Centurion 45 Information, Review, Specs

The Centurion 45 emerged from the French Wauquiez shipyard during a period when the builder, founded by Henri Wauquiez in 1965, was firmly established as a creator of "extraordinary boats" with an emphasis on durability and quality. Designed by Edward Dubois, the Centurion 45's creation aligned with Wauquiez's manufacturing ethos of producing yachts known for their solid fiberglass hulls and meticulous construction 1, 7, 16, Builder Article. The shipyard, based in Neuville-en-Ferrain, consistently prioritized high-grade materials and sophisticated design to build vessels capable of handling challenging conditions with agility. While the specifies the Centurion 45, it is worth noting that a later variant, the Centurion 45S, attributed to Berret/Racoupeau, also exists, showcasing an evolution in the Centurion line's design philosophy towards even more modern and fast characteristics. However, the original Centurion 45 firmly established its reputation during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Wauquiez Centurion 45 is a capable performer, balancing speed with stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.85, she is classified as a moderately powered cruiser, suggesting good performance in a variety of wind conditions without being overly tender or requiring excessive sail changes in light air. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.39, indicates good stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, her displacement to length ratio of approximately 227.77 categorizes her as a moderate cruiser, indicating a yacht built for serious sailing and comfortable offshore passages rather than pure light-displacement racing.

Anecdotal accounts and reviews consistently describe the Centurion 45 as a "fast cruiser" that is "swift-sailing" and "maneuverable". Owners and reviewers often praise its ability to face "all conditions with ease and comfort," highlighting its seaworthy nature. The solid hull construction, described as "monolithic polyester" with laminated bulkheads firmly glued to the deck and hull, contributes significantly to its renowned strength and integrity at sea.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific details on the interior from the provided data are limited to a general "max_headroom_ft," the Wauquiez Centurion 45 is celebrated for its thoughtfully designed and refined interiors, a hallmark of the Wauquiez brand, 11]. Typically, the Centurion 45 features a spacious saloon and often offers a three-cabin layout, providing ample accommodation for extended cruising. Reviews and boat tours suggest a classic interior arrangement, commonly including a comfortable V-berth forward, a well-appointed head, a generous main salon, a functional galley, and quarter berths aft. The finish quality is generally high, utilizing robust materials and often featuring warm wood trim, consistent with Wauquiez's reputation for luxury bluewater sailboats, 11]. Attention is paid to storage solutions and ventilation, enhancing liveability during long passages or at anchor.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Wauquiez yachts, including the Centurion 45, frequently laud the brand's commitment to robust construction and seaworthiness. Discussions within online forums and communities, such as "Wauquiez Forever," foster a strong sense of camaraderie among owners, who share information and experiences. The Centurion 45 is often praised for its "solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway," affirming its reputation as a reliable offshore cruiser. While specific recurring common problems for this particular model are not extensively detailed in general reviews, the overarching theme among Wauquiez owners points to a high level of satisfaction with the enduring quality and performance of these vessels.