Hunter 45DS
by BWS Staff
Blue Water Sailing
September 2007
Pre-Launch Preview of the new Hunter 45DS
As we go to press with the September issue, the new Hunter 45DS is being quietly competed in the Hunter plant in Alachua, Fla. BWS visited the plant earlier this summer and had a first glimpse of the new boat under construction. But, we have not had a chance to sail the boat—that will come in August.
The 45DS is an evolutionary boat that builds on the heritage of the 44-foot aft cockpit sloop, the 45-foot center cockpit design and last year’s 49-footer that attracted so much attention. The boat’s hull is very similar to the 44 and 45 but the deck and interior are all new and have been refined for comfort and sailing performance.
On deck you will see a streamlined deck saloon cabin top with the large cockpit aft. The cockpit is similar to that of the 49 and has two steering stations, a large centerline table and comfortable seating for up to eight adults. The cockpit arch carries the main sheet and traveler so all the control lines are out of the way. The arch also can carry the stern davits, will be a mount for cockpit Biminis and is a great hand hold when moving about the deck.
The 45DS has a B&R sloop rig with a 100-percent jib and a large, high-roach mainsail. The rig has long, aft-swept spreaders so no backstay is required. BWS has sailed the 49 and the 45, so we anticipate that the 45DS will be easy to sail and will show a good turn of speed. Comfortable, stylish and affordable cruising are what the new breed of larger Hunters are all about. The accommodations below offer two big cabins with double berths and private heads. The saloon is fairly traditional with an L-shaped galley, large chart table, a dinette to port and a bench settee to starboard.
If you have not been aboard a Hunter lately, you will be impressed with the fit and finish of the new boats and the thought and detailing that have gone into the engineering and mechanical systems. (Final specifications had not been released at press time.)
For more information log on to www.huntermarine.com
