SAIL AWAY From It All on This 45' DREAM Cruiser [Full Tour] Learning the Lines

Usually the prettiest boat in the harbor, this lovely bluewater cruiser, designed by Dudley Dix, can take you with confidence anywhere in the world. Ariadne is a classic beauty above the waterline, and thoroughly modern below the waterline. She is fast and stable.
Ariadne is in excellent condition and is extensively equipped. Recent sails, a new Kubota diesel generator, and many recent upgrades make her an excellent value. The Shearwater 45 won Cruising World magazine's "Best Boat of the Year" as well as "best traditional cruiser" for her excellent build quality, stylish traditional looks, and her "delightful manners."
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
/ @learningthelands
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Asking Price: US $249,500
Listing info:
integrityyachtsales.com/yacht...
Contact:
Integrity Yacht Sales
Dale Davis at 703-395-7649
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[@jessefalsone1247]

I'll offer an opinion here. My wife and I looked at this boat extensively a few months ago. To my knowledge, we were the only ones to do so and then place an offer. We spoke with various owners (only 6 Shearwater 45s were built) and also had dinner with the designer, Dudley Dix. The combination of aesthetics, offshsore capability, speed, seaworthiness, and liveability/layout, and construction are all spot on. The fact that the boat was designed by a lesser known designer (Dudley is better-known for his kit boats I think) and built in South Africa (by an exceptionally good builder in Achisson and Rossa) make for a "sleeper" in the market. Respectfully, I don't think this channel does a good job of highlighting some of the things that really matter to buyers like me. I look carefully at the construction, the design numbers, the rig/sailplan, the mechanics, electrical. The video focused on the more superficial things in my view. For instance, this boat has an exceptionally well designed steering system but the video didn't even bother tp look down into the lazarette. The underbody is also a really nice and modern design but if you focus only on the topsides you might be lulled into thinking that the underbody is very traditional (until maybe you put 2 and 2 together with the massive rig). In fact, the boat has a healthy dose of both form stability and ballast from a moderate fin keel. It also has a massive balanced spade rudder mounted all the way aft. This is a boat that will haul ass in the ocean. Also, it's not a true cutter rig, It's an "either/or" setup with overlapping genoa and rather large staysail. Video doesn't seem to mention that either. I also don't recall the video going into the fact that this boat is deck-stepped. Is that a bad thing? Maybe, but Dudley makes a very compelling argument why it's good. There were some issues with this boat in my view but none that couldn't be overcome with the judicious application of thoughtful design and money. Comps are hard to find with a boat like this but a broker could tell you what the owner paid for it 8 years ago and current owners could tell you what they think their boats are worth (I know both). Is it worth the $250K the owner is asking? Ultimately, I didn't think so but the owner has made some nice upgrades like a new generator and new AC as well as making the steering more bulletproof. This is an exceptionally good yacht. I asked a ton of questions so both the owner and the broker are now well armed to answer questions from inquisitive buyers like me. I hope a real sailor buys this boat and it gets sailed in the manner for which it was designed. Dudley was extremely gracious, answering all of my questions. I'm happy to share this information with anyone who is serious and not just kicking tires. I don't have the time but as I said, this boat deserves a good owner.

[@treywest268]

What made you decide against it?

[@jessefalsone1247]

My offer was too low. I thought it very reasonable considering what the boat needed.

[@user-bq5ks2rq2q]

