Cape Dory's reputation for building seaworthy, traditional cruising sailboats reached its pinnacle with the 45-footer, representing the yard's largest production model. This substantial cruiser embodies the classic Cape Dory philosophy of prioritizing seaworthiness and comfort over racing performance. Built with the company's characteristic heavy displacement construction, the Cape Dory 45 features a full keel design that provides excellent tracking and stability in challenging conditions. The boat's traditional lines reflect Cape Dory's commitment to time-tested naval architecture, making it well-suited for serious offshore cruising and extended passages. The spacious interior accommodations reflect the practical approach Cape Dory was known for, with robust construction throughout and layouts designed for liveaboard comfort. The cockpit and deck arrangement prioritize safety and ease of handling, essential qualities for shorthanded sailing or long-distance cruising. While not built for speed, the Cape Dory 45 excels as a capable passagemaker that inspires confidence in heavy weather. The boat appeals to cruising sailors who value traditional construction methods, proven seaworthiness, and the solid feel that made Cape Dory sailboats legendary among serious cruising enthusiasts before the yard's closure.
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What is the Cape Dory 45's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cape Dory 45 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.05. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cape Dory 45's comfort ratio?
The Cape Dory 45 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 32.9. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cape Dory 45 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cape Dory 45 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.81. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cape Dory 45?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cape Dory 45 is 7.76 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cape Dory 45 weigh?
The Cape Dory 45 has a displacement of 24,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 45.25 ft.
Who designed the Cape Dory 45?
The Cape Dory 45 was designed by Carl Alberg, first built in 1982.