CAPE DORY 45
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45.25 ft |
| LWL | 33.5 ft |
| Beam | 13 ft |
| Draft | 6.25 ft |
| Displacement | 24,000 lb |
| Ballast | 9,400.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 52 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 18.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 46 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.25 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 29.5 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9 ft |
| FLforestay | 18.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 828.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 474.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 806.7 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 45
Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) between 1982 and 1985, the Cape Dory 45 is a rare production with only 3 hulls built. This scarcity, combined with its heavy displacement and full keel design, positions it as a specialized vessel for owners seeking a robust, traditional cruising platform.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, particularly those willing to manage the unique maintenance challenges of a low-production run.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 24000.0 lb, a D/L ratio of 284.99, and a low capsize ratio of 1.81, the Cape Dory 45 exhibits exceptional offshore stability and motion comfort, making it highly capable for long-range cruising despite its age.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement, full-keel ketches from the early 1980s such as the Cape Dory 36 or 38, as well as the Alberg 40, due to shared design philosophies emphasizing stability and offshore safety over planing performance.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CAPE DORY 45 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 45.25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 5 systems for the CAPE DORY 45, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 45? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 8 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 45
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