Bestevaer 45 ST Pure Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Bestevaer 45 ST Pure is engineered for short-handed, long-distance voyaging, balancing a moderate displacement of approximately 13 tons with a powerful sail plan. According to technical assessments from Yachting Monthly, the boat exhibits a light and responsive helm, largely due to its twin-rudder configuration and an exceptionally long 1.88-meter tiller that provides immense leverage. While a wheel is available as an option, the standard tiller is widely regarded as the "purist" choice, offering a direct connection to the water that is rare for a vessel of this size.

The hull's plumb bow and 13.00-meter waterline length allow it to track exceptionally well, maintaining a calm, rhythmic motion even in a choppy head sea. Performance ratios suggest a versatile cruiser; with a 37% ballast ratio, it is stiff and capable of carrying sail into higher wind ranges. In lighter conditions, the addition of a code-zero or gennaker on the removable bowsprit allows the 45 ST Pure to maintain competitive speeds. However, sailors should note that like many twin-rudder designs, the lack of propwash over the rudders makes slow-speed maneuvering in tight marinas more reliant on the optional bow thruster.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 45 ST Pure is characterized by a "Scandi-industrial" aesthetic, utilizing light materials like bamboo or walnut paired with white surfaces to offset the smaller windows typical of high-latitude designs. The centerpiece of the living space is the pilot house, which offers 360-degree visibility and a sheltered "watch station" that allows the crew to navigate in comfort during foul weather. Unlike the fully custom Bestevaers, the Pure model offers a limited number of fixed layouts: usually a two-cabin configuration with a large owner's V-berth forward and a guest cabin aft, or a three-cabin variant for larger crews.

A notable variation is the "Alias" configuration, where the port aft cabin is replaced by a dedicated storage room for tools and provisions—a popular choice for blue-water cruisers. The galley is U-shaped and positioned for security at sea, featuring deep fiddles and a "standpipe" for drainage. One compromise found in the Pure's standardized layout is the absence of a dedicated navigation desk; chart work is typically performed at the large saloon table. Additionally, the pilot house settees are often noted as being too short (1.40m) for use as sea berths, serving primarily as seating for those on watch.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Bestevaer 45 ST Pure gained significant international recognition when it was nominated for the European Yacht of the Year award in 2017 in the "Luxury Cruiser" category. Its design pedigree is deeply rooted in the personal sailing philosophy of Gerard Dykstra, who famously sailed his own Bestevaer 53, Bestevaer II, in the high latitudes. The 45-foot version was created to bring this "rugged explorer" ethos to a size more manageable for couples and a price point more accessible than the multi-million dollar custom builds.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Bestevaer 45 ST Pure should focus their inspections on the technical systems and aluminum-specific maintenance:

• Engine Access: Editorial reviews have pointed out that standard engine access can be somewhat restricted, often requiring the removal of locker contents. Some owners have retrofitted cockpit sole hatches to facilitate easier servicing.
• Electrolysis & Anodes: As an unpainted aluminum vessel, the hull requires diligent monitoring of the sacrificial anodes. Prospective buyers should request a recent hull survey to ensure no stray-current corrosion has occurred, particularly near aftermarket electronics installations.
• Throttle Placement: In tiller-steered models, the engine throttle and bow thruster controls are sometimes mounted low on the cockpit side. This can obstruct the helmsman’s view of the bow when maneuvering, making it a critical "feel" item to check during a sea trial.
• Keel Mechanism: If the vessel is equipped with the optional swing keel (centerboard), the hydraulic lift mechanism and the integrity of the keel trunk should be professionally inspected for wear or debris.
• Deckhouse Glazing: On earlier hulls, check the seals of the deckhouse windows; high-latitude exposure can stress these bonds over time.

Community & Resources

Owners and enthusiasts are primarily supported by KM Yachtbuilders, which hosts an annual "Open Day" in Makkum, Netherlands, serving as a hub for the Bestevaer community. Technical documentation and design insights are frequently shared through the Dykstra Naval Architects portfolio updates. While no dedicated "Pure-only" association exists, the broader Bestevaer owner group is highly active in expedition cruising circles.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional structural integrity with a "go-anywhere" aluminum hull.
• The pilot house provides a genuine sanctuary in heavy weather.
• Remarkably light and rewarding helm feel for a 45-foot expedition yacht.
• Low maintenance exterior with no paint to chip or polish.

Cons:

• Standardized layout offers less flexibility than custom siblings.
• Pilot house settees are too short to serve as standby sea berths.
• Visibility from the cockpit helm can be partially obstructed by the deckhouse superstructure.
• Maneuvering in reverse requires significant "way on" before the twin rudders bite.