I’ve sailed three quarters around the world in yachts designed by Dudley Dix - my own, as well as a trans-Atlantic passage on a Shearwater 39, the previous boat of the owner of this Shearwater 45. I have also worked extensively on both vessels as a professional marine specialist, so I think I can speak with authority regarding this yacht’s condition, quality and design. This yacht is a powerful and elegant offshore voyager. Her beautiful traditional lines can be deceiving: they sit on top of a thoroughly modern fin keel and rudder and a slippery-fast and seaworthy high-tech hull. Everything about this boat, from masthead to keel, is a model of superior design, especially for safe and efficient blue water work. Yes, she is a foot less beamy than most boats of similar length, but she therefore points very high and is extremely fast. All boats are a set of compromises so choose your priorities. As to value: The price of the Shearwater 45 in 2004 from Acheson and Rossi builders in South Africa, was about half a million ($823,000 in today’s dollars). One should understand that this is a semi-custom world cruiser impeccably built with modern techniques and design principles to an extremely high standard. It’s in the same class as a Halberg-Rassey, or Hinkley. It ain’t no mass produced Beneteau, Hanse, Hunter or Catalina. Some of the blithe comments about value, interior space or comparison to features on production boats, demonstrate naivety about this yacht’s pedigree, specifications, build quality and purpose. Look at the specs. Read the reviews of the yacht in Cruising World and Yachting, which can be found on Dudley Dix’s website. This yacht’s whole design and execution is that of an elite world voyager. Keep your sugar scoop sterns, double island beds and massive cockpits for the holiday yacht charter trade - I’ve been to sea and would gladly go again in this boat without hesitation. It's not an "everyman" boat: it's a special yacht for the rare owner who can afford her and appreciate her unique blend of virtues. I have personally performed almost all of the significant upgrades on this yacht. She is in excellent condition and currently needs very little for blue water voyaging.

[@jessefalsone1247]

I'm interested to know which upgrades you performed. Thanks.

[@ZoltanTemesvari_temy]

Wow, that engine access is unbeatable. I wish more boats were like this.

[@bos6782]

The craftsmanship and general woodworking is exceptional, wow. The price tag is a bit high for an older boat with a lot of unknowns. Thx for the walk through. Great boat.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Nice boat with just the right balance between traditional and functional especially at the size. Only slight down is the lack of a shelter for the helm. 👍🏼🧙‍♂️⛵

[@whitneydouglas4794]

Beautifully kept boat, that wood is such good condition, so you know the owners took care of it.

[@hiPeeks]

Broooo... I miss your DIY stuff so much! Where's that trimaran?!

[@scyz2807]

I'm not sure why I watch these sailboat tours. So many wonderful boat out there! And I have very little money. : - ( But still, it's fun to think, "One day, maybe." : - )

[@CharlesETerry]

Hey as you always do Great job young man!

[@SeaYaSailing]

I have 2 of those winch handle lockers on my boat, I found a old broken wench handle and cut off the nub, and had a "butterfly" tab put on it with a lanyard. Next ones I make will be more of an "eye" bolt type, as the the new gaskets, it can be a little tough on the fingers. From what old salts told me, these were designed to keep out water, even if the stern is under a wave.

[@miketee2444]

This is one of those examples of a really good boat with a few Deal Breaker design issues.

[@atomisum6445]

Why do I care so much you didn't shut a cold storage door lol. Beautiful boat!!

[@adeliso96]

Boats have storage, we get that.

[@Stenogramyzbrodni]

Ależ bym tym cudeńkiem świat przemierzył!

[@user-hg7xu5kd7f]

I think Integrity Yacht Sales, made a video on this Yacht. I thought they should get ahold of you to make their videos. You are still the best, in making "tour videos", hands down. As far as the yacht goes, I did not see a water maker, any solar systems. For the price, you can get a lot better Yacht. She is pretty, but I do believe she is lacking a lot of upgrades. She is comming up on being 20 years old.

[@9dahai]

According to a 1998 review in Yachting this boat new cost $450,000 (I imagine that for this 2004 version you would have needed even deeper pockets). Beautiful blue water yacht. When I win the lottery…

[@VeryNiceSmileDental]

Enya carbon fiber guitar in the forward hanging locker?

[@fxprocc]

Engine access is perfect. Bildge access could be better. The wood work looks amazing, all quality work. Perfect size really for a family.

