45C and 46C Comparison and History

[Bertellini]

I am looking at several of these models ranging in age from 1974 to 1984. Most of the browsing I have done on this and other sites seem to confirm that both are very highly praised for their quality of construction, see keeping abilities, and general owner satisfaction. My question is how do these models differ? According to the timeline of production, there was only one year of overlap when both were produced, and Hatteras switched back and forth for this ten year run and forward to the last one of either in 1994: 45C from '68-'75, 46C from '74-'84', 45C from '84-'92, and then the 46C from '92-'94. Are they identical hulls with different designs from the stringers up? What are the pros and cons of each model?

 

[saltshaker]

45C series I and the 46C series I are very similar and share the same hull. The 46 is an updated version of the 45. Bigger bridge and taller ER other than that pretty much the same boat. The 46 had some changes around '82. The layout was changed a bit and the HP version became available. Bigger engines, a shorter keel, and increased fuel capacity are a few of the changes. These are refered to as the 46C series II. The 45 series II is a stretched 43C. The extra 2ft is all in the cockpit. The 45C is a good boat but IMO doesn't compare to the 46C, particularly the 46HP. The 46C is a much better sea boat, has a better interior layout, bigger ER and carries more fuel. The 46C series III is a good boat but not very popular. She's heavy and thirsty. I don't fish but my understanding is that the 46C III wasn't popular due to her cockpit dimensions. The deck is too high from the water and the gunnels are too high on the inside making her less fisherman friendly. I'd opt for a 48C instead. All of these boats are still great boats but offer different things. For me a 46HP or a 48C would be the best choice. The 48C is a fantastic boat but she's much bigger and thirstier than the others. The 46HP offers the most for your money and good ones are out there. If you like the 45C II, look for an '87 or newer one and unless you find a repowered one, make sure you have the 6V92TA's with the wet turbos. Which ever you choose, buy the best one you can find for your budget. $100-$125K will get you a good one and if you're lucky and a smart shopper maybe a great one.

 

[Bertellini]

Thanks for the breakdown and analysis, it certainly clears up my confusion. You seem to be very knowledgable of the Hatteras line from what I've seen you post on other threads. Any thoughts on the 41C II? It is on my list since there are a few close to me that are in great shape and priced aggressively. The front runner is an '87 with 6-71s that has been shed kept for most of its life.

 

[saltshaker]

The 41C II is a good boat but I think you'd be better off with a 46C or 45C. The 41C needs a bit of HP to keep her going and the 671's won't give you much performance. If you like the 41C look for one with 6V92TA's. Performance on these boats seems to be all over the place. Some complain about how slow they are while others get a good turn of speed out of them. A lot has to do with how they are loaded. Some had wedges glassed in to give them lift and keep the bow down. Unless you find a real pristine one that's priced right, I'd think you'd do better with a 46HP or 87 or newer 45C. Where are you located? I know of a real nice 41C with fresh 6V92's on the west coast of FL. She's been on the market a while and the owner was very unrealistic on price. I know he's missed out on a few boats because he didn't have this one sold. He may be ready to talk but who knows.

 

[capttonyf]

