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Popular Cruising Yachts
40 to 45 feet Long Overall
Stepping up to a 40-45 foot cruising yacht is a big move, but one that offers a compelling mix of comfort, performance, and long-range cruising potential.
A fine example of a cruising yacht in this size range, a Brewer 44These yachts are a popular choice for experienced sailors ready for more, but it's important to understand what comes with the added size. They bring a level of luxury and capability unmatched by smaller boats, but also increased responsibility and cost.
The extra living space is a major draw. Imagine spacious cabins, a true kitchen-like galley, multiple bathrooms, and tons of storage. Extended trips with family or friends become significantly more comfortable. Picture relaxing in a proper cabin after a long day or whipping up a gourmet meal in a well-equipped galley – these comforts make a real difference on long voyages.
Living space a-plenty on this Dehler 44Beyond space, these yachts offer enhanced stability and seakeeping. Their size and design smooth out the ride, reducing seasickness and fatigue. They handle rough conditions with greater ease, boosting confidence offshore.
The 40-45 foot range unlocks serious long-range cruising. Larger tanks for water and fuel, plus ample storage for provisions, make them ideal for extended voyages, even transoceanic passages. They provide the autonomy to spend weeks or months at sea, exploring distant destinations without constant resupplying.
Many of the designers of these boats have opted for a cutter rig, while a few have chosen a 'Solent' or double-headed rig. If you want to start a heated discussion in the yacht club bar, ask the question "Which is better for cruising, the cutter rig or the Solent rig?"
This Saga 44 sports a Solent rigPerformance is another highlight. These yachts can be surprisingly fast and efficient, making passages quicker and more enjoyable. It's a great balance of speed and comfort, covering more ground while enjoying a stable platform.
The increased size also allows for more amenities, like generators, watermakers, larger refrigeration, sophisticated electronics, and even air conditioning. These features enhance comfort and convenience on board.
However, owning one of these yachts is a significant commitment. The purchase price is much higher than smaller yachts, and ongoing expenses like dockage, insurance, maintenance, and repairs are also greater. A realistic understanding of the finances is crucial.
Handling a yacht of this size requires a deal of skill. While manageable, they're more challenging to manoeuvre, especially in tight spaces or strong winds. Docking, sail handling, and general boat management demand more attention. Experience or professional training is essential for safe handling.
This 42 foot Ovni has solved the deep-draft issue with a lifting keelThe deeper draft is another consideration. It can restrict access to shallower anchorages and waterways, limiting cruising options and possibly requiring more use of a dinghy.
Finally, increased maintenance is a reality. More boat means more upkeep, from hull cleaning to engine maintenance and complex systems. Factor these maintenance requirements into your budget and time commitment.
40' to 45' Cruising Yachts featured on this page...
Behind each of the cruising yacht images there's a lot more information, including:
- Dimensions & Specifications;
- Design Ratios;
- A summary analysis of the boat's predicted sailing characteristics in terms of performance, stiffness, heaviness, comfort in a seaway and resistance to capsize.
To see it all, just click on the relevant image...
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44 DS
Beneteau Oceanis 440
Morgan Out Island 41
Beneteau Oceanis 43
Hunter Passage 42
Beneteau First 435
Hallberg-Rassy 41
Sweden Yachts 42
Morgan 41 Out Island Classic
Jeanneau Sun Magic 44 (also known as the Sun Odyssey 44)
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 44i
Hallberg-Rassy 43
Freedom 44 (Cat Ketch)
Catalina Morgan 440
Island Packet 40
Roomy, comfortable and robust, the long-keeled Island Packet 40 could be many sailors ideal cruising yacht. 139 of them were built between 1994 and 2000.
Ovni 395
'Zephyr', an Ovni 395 dried out on a Cornish beach. Many thanks to Colin & Rebecca Campbell for this pic of their versatile cruising yacht.
Pearson 424
The Peason 424 cruising yacht is available as a ketch as the version shown below, or as a cutter. There's no denying that the Pearson 424 is an attractive cruising yacht.
J/40
The J/40 is a highly regarded performance cruising yacht. Designed and built to really sail well, passage times will be impressive.
Newport 41
Derived from C&C's Redline 41, the Newport 41 had a long and successful production run. It might lack some of the amenities of 'full-volume' modern cruising yachts below decks, but is a tough, fast and seakindly boat offshore.
Sirius 40 DS
The Sirius 40 DS motorsailer can be built with a number of keel options: A deep fin keel of 7'6", 6'6" or 5'9"; a swing keel that draws 8'0" and 3'2" up; or twin keels that allow the boat to dry out upright.
Columbia 43 MkIII
The gentle sheer and flush deck of this Columbia 43 MkIII aft-cockpit cruising yacht make for a very attractive sailboat.
Contest 44
Many thanks to Mike Price for this fine pic of his Contest 44 'Tumbledown Wind' as she crosses the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) finishing line.
Mason 43 Cruising Yachts
Many thanks to Sally & Al Pribyl for this pic of their Mason 43 staysail ketch 'Artemis', at anchor in Prickly Bay, Grenada.
Moody 425
Many thanks to Richard Clement and family for this fine pic of their Moody 425 cruising yacht 'Vega'.
Norseman 447
Many thanks for this pic to Dartanyon Race, co-Captain of this Norseman 447 cruising yacht 'Lutris'.
RH 43 (Also known as the CT 43)
Jeanneau Sun Legende 41
Hinckley Sou'wester 42 MkII
Hallberg Rassy 42 (Frers)
She looks like a cutter in this pic, but the inline stays converging at the masthead shows that the Hallberg-Rassy 42 cruising yacht 'Cavatina' is a solent rigged sloop.
Beneteau Oceanis 42CC
Westerly Oceanlord 41
CSY 44 (Walk-Through)
Many thanks to Jeff and Carolee, for this pic of their CSY 44 Walk-Thru' staysail ketch 'Contessa'.
CSY 44 (Mid-Cockpit)
Jeanneau 'Sun Odyssey' 40.3
Island Packet 445
Many thanks to Jim Shanahan for this great pic of his Island Packet cruising yacht 445 'Watermark III'.
More Cruising Yachts Pics Please...
If you'd like to submit a suitable image of a cruising yacht (yours perhaps?), please click here to send your pic. It doesn't have to be within this boat length category; if it isn't we'll move it to the appropriate one.
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