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Nassau 45
Designer: Robert Perry  ·  Builder: Angel Marine (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Nassau 45

Robert Perry's Nassau 45 represents a well-balanced approach to performance cruising from the mid-1980s. Built by Angel Marine in Taiwan starting in 1984, this masthead sloop demonstrates Perry's signature style of combining comfortable cruising accommodations with respectable sailing performance. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling and good upwind performance, while the moderate displacement of 21,250 pounds strikes an appealing balance between stability and speed potential. With a hull speed of 7.88 knots and sail area-to-displacement ratio of 16.73, the Nassau 45 offers spirited sailing without sacrificing the security needed for serious offshore passages. The boat's comfort ratio of 29.38 indicates a relatively stiff, comfortable ride in seaway conditions, while the capsize screening value of 1.84 falls within acceptable parameters for offshore sailing. This makes the Nassau 45 well-suited for coastal cruising and extended offshore passages alike. Perry's design philosophy shines through in the Nassau 45's practical deck layout and spacious interior, making it an attractive choice for couples or families seeking a capable cruiser that doesn't compromise on sailing enjoyment. The robust fiberglass construction and proven track record have earned this model a solid reputation among serious cruising sailors.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 44.92 ft / 13.69 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.58 ft / 10.54 m
Beam 12.75 ft / 3.89 m
Max Draft 5.83 ft / 1.78 m
Displacement 21,250.00 lb / 9,639 kg
Ballast 8,870.00 lb / 4,023 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 799.00 ft² / 74.23 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Robert Perry
Builder Angel Marine (TAIWAN)
First Built 1984
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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
 123
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
 16.73
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
 41.74
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
 229.42
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
 29.38
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
 1.84
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. 7.88 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
 2.35
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. 1,575.37 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. 16.73
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 50.50 ft / 15.39 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.50 ft / 5.03 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
SA Fore 416.63 ft² / 38.71 m²
SA Main 382.50 ft² / 35.54 m²
SA Total (100%) 799.13 ft² / 74.24 m²
Est. Forestay Length 53.13 ft / 16.19 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Perkins
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 70 gals / 265 L
Water Capacity 160 gals / 606 L
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