The Bowman 45 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Bowman 45, an aft-cockpit cutter, was designed by Chuck Paine and built in the UK by Rustler Yachts Ltd.

Published Specification for the Bowman 45

Underwater Profile: Fin keel & skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 45'2" (13.8m)

Waterline Length: 36'6" (11.1m)

Beam: 13'0" (4.0m)

Draft: 5'9" (1.8m)

Rig Type: Cutter

Displacement: 24,500lb (11,113kg)

Designer: Chuck Paine Ltd

Builder: Rustler Yachts Ltd (UK)

Year First Built: xxxx

Year Last Built: xxxx

Number Built: xx

Published Design Ratios for the Bowman 45

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.6

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 44.0

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 225

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 31.8

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.8

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Bowman 45

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.6 suggests that the Bowman 45 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 44 means that the Bowman 45 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 225, tells us the Bowman 45 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 31.8 suggests that crew comfort of a Bowman 45 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.8 indicates that a Bowman 45 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Other sailboats in the Bowman range include:

Recent Articles

  1. The True Cost of Boat Ownership

    Mar 28, 23 05:54 AM

    The true cost of boat ownership will almost certainly be more than what you originally thought it might be; the components of cost are...

    Read More

  2. Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

    Mar 28, 23 05:33 AM

    Here's where people with sailing equipment for sale advertise their stuff entirely free of charge. If you're looking for used sailing gear or other used boating accessories, here's where to find it!

    Read More

  3. Popular Cruising Yachts from 45 - 50ft (13.7m to 15.2m) Length Overall

    Mar 26, 23 08:29 AM

    Offshore cruising yachts of this size are probably the maximum size that most cruising couples can handle safely without taking on additional crew.

    Read More