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Pyramid 45
Designer: Chuck Burns  ·  Builder: Pyramid Boat Works (Usa)  ·  First built: 1983
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About the Pyramid 45

Designed by Chuck Burns and built by Pyramid Boat Works beginning in 1983, this 45-footer represents a well-balanced approach to performance cruising from the early 1980s. The masthead sloop configuration and fin keel with spade rudder design prioritize sailing performance while maintaining the comfort features expected of a cruising yacht. With a displacement of 14,700 pounds and carrying 7,000 pounds of ballast, the Pyramid 45 achieves a healthy balance between stability and performance. The generous sail area of 858 square feet combined with a sleek 40-foot waterline length delivers respectable sailing speeds, with the boat capable of reaching hull speeds around 8.47 knots. The SA/Displacement ratio of 22.96 indicates spirited performance potential, making this yacht suitable for both serious coastal cruising and occasional club racing. The boat's comfort ratio of 18.94 suggests a design that leans toward performance while still providing reasonable motion characteristics for extended cruising. The moderate beam of 12.5 feet and nearly 8-foot draft indicate this is a yacht best suited for deeper waters and intermediate to advanced sailors who appreciate responsive handling. Chuck Burns' design philosophy emphasized creating boats that could serve dual purposes as comfortable cruisers and competitive racers.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
Beam 12.50 ft / 3.81 m
Max Draft 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Displacement 14,700.00 lb / 6,668 kg
Ballast 7,000.00 lb / 3,175 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 858.00 ft² / 79.71 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Chuck Burns
Builder Pyramid Boat Works (USA)
First Built 1983
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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
 32
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
 22.96
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
 47.62
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
 102.54
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
 18.94
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
 2.04
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. 8.47 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
 5.13
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. 1,786.56 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. 22.97
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 54.40 ft / 16.58 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 17.50 ft / 5.33 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 45.00 ft / 13.72 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
SA Fore 476.00 ft² / 44.22 m²
SA Main 382.50 ft² / 35.54 m²
SA Total (100%) 858.50 ft² / 79.76 m²
Est. Forestay Length 57.15 ft / 17.42 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Isuzu
Engine Model 3LD1
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 50 gals / 189 L
Water Capacity 90 gals / 341 L
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