Passport 45 (Hoyt) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Hoyt Passport 45 commenced in 1981 and concluded in 1982, with only 13 hulls built during this brief period. The builder, Shing Sheng Fa Boat Building Co., Ltd. (SSF), established in 1970, had already garnered a reputation from its base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for its commitment to durable fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) construction and a versatile approach to shipbuilding. SSF's ethos during this era emphasized high-quality manufacturing and the use of advanced materials, a standard applied to the Passport 45 (Hoyt).

A significant aspect of the Hoyt Passport 45's design heritage is its use of the same hull mold as the well-regarded Peterson 44 and the Liberty 458. The Peterson 44, originally conceived by yacht broker Jack Kelly and designed by the pioneering naval architect Doug Peterson in 1976, was lauded as a "bluewater cruising classic" known for its robust construction and ability to handle diverse weather conditions. While specific design philosophies from Peter Hoyt for the Passport 45 are not widely documented, the choice of this proven hull form suggests an intention to deliver a seaworthy and dependable cruiser. Power for the Passport 45 (Hoyt) was typically provided by a 65 hp Ford Lehman engine, though hulls from number 005 onwards featured a 60 hp Izusu engine.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Hoyt Passport 45 presents as a moderately weighted cruising sailboat, boasting a length overall of just over 44 feet and a waterline length of nearly 40 feet. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 13.75 suggests that it is a conservative design, indicating that it performs best in moderate to stronger winds rather than excelling in light air conditions. This characteristic, combined with a displacement-to-length ratio of around 216, categorizes it as a moderately heavy cruiser, capable of a comfortable motion in a seaway.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of 0.341, the Passport 45 (Hoyt) offers reasonable stability, described as being "reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized". The ketch rig provides versatility in sail planning, allowing for easier handling and balancing of the sail plan in varying wind strengths, a desirable feature for a long-distance cruiser. Anecdotal evidence concerning its hull twin, the Peterson 44, frequently praises its "sturdy, safe and well performing" sailing characteristics, suggesting that the Hoyt Passport 45 would inherit similar attributes for offshore voyages. However, the Passport 45 (Hoyt) is also noted to be "under powered", which aligns with the lower sail area to displacement ratio and implies a reliance on its auxiliary engine in lighter conditions or when making way against strong currents.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Hoyt Passport 45, while likely featuring some custom touches by Peter Hoyt, would have largely echoed the well-regarded layouts of its hull twin, the Peterson 44. These vessels were designed with offshore comfort and liveability in mind. Typical arrangements for boats of this lineage often include a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head compartment.

Descriptions of the Peterson 44's interior highlight a "very warm" atmosphere, indicative of generous use of wood trim and a traditional cruising aesthetic. The center cockpit design common to these vessels often allows for a spacious aft cabin, providing a private and comfortable owner's retreat. Galleys were generally "well appointed and sea friendly in its layout and U-shaped security," offering practical space for meal preparation underway. While exact headroom specifications for the Hoyt Passport 45 are not available, boats of this size and era typically offered comfortable standing room in main living areas. The emphasis would have been on robust construction, practical storage solutions, and adequate ventilation for extended periods at sea.