Hull and Design
The fiberglass hull has a long lead keel and a 32 percent ballast ratio. Displacement is 28,000 lb, while the length-to-beam ratio is 4.10 and wetted surface is 398 sq ft.
With a displacement-length ratio of 449, the Sailmaster 45 qualifies as an ultra-heavy cruiser. Its Motion Comfort Ratio is 50.8, its capsize screening value is 1.45, and its immersion rate is near 1,161 lbs/inch.
Beam is a relatively narrow 11 ft. Draft is about 6.43–6.73 ft depending on load, restricting the boat to major marinas.
Rig and Handling
The masthead rig has a sail-area/displacement ratio of 16.33. The mainsheet is 112.7 ft of 5/8-in line. Jib and genoa sheets are 45.1 ft, and the spinnaker sheet is 99.2 ft; all are 16 mm.
On its 30.3-ft waterline, the Sailmaster 45 has a hull speed of 7.4 knots. The long-keel configuration trades quick turning for steady tracking in a seaway, while the boat’s ultra-heavy displacement limits speed.
Accommodations and Machinery
Tankage comprises 160 gal of water and 60 gal of diesel. An inboard Westerbeke diesel may be fitted.
Known Issues
The boat’s 6.43–6.73 ft draft limits access to major marinas. Its ultra-heavy displacement also makes hauling out for any osmotic or structural repair costly.
Refits and Ownership
With so few boats built, each hull is effectively custom, and there are no model-specific parts. Where fitted, the Westerbeke is the dominant mechanical item. The long-keel, lead-ballasted construction favors heavy ground-tackle upgrades rather than performance modifications.
The Verdict
The Sailmaster 45 is an obscure, heavily built Sparkman & Stephens cruiser with an old-school long-keel hull, lead ballast, and narrow beam. Its conservative numbers favor comfort and seakindliness over speed, but deep draft, ultra-heavy displacement, and very low production bring practical ownership constraints.
Pros
- Conservative bluewater numbers: capsize screening value of 1.45 and Motion Comfort Ratio of 50.8
- Long lead keel and 32 percent ballast ratio
- 160 gal of water and 60 gal of fuel
Cons
- Ultra-heavy displacement-length ratio of 449 limits speed
- Draft of 6.43–6.73 ft restricts marina access
- Only a few were built, with no model-specific parts
