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Bowman 45
Designer: C. W. (Chuck) Paine  ·  Builder: Bowman Yachts (Uk)  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Bowman 45

Designed by renowned naval architect Chuck Paine and built by Bowman Yachts in the UK starting in 1985, this 45-footer represents a thoughtful approach to blue-water cruising. The cutter rig configuration provides excellent versatility for offshore passages, allowing crews to easily adjust sail combinations for varying wind conditions while maintaining balance and control. With a displacement of nearly 25,000 pounds and a substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio, this GRP yacht offers the stability and seaworthiness that serious cruisers demand. The fin keel with rudder on partial skeg strikes an effective balance between performance and protection, while the generous beam of just under 13 feet creates spacious accommodations below without compromising sailing characteristics. The boat's comfort ratio of 31.8 indicates a motion that favors load-carrying ability over quick, snappy movements—ideal for extended passages with full cruising gear. Meanwhile, the capsize screening formula of 1.79 falls well within accepted parameters for offshore voyaging. Paine's design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness over speed, making this yacht particularly appealing to cruising couples seeking a capable vessel for serious coastal and offshore adventures. The 59-horsepower engine provides reliable auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters or motoring through calms.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.21 ft / 13.78 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 36.55 ft / 11.14 m
Beam 12.99 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft 5.74 ft / 1.75 m
Displacement 24,499.97 lb / 11,113 kg
Ballast 9,261.62 lb / 4,201 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,096.84 ft² / 101.90 m²
Headroom 6.30 ft / 1.92 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/rudder on partial skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction GRP
Designer C. W. (Chuck) Paine
Builder Bowman Yachts (UK)
First Built 1985
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
20.89
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
37.8
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
224
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
31.8
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.79
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.10 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,696.46 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
Mast Height (DWL) 62.33 ft / 19.00 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model MD22
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 59
Fuel Capacity 144 gals / 545 L
Water Capacity 180 gals / 682 L
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