boat built for comfort and seaworthiness over outright speed. Heavier boats tend to have a more comfortable motion, absorb waves better, and carry stores well for extended voyages.

The yawl rig, a notable feature of some Seafarer 46 models, is particularly beneficial for comfort and stability when sailing downwind or on a broad reach, allowing for easier balance of sail area and fine-tuning of the rig in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the Seafarer 46 is limited in available public records. While details such as maximum headroom are not specified in the provided data, boats of this size and era typically featured a traditional interior arrangement designed for comfortable extended cruising.

Common layouts for yachts of this size would include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a navigation station. Depending on the specific configuration and the owner's completion of a kit boat, the interior would likely utilize a blend of fiberglass liners and wood trim, offering a classic yacht aesthetic. Storage would generally be ample for cruising, with lockers and shelves integrated throughout the living spaces. Ventilation would likely be provided through deck hatches and opening ports, essential for comfort in warmer climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Direct, specific owner reviews or common problem discussions for the Seafarer 46 are scarce in readily accessible online resources. However, Seafarer Fiberglass Yachts, as a builder, established a reputation for producing "well-regarded fiberglass sailboats" known for their "solid construction" and sound naval architecture. Owners of Seafarer yachts generally appreciate their classic lines and robust build quality, which has contributed to the enduring appeal of these vessels despite the company ceasing operations in the mid-1980s. While specific issues for the 46 are not widely documented, a common theme across older fiberglass boats, including those available in kit form, can be the variability in original completion quality and the need for ongoing maintenance of systems and deck fittings as they age.