Back to Search
Shearwater 45
Designer: Dudley Dix  ·  Builder: Acheson Yachts (Sa)  ·  First built: 1990
+ Add to Compare
About the Shearwater 45

Designed by renowned naval architect Dudley Dix and built by South African yard Acheson Yachts beginning in 1990, this substantial cruising sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to offshore sailing. The cutter rig configuration provides excellent sail handling flexibility and storm sailing options, making it particularly well-suited for serious blue water cruising and long-distance voyaging. With a fin keel and spade rudder arrangement, the boat offers responsive handling while maintaining the directional stability crucial for extended offshore passages. The generous beam provides ample interior volume and initial stability, while the robust displacement ensures a comfortable motion in seaway conditions. The healthy ballast-to-displacement ratio contributes to excellent self-righting characteristics and sea-keeping abilities. Dudley Dix's design philosophy emphasizes seaworthiness over pure speed, evident in the boat's moderate sail area-to-displacement ratio and conservative capsize screening numbers. The fiberglass construction was built to withstand the rigors of ocean sailing, with particular attention paid to structural integrity in challenging conditions. This vessel appeals to cruising sailors who prioritize safety, comfort, and reliability over racing performance. The design has earned respect among serious cruisers for its ability to handle extended passages while providing a secure, comfortable platform for offshore adventures.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 51.42 ft / 15.67 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 37.42 ft / 11.41 m
Beam 13.08 ft / 3.99 m
Max Draft 6.25 ft / 1.91 m
Displacement 27,550.00 lb / 12,496 kg
Ballast 10,469.00 lb / 4,749 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,144.00 ft² / 106.28 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Dudley Dix
Builder Acheson Yachts (SA)
First Built 1990
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

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
20.15
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
38
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
234.73
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
33.33
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
1.74
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. 8.20 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. 1,748.87 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 50
Fuel Capacity 135 gals / 511 L
Water Capacity 165 gals / 625 L
Find a Shearwater 45 For Sale