Built during the 1970s and 1980s by Kelly Peterson Marine, this 46-foot sailboat represents classic American cruising yacht design from an era when solid construction and seaworthiness were paramount considerations. The Peterson 46 emerged from the drawing board of renowned naval architect Doug Peterson, whose designs consistently emphasized performance without sacrificing comfort or safety. This substantial cruiser features the heavy displacement characteristics typical of serious offshore vessels from its generation. The hull's full keel configuration provides excellent tracking ability and directional stability, making it well-suited for long-distance cruising and ocean passages. While not designed as a speed demon, the Peterson 46 offers the kind of steady, predictable sailing behavior that inspires confidence in challenging conditions. The yacht's spacious interior layout typically accommodates extended cruising with comfortable berths and ample storage throughout. Its robust construction methodology, featuring solid fiberglass layup techniques common to quality builders of the period, has helped many examples survive decades of hard use. For sailors seeking a proven bluewater cruiser with classic lines and dependable performance, the Kelly Peterson 46 represents excellent value in today's used boat market, particularly appealing to those planning serious offshore adventures.
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What is the Kelly Peterson 46's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Kelly Peterson 46 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.07. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Kelly Peterson 46's comfort ratio?
The Kelly Peterson 46 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 38.51. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Kelly Peterson 46 safe for offshore sailing?
The Kelly Peterson 46 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.66. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Kelly Peterson 46?
The theoretical hull speed of the Kelly Peterson 46 is 8.56 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Kelly Peterson 46 weigh?
The Kelly Peterson 46 has a displacement of 33,300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 46.25 ft.
Who designed the Kelly Peterson 46?
The Kelly Peterson 46 was designed by Doug Peterson, first built in 1980.