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Spindrift 43
Designer: Ron Amy  ·  Builder: Ka Shing (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Spindrift 43

Designed by Ron Amy and built by Ka Shing in Taiwan beginning in 1982, this substantial cutter represents classic offshore cruising philosophy with its traditional long keel configuration and robust construction. The fiberglass hull carries generous displacement at 34,810 pounds, with nearly 29% of that weight positioned low in the 10,043-pound ballast, contributing to excellent stability and sea-kindly motion in challenging conditions. The long keel design provides exceptional tracking ability and directional stability, making this boat particularly well-suited for extended offshore passages where steady helm behavior reduces crew fatigue. While not built for racing speed, the cutter rig offers versatility in sail handling, allowing crews to maintain optimal sail area across varying wind conditions through multiple headsail options. With a comfort ratio of 47.12, this design prioritizes seaworthiness and crew comfort over speed, reflecting the era's emphasis on substantial construction for serious cruising sailors. The capsize screening value of 1.59 indicates good stability characteristics for offshore work. The generous beam of nearly 13 feet provides ample interior volume while maintaining manageable proportions for a cruising couple or small crew contemplating extended voyages or coastal exploration.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.50 ft / 12.95 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 35.58 ft / 10.84 m
Beam 12.96 ft / 3.95 m
Max Draft 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Displacement 34,810.00 lb / 15,790 kg
Ballast 10,043.00 lb / 4,555 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,141.00 ft² / 106.00 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Ron Amy
Builder Ka Shing (TAIWAN)
First Built 1982
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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
17.2
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
28.85
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
345.02
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
47.12
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
1.59
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. 7.99 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. 1,647.62 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Ford Lehman
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 250 gals / 946 L
Water Capacity 300 gals / 1,136 L
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