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Hunter 45 Wk
 ·  Builder: Hunter Marine (Usa)  ·  First built: 1985
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About the Hunter 45 Wk

Launched in 1985 by Hunter Marine, this 47-foot masthead sloop represents the builder's commitment to combining performance with comfort for serious coastal and offshore cruising. The wing keel configuration provides excellent stability while reducing draft compared to traditional deep keels, making the boat accessible to more harbors and anchorages. With a displacement of 25,600 pounds and generous beam of nearly 14 feet, the Hunter 45 Wk offers substantial interior volume and seaworthiness. The moderate comfort ratio of 28.7 suggests a good balance between performance and motion comfort, while the capsize screening formula of 1.88 indicates reasonable offshore capability when properly handled. The boat's sail area to displacement ratio of 17.53 delivers respectable performance under sail, with adequate power in light to moderate conditions. Hunter's fiberglass construction methods from this era were well-regarded for durability and value. The wing keel design enhances stability and reduces heeling, making this an appealing choice for cruising couples or families who prioritize comfort without sacrificing sailing ability. This model appeals to sailors seeking a spacious, well-built cruiser capable of extended coastal passages and occasional offshore work, with the wing keel offering practical advantages for gunkholing and shallow-water exploration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 46.67 ft / 14.23 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 39.58 ft / 12.06 m
Beam 13.83 ft / 4.22 m
Max Draft 5.58 ft / 1.70 m
Displacement 25,600.00 lb / 11,612 kg
Ballast 10,900.00 lb / 4,944 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 948.00 ft² / 88.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Wing Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Builder Hunter Marine (USA)
First Built 1985
Related Sailboats ["Hunter 45" · "Catalina 470" · "Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau" · "Beneteau 461" · "Tartan 4600"]
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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
 17.53
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
 42.58
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
 184.32
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
 28.7
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
 1.88
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. 8.43 kn
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
 2.96
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. 1,955.89 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17.53
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 58.80 ft / 17.92 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.80 ft / 5.43 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 51.80 ft / 15.79 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.40 ft / 5.00 m
SA Fore 523.32 ft² / 48.62 m²
SA Main 424.76 ft² / 39.46 m²
SA Total (100%) 948.08 ft² / 88.08 m²
Est. Forestay Length 61.44 ft / 18.73 m
How It Compares

vs. Beneteau 461, Catalina 470, Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Hunter 45 Wk ★
46.7 ft
Beneteau 461
46.6 ft
Catalina 470
47.0 ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
47.0 ft
LWL
Hunter 45 Wk ★
39.6 ft
Beneteau 461
39.4 ft
Catalina 470
41.0 ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
40.7 ft
Beam
Hunter 45 Wk ★
13.8 ft
Beneteau 461
14.0 ft
Catalina 470
14.2 ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
14.4 ft
Displacement
Hunter 45 Wk ★
25 lbs
Beneteau 461
20 lbs
Catalina 470
27 lbs
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
28 lbs
Ballast
Hunter 45 Wk ★
10 lbs
Beneteau 461
7 lbs
Catalina 470
10 lbs
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
10 lbs
Sail Area
Hunter 45 Wk ★
948 sq ft
Beneteau 461
—
Catalina 470
1,010 sq ft
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
1,152 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Hunter 45 Wk ★
17.5
Beneteau 461
—
Catalina 470
17.9
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
19.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Hunter 45 Wk ★
42.6 %
Beneteau 461
35.8 %
Catalina 470
40.0 %
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
35.4 %
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Hunter 45 Wk ★
184
Beneteau 461
153
Catalina 470
174
Sun Odyssey 47 Jeanneau
190
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