Salona 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Salona 45 is defined by a high-performance profile, evidenced by a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 20.2 and a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of 148. These figures indicate a light-to-medium displacement hull with significant power in the sail plan. According to professional sea trials conducted by Sailing World, the boat maintains exceptional stiffness even when pressed in heavy air, a characteristic attributed to its 34% ballast ratio and the deep lead bulb of the optional 8-foot 4-inch "race" keel.

On the helm, the yacht is noted for being "as stiff as a church," tracking with precision thanks to a deep, high-aspect-ratio rudder that minimizes the risk of broaching during high-speed reaches. In conditions of 20 to 25 knots, the boat has been observed maintaining speeds of 9 knots on a broad reach while remaining easily controllable. While early models featured a single large carbon wheel, later iterations and many American imports utilized twin-wheel configurations to improve visibility and ease movement through the cockpit. The boat typically rewards early reefing; although it can carry its canvas well into the high teens, it achieves its best balance when sailing relatively upright.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Salona 45 is characterized by its light, airy ambiance, often finished in satin-varnished cherry or mahogany. AD Boats offered the model in several configurations to suit different ownership styles: a standard three-cabin "Owner" version and a four-cabin layout primarily targeted at the Mediterranean charter market. In the three-cabin version, the forward master suite features an offset queen-size berth, while the two mirrored aft cabins provide ample guest accommodation.

The galley is a linear, "Euro-style" arrangement along the port side, featuring Kerrock (a durable composite similar to Corian) countertops and deep fiddles. However, Sail Magazine noted that the interior layout includes "step-over" thresholds between cabins—a design choice that increases structural bulkhead strength but requires a more careful foot when moving through the vessel in a seaway. High-quality touches include heavy-duty positive-locking latches on all cabin doors and robust handrails, though some reviewers noted that the integration of curtain tracks in the salon handrails occasionally limits their grip depth.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Salona 45 made a significant splash in the mid-2000s as a high-value alternative to more expensive Northern European cruiser-racers. Its competitive prowess was solidified through successful IRC and ORC racing results in the Adriatic and Mediterranean. The yacht’s arrival in North America was marked by several prominent reviews in major nautical publications, positioning it as an "Eastern European gem" that challenged the dominance of larger production builders.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Salona 45 should focus their survey on several specific technical areas identified by owner feedback and professional evaluations:

• Seldén Forestay Recall: Models produced between 2004 and 2008 may have been equipped with a specific Seldén forestay fitting (reference 517-914) that was subject to a safety recall. Inspectors should check for weld cracks on the underside of the forestay fitting, which are often invisible from above.
• Steering Play: Some units have been reported to have a "springy" or loose steering feel. This is typically an adjustment issue within the Whitlock or Jefa cable systems rather than a structural failure, but it requires professional calibration to restore the yacht’s signature responsiveness.
• Engine Soundproofing: Early reviews noted higher-than-average noise levels in the cabins while motoring. Buyers should inspect the engine compartment gaskets and soundproofing foam for degradation or gaps that allow air and noise leaks.
• Stainless Steel Frame Inspection: While the internal steel frame is a major asset, it is critical to inspect the connection points between the frame, the keel bolts, and the hull laminate to ensure no moisture ingress or galvanic corrosion has occurred over decades of use.
• Nonskid and Teak Wear: The nonskid pattern on the coachroof does not always extend to the very edge of the cabin top near the halyard organizers. Additionally, older boats with teak decks should be checked for thinning or failing caulk joints, as the teak was a popular but maintenance-intensive option.

Community & Resources

The Salona 45 is supported by a dedicated owner base, largely coordinated through the Salona Yachts Owners Group and technical wikis maintained by performance sailing communities in Croatia and Germany. Technical documentation and historical hull data are often accessible directly through the builder, Salona Yachts, which continues to provide support for its legacy models.

The Verdict

The Salona 45 remains a premier choice for the sailor who refuses to choose between a comfortable live-aboard and a competitive racer.

Pros:

• Excellent structural rigidity due to the integrated stainless steel frame.
• Competitive performance in light and heavy air with high initial stability.
• High-quality interior woodwork and durable composite surfaces.
• Dual-purpose deck layout that works for both racing crews and short-handed cruisers.

Cons:

• Draft requirements (even the shoal version is 6' 11") may limit access to some coastal areas.
• Engine noise levels can be high without aftermarket soundproofing.
• The "step-over" bulkhead thresholds may be a tripping hazard for some users.