Starratt & Jenks 45 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Starratt & Jenks 45 is a heavy-displacement vessel, often weighing in at approximately 28,000 pounds, which lends it a motion through the water that modern light-displacement cruisers cannot replicate. With a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio hovering around 17, the boat is adequately powered for light-to-moderate air, though it truly finds its stride in 15 to 20 knots of wind.

Handling is defined by the hull's IOR influences; it tracks well upwind thanks to a deep fin keel, but sailors should be prepared for the characteristic "IOR roll" when running downwind in a following sea. The spade rudder provides responsive steering, yet the helm can become heavy if the boat is over-canvased. Historical technical notes from the period suggest that the boat was often rigged as a sloop or a cutter, with the latter configuration being preferred by long-distance cruisers for its ability to balance the sail plan in heavy weather. Owners often report that the boat feels exceptionally "stiff," providing a sense of security when the rail approaches the water.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Starratt & Jenks 45 reflects a period when boatbuilders prioritized high-quality joinery and "ship-like" aesthetics. The cabin is typically finished in a combination of teak and mahogany, offering a warm, traditional atmosphere that contrasts with the "liner-heavy" interiors of contemporary mass-produced boats.

The most common layout features a large V-berth forward, a spacious main saloon with a U-shaped dinette to port, and a substantial galley located near the companionway for optimal ventilation. Because these boats were often semi-customized, variations exist:

• Aft-Cockpit Version: This is the most prevalent configuration, maximizing the social space in the saloon and providing a large, deep cockpit for offshore safety.
• Center-Cockpit Variant: A rarer sibling model utilized the same 45-foot hull but moved the cockpit amidships to allow for a dedicated owner’s stateroom aft. This version is highly sought after by liveaboards, though it sacrifices some of the sleek lines found in the aft-cockpit model.

Headroom is a notable strength, generally exceeding 6'4" in the main saloon, which makes the 45 a viable choice for taller sailors. Storage is abundant, with deep lockers and drawers integrated into every available nook, a necessity for the extended cruising the boat was designed to undertake.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Starratt & Jenks 45, prospective buyers must account for the age of the vessel and the specific construction methods of the 1970s. While we found no active technical wikis for this specific model, syntheses of vintage Florida boat-building practices suggest the following focus areas:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the decks were often cored with balsa or plywood. Moisture intrusion around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the windlass is common. Soft spots should be thoroughly investigated with a moisture meter and percussion hammer.
• Chainplate Corrosion: The chainplates are often glassed into the structure or tucked behind cabinetry. Leaks at the deck level can lead to crevice corrosion in the stainless steel, a critical failure point for the rig.
• Osmotic Blistering: The hull uses early polyester resins which are prone to blistering, especially in boats that have spent decades in warm tropical waters. A haul-out for a bottom inspection is mandatory.
• Fuel Tank Material: Many original Florida boats were fitted with aluminum fuel tanks. Over 50 years, these are prone to "pitting" corrosion from the bottom up if water sat in the bilge or if the fuel contained moisture. Replacing these often requires significant joinery work.
• Rudder Post and Bearings: The spade rudder is a high-load component. Inspect the rudder post for any play in the bearings and check for delamination in the rudder blade itself.

The Verdict

The Starratt & Jenks 45 is a "sailor’s sailboat" that offers a level of structural heft and traditional beauty that is increasingly rare. It is an ideal candidate for a buyer who values offshore capability and classic aesthetics over modern convenience and high-speed surfing potential.

Pros:

• Structural Integrity: Overbuilt fiberglass layup typical of the 1970s.
• Sea-Kindliness: Heavy displacement provides a comfortable motion in offshore conditions.
• Aesthetics: Classic lines and high-quality wood interiors that age gracefully.
• Versatility: Capable of both coastal hopping and serious blue-water passage making.

Cons:

• Maintenance Intensity: High teak content and aging systems require significant upkeep.
• Handling Quirks: Can be difficult to manage downwind in a blow due to IOR hull shape.
• Rarity: Limited production makes finding specific replacement parts or sistership advice difficult.
• Draft: The deep fin keel version may limit access to shallower cruising grounds like the Bahamas.