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Sailboat Specifications

Hunter 45 Ds

B&R · Fin W/Spade Rudder

Designed by Glenn Henderson · Built by Hunter Marine (Usa) · First built 2006

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Hunter 45 Ds sailboat — on the water
Photo: Ahunt / CC0
LOA 44.82 ft  ·  Beam 14.50 ft  ·  Displacement 22,937.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 833.00 ft²  ·  B&R  ·  Fin W/Spade Rudder
About the Hunter 45 Ds Sailboat

Launched in 2006, this Glenn Henderson-designed cruiser represents Hunter Marine's focus on accessible performance sailing for the coastal and offshore cruising market. The 45 Ds combines a modern fin keel with spade rudder configuration and a generous 14.50-foot beam to deliver both stability and interior volume that appeals to serious cruising sailors. With a displacement of nearly 23,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 32%, the boat strikes a balance between seaworthiness and sailing performance. The Bermuda-rigged sloop carries 833 square feet of sail area, providing adequate power for varied conditions while remaining manageable for shorthanded sailing. Her hull speed of 8.39 knots reflects the boat's cruising-oriented nature rather than racing aspirations. The boat's comfort ratio of 24.64 indicates a relatively stiff, quick motion that experienced sailors often prefer over a more cushioned ride, while the capsize screening formula of 2.05 falls within acceptable parameters for coastal cruising with occasional offshore passages. Hunter's fiberglass construction and the reliable 54-horsepower auxiliary engine round out a package designed for couples or small crews seeking comfortable, capable cruising performance along coastlines and to nearby offshore destinations.

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Chainplate knees are glassed into the liner rather than through-bolted to structural bulkheads. This arrangement can allow chainplate movement and stress cracking in the deck laminate around the chainplate covers, which can lead to water intrusion into the cored deck.
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The shoal-draft keel option uses a bulb keel with a relatively thin stub. Inspect the keel-to-hull joint carefully for cracking or weeping, as the joint on some examples has shown stress cracking under sailing loads.
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The mast on the 45DS is deck-stepped on a compression post that transfers load to the keel structure. The compression post base and its connection to the interior liner should be inspected for signs of movement or cracking in the surrounding fiberglass tabbing.
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Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 44.82 ft / 13.66 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.17 ft / 11.94 m
Beam 14.50 ft / 4.42 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 22,937.00 lb / 10,404 kg
Ballast 7,238.00 lb / 3,283 kg
Ballast Type Iron
Sail Area (Reported) 833.00 ft² / 77.39 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type B&R
Construction FG
Designer Glenn Henderson
Builder Hunter Marine (USA)
First Built 2006
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Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 54
Fuel Capacity 66 gals / 250 L
Water Capacity 140 gals / 530 L
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hunter 45 Ds's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Hunter 45 Ds has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.57. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Hunter 45 Ds's comfort ratio?

The Hunter 45 Ds has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.64. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Hunter 45 Ds safe for offshore sailing?

The Hunter 45 Ds has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.05. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Hunter 45 Ds?

The theoretical hull speed of the Hunter 45 Ds is 8.39 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Hunter 45 Ds weigh?

The Hunter 45 Ds has a displacement of 22,937.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 44.82 ft.

Who designed the Hunter 45 Ds?

The Hunter 45 Ds was designed by Glenn Henderson, first built in 2006.

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