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Cape Dory 45
Designer: Carl Alberg  ·  Builder: Cape Dory Yachts  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Cape Dory 45

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.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.25 ft / 13.79 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 33.50 ft / 10.21 m
Beam 13.00 ft / 3.96 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 24,000.00 lb / 10,886 kg
Ballast 9,400.00 lb / 4,264 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 935.00 ft² / 86.86 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Carl Alberg
Builder Cape Dory Yachts
First Built 1982
Last Built 1985
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 120
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
 18.05
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
 32.9
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
 1.81
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. 7.76
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.74
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 52.0
J (Foretriangle Base) 18.25
P (Mainsail Luff) 46.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 14.25
SA Fore 474.5
SA Main 327.75
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