[@normanplotkin8105]

I would like you to include the statistics, including draft, estimated hull, speed and spar height in your reviews

[@reellove6710]

I too looked long and hard at this yacht and ultimately made an offer that was TD’d. She is the former “Maggie May” and there are many KZbin Videos on her. She was acquired by the present owner (#2) in the Caribbean when the current owner had to put her up for sale due to health reasons. She is a lovely yacht, but needs quite a bit of “TLC” IMHO. That TLC would easily exceed a lot of money if your goal is to restore her to a true blue water sailer. She is #6 of 6. Hulls 1&2 are schooners (in NY). Hulls 3&4 are in Europe. Hull #5 is in FL. Yes, she is a fast boat, but also a bit narrow. Steering system is a work of art and could have been highlighted a bit better. I also spoke with Mr. Dix and he was extremely helpful. He sent me drawings and the sail plan for the boat to assist me with my offer. Overall, she is of good pedigree. Randy, the decks on this boat are 20 years old. Although they appear to be in “good” condition, upon close inspection wear is evident. Whomever buys her will need to consider the possibility of having to replace the decks in the next 5-10 years.

[@daviddraime592]

What tlc is needed to make her blue water capable? When did you inspect her?

[@jessefalsone1247]

I think we came to similar conclusions on what this boat required to be blue water capable to today's standards and that it would cost quite a lot. Not sure I agree with you on the deck. Well laid teak decks can last 40 years if not abused, maintained properly, and are of ample thickness to start. I've seen far worse on other boats (I've looked at Little Harbors and a Cambria recently that needed work yet the deck condition didn't dissuade buyers from paying nearly full asking). Having said that, few boats have this much teak! It would be a massive job to replace those decks and how one would procure the teak planks at a reasonable cost is unclear. I was surprised to hear that another offer was made on this boat. Must've been after mine.

[@kenkindrick4227]

Close the refrigerator door!

[@geraldhowse8597]

No walk through transom.

[@mikemendes7598]

Requiring a winch handle to open hatches would be a hard deal killer for me. The boat looks very nice otherwise, but is overpriced. $250K can get you a lot more boat, esp monohulls.

[@ThatSandersboy]

$358,000? Okay, let us know if they get 150,000.

[@LearningtheLines]

Nope, thanks for the comment though it made me realize my description was wrong. It's $249k asking.

[@danpinsonsax]

Nice interior wood, galley, and head, but everything feels small for a 45’. Poor Boarding, Wheel, and side deck access, and the v-berth as the main sleeping cabin on a 45’ boat are a no. Not worth anywhere near 249k.

[@OlafFichtner]

Right. LWL way shorter than LOA, no sugar scoop... This is a very "classic" design and for 250k there are options with way more space at the same length.

[@danpinsonsax]

@@OlafFichtnerexactly!

[@jessefalsone1247]

If maximizing interior volume is your thing then go buy a cookie-cutter boat with ridiculous ratios. FWIW, this boat is not small below for a 45 footer that is also fast and seaworthy. It's far better constructed than your typical production boat. It's a true blue water boat that can take good care of its crew. Every boat design is a compromise. This boat doesn't offer the types of compromises most people are willing to make, but for the select few, this boat will absolutely hit on all cylinders, price notwithstanding.

[@OlafFichtner]

@@jessefalsone1247 a good interior is of course important, but the VERY traditional hull shape of this boat limits more than interior space. Getting on and off is cumbersome, the speed is reduced and you need to pay a berthing fee for which you get less in return. And for the price: There's a Bavaria 46, which beats this boat in many if not all aspects (depending on your POV of course) offered in Greece for 80k Euro. For 250k you can get a cat or trimaran of the same length.

[@jessefalsone1247]

@@OlafFichtner I don't know what hull shape you think this boat has but it is not "traditional" by any stretch of the imagination. The topsides might have a traditional look but I assure you that the actual shape of the canoe body is quite modern for a cruising boat. The distribution of volume / prismatic, the turn of the bilge, long LWL, as well as the SA/D will allow this boat to run circles around a Bavaria 46 in the ocean as well as be a lot more comfortable. The construction is superior to a Bavaria 46. These boats are not in the same class at all. Go buy a Euro Bavaria. That's a decidedly different market than the US.