The change in model length comes entirely from the transom style. Both versions have a 34-foot-6-inch waterline and the same-size cockpit.
Design and Construction
The sloop’s hull has rounded sections that keep wetted surface low. Beam at both the waterline and stern is moderate rather than exaggerated. With a displacement of 23,000 pounds on a 34-foot-6-inch waterline, the Alden carries enough volume for a comfortable two-couple layout, along with the speed and stability for some ambitious cruises.
Alden built the boat on a semi-custom basis. The drawings therefore show a range of proposed options, while final details reflect each owner’s requirements. That variation defines the class; these aren’t production boats with uniform specifications.
Keel and Draft Options
Alden offered a deep-draft fin keel and a shoal-draft fin/bulb keel. The yard could interchange them in two hours, with all work performed on the exterior.
The deep fin draws 7 feet 5 inches and carries 10,000 pounds of ballast, producing a displacement-to-length ratio of 250. The shoal fin/bulb draws 5 feet 9 inches, has a very low vertical center of gravity, and carries 11,000 pounds of ballast. Its D/L rises to 261. The shoal keel’s low VCG is a deliberate stability trade-off for its reduced draft.
Rig and Handling
Rig choices range from a tall, triple-spreader rig intended for IMS racing to a shorter, double-spreader rig aimed at cruising. Both use inline lowers with a babystay.
The mainsheet traveler sits well forward, keeping it clear of the cockpit. A short foretriangle keeps the headsails small, which is useful for short-handed sail handling. Sail area is 915 square feet, giving an SA/D of 18.10 with the fin keel and 17.59 with the shoal keel. Those figures suit a moderate-performance cruiser rather than a lightweight racer.
Accommodations
The interior provides a comfortable layout for two couples. Every arrangement includes an engine box that forms part of the galley-counter area.
Testers praised layout C for its pilotberths. Layout B instead provides a single head and a larger galley. These alternatives show how strongly individual owners’ requirements shaped the finished boats.
The traditional-stern version adds a few feet of deck space aft of the cockpit. It also puts more weight aft and adds overall length that doesn’t contribute to sailing length. On either version, the transom itself is attractively shaped.
Verdict
The Alden 45 is a thoughtfully engineered semi-custom cruiser that balances classic East Coast styling with modern predictive design. Its interchangeable keel system is a genuine differentiator, allowing an owner to tailor draft and stability to particular cruising grounds without structural surgery.
Because each boat reflects its original owner’s choices, no two are identical specification for specification. That makes a careful survey especially important and complicates direct comparisons between boats.
Pros
- Fin and shoal fin/bulb keels can be interchanged in two hours, with exterior work only
- Rounded hull sections, moderate beam, and low wetted surface promote efficiency
- Semi-custom layouts include pilotberth and larger-galley options
- The short foretriangle keeps headsails small, easing crew workload
Cons
- The traditional stern adds weight aft and length that doesn’t contribute to sailing length
- Owner-specified details vary, requiring a thorough survey of each boat
- The shoal keel raises D/L to 261, softening performance compared with the deep fin
