Huntingford Explorer 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Explorer 45 is a moderately heavy displacement cruiser with a reported displacement of approximately 30,000 lbs. This mass, combined with a motion comfort ratio of roughly 42.8, ensures a remarkably stable and sea-kindly ride in heavy weather. As noted in owner accounts and technical reviews, the hull is designed to "open the water rather than smack it," providing a forgiving motion that reduces crew fatigue during long passages. Its capsize screening formula of 1.65 further underscores its suitability for transoceanic voyages.

Most Explorer 45s were rigged as staysail ketches, though a significant number were built or later converted to cutter rigs. While the ketch configuration offers excellent versatility and smaller, more manageable sails for short-handed crews, the boat is generally considered under-rigged for light-air performance. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the 15–16 range, the Explorer 45 requires a stiff breeze—typically 12 knots or more—to truly find its stride. However, once powered up, its full keel with a cutaway forefoot provides exceptional tracking, allowing the vessel to hold a steady course even in confused seas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Explorer 45 is a showcase of the high-quality teak joinery that defined Taiwanese boat building in the 1970s. The standard layout features a center cockpit design that prioritizes privacy, with two distinct staterooms and two heads. The aft cabin is a particular highlight, often featuring a queen-sized berth and accessed via a low-profile passageway on the starboard side. This passageway also serves as a primary access point for the engine room, which typically houses a Perkins 4-108 or a Volvo Penta MD21 diesel engine.

The salon is characterized by hand-rubbed teak, a teak-and-holly sole, and a signature arched spruce overhead painted in a glossy white to enhance the feeling of space. Ventilation is ample, provided by as many as 17 bronze opening ports and multiple molded dorade boxes. While the center cockpit ketch is the most common configuration, a "MK II" version and a few rare aft-cockpit variants were also produced, though these share the same robust hull and displacement characteristics. The interior floor plan is frequently compared to the popular Kelly Peterson 44, though the Explorer 45 offers slightly more headroom and larger portlights, creating a brighter living environment.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Explorer 45 has maintained a quiet but persistent presence in the cruising community. Most notably, the vessel Meraki gained significant attention through the Cruising Meraki YouTube channel, which documented a three-generation family of six sailing from British Columbia to the South Pacific. Their journey highlighted the boat’s ability to serve as a reliable "tiny house on the water" for a large crew in remote locations like Fiji and Mexico. Additionally, the model has been featured in regional sailing publications such as Latitude 38, where it is frequently cited as a rugged, full-keel world cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

For prospective buyers, the Explorer 45 requires a focused inspection of its original Taiwanese-built components, many of which may be reaching the end of their service life:

• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original aluminum fuel tanks and stainless or polyethylene water tanks are prone to leaking over decades. Due to the boat's construction, replacing these often involves significant labor, sometimes requiring the removal of cabinetry or sole sections.
• Teak Decks: Many models were built with teak-over-fiberglass decks. Inspections should look for "popped" bungs, worn caulk, and potential core saturation where fasteners have allowed water to penetrate the sub-deck.
• Worm Gear Steering: The boat utilizes a robust worm gear steering system. While nearly "bulletproof," it can develop play over time and should be checked for wear and proper lubrication.
• Chainplates and Rigging: Given the age of these vessels, the stainless steel chainplates and standing rigging should be meticulously inspected for crevice corrosion, especially if the boat has spent significant time in tropical climates.
• Electrical Systems: Original wiring from the 1970s rarely meets modern standards for safety or capacity. Many well-maintained Explorers have undergone complete electrical refits to accommodate modern solar arrays and lithium battery banks.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal international owners' association for C&L sailboats, the community is largely centralized through technical forums and regional cruising groups. The designer's legacy is preserved by enthusiasts who track the remaining Stan Huntingford designs, noting the Explorer 45 as one of his more successful offshore production hulls. Owners often congregate on platforms like CruisersForum to share specific refit advice regarding the C&L hull and Huntingford’s rig specifications.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional sea-kindliness and motion comfort in heavy weather.
• Timeless aesthetic with high-quality interior teak and spruce joinery.
• Robust, hand-laid fiberglass construction suitable for blue-water voyaging.
• Spacious, private two-cabin layout ideal for families or liveaboards.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light air due to high displacement and modest sail area.
• Maintenance-intensive original systems (tanks, teak decks, and wiring).
• Deep draft and large size can limit access to some shallow-water marinas.