I agree with Saltshaker on his analysis. Either the 46 1979 or newer or the 45 Series II would be great boats it just depends on whats more important to you. If you went with the 45 I would look for a 89 to 93 because they have the updated Window Look, The Bridge Console, but most importantly the interior Layout. They gave it an S curve companionway with a Larger Master Stateroom and a 2nd head. The only other years they offered a 2nd head was in 1987 on the Short Lived Palm Beach Addition. There is a repowered 89 in the keys but must be an early 1989 because it still has the older layout and there is a really nice looking 1990 in Coconut Grove "Miami" thats been updated and looks nice. I personally have a 1990 45 Conv because I prefererd the Larger/Longer Cockpit. The 45 has about 10 more square feet than the 46 but to me feels much larger. Plus when I was purchasing mine there just seemed to be a better selection of nice cond 45's at that time. I also liked the Offset Angle Master Bedroom. I would have been happy with either of the 2 Models as both are very similar in ride, speed, and obviosly quality of construction and at giving you a nice dry SOLID ride in just about all cond. I was a professional delivery Capt for years and ran just about every brand/size of boat made and Hatteras is the Brand I choose to purchase for personal use. There are other quality faster boats of this era, size, and price range such as 45 Vikings, 43 Egg Harbors, 43 to 46 Post's and they are all good boats but when the weather gets a little snotty they just dont feel as solid and your forced to back them down a little. People will bring up ride of 42 to 46 Bertrams's and they're right but the fit, finish and interior attention to detail just don't compare to the Hatt. My 45 has 535hp.6V92's and at 1950 rpm 20 to 21Knts at 2000rpm 22Knts and WOT 2350 26Knts. For family Cruising/Fishing 21knts is plenty fast and safe in just about all conditions on these old Hatts. Everyone wants to talk about SPEED and a 30+ knt cruise and with my kids/family on board those speeds are just too much to move around safely and actually enjoy the expierience. Either way you cant go wrong with either the 45 or 46 I just personally lean toward the 45 for the reasons listed above. Find the best deal of whats available and you'll be happy with either. If you have any direct questions please feel free and I will do my best.

 

[saltshaker]

All good points particularly regarding the improved layout of the later 45C II. I looked at the listing for Brava II the '89 in Coconut Grove. Wow she looks great. I'd put that on my short list of ones to look at. The bigger master and 2 head layout is a huge plus. I also like that there's a washer dryer on board. Looks like someone has spent some money updating and maintaining her. Look at the systems and you'll notice things like a head hunter water pump, Vacuflush heads, newer generator, Cablemaster, isolation transformer, upgraded windless, newer quality appliances, frameless windows, dripless shaft seals etc. Definitely worth a look.

 

[jim rosenthal]

There is at least one Series II 45C for sale right now with Cummins M11s.... that to me is the preferred engine for this boat. There are also some with Cat 3196s, which I would probably avoid carefully. The later Cats (I think C12s?) are much better but I didn't see any with those.

I agree about how fast you can go with them- my Hatteras will do over thirty knots, which I've seen once or twice on sea trials etc. Most of the time I cruise at 22 knots, based on what the EGT and boost gauges tell me. Occasionally a bit faster. The advantage of the Cummins engines is that they are quieter, they use less fuel, they are easier to maintain because of the room around them, etc. That said, I would not throw out a set of DDs with useful life in them to make room for M11s. I never thought I would see Series II 45s as low-priced as they are, which means that you have to really think about repowering one.... you will really never get your money out of it except by keeping it for decades and having a great time with her.

Which, if you think about it, is what it's all about anyway.

 

[Bugsy]

And now I'm compelled to ask; "What about the 43 C with 6V92's?" (of which I am an owner)

The OP spoke of the 45C and 46 and more recently reverted to a 41C and I'm wondering why the 43C was skipped.

A few friends have 46C and I can recognize the differences between their boats and mine but the 45C I was on seemed identical to mine with the exception of a slightly larger cockpit. I believe the one I was on was a 1985.

The 45C had 535 hp engines so was faster than mine but the layout was identical.

Hence my question. My boat is on the market; "universally" recognized as being in very good condition and properly priced for the market; and, I'd like to know if I'm being overlooked because of a perception that a 45C is a "better" boat.

By the way---is the 45C discussed above at Dinner Key or at Grove Harbour?

 

[capttonyf]

Bugsy, You are correct the 43C is the same boat as the 45C up until they updated the layout in 1989. The only difference as mentioned above is the 45 has a 2ft Longer Cockpit which helped considerably from a fishing/Diving standpoint for obvious reasons, but from a cruising standpoint it also improved the handling by giving the boat a little more level running attitude without needing as much Trim tab, Increased the Speed all while adding an Additional 110 Gallons of fuel. The 43 runs a little Proud "nose High "compared to the 45, nothing extreme but you do notice it. Depending on how someone is going to use their boat the 43 is just fine and I would not turn anyone from a good deal on one in nice condition, after all it is a Hatteras and is a great cruising vessel it's just from a fishing perspective or a travelling cruiser the 45 would be a better option due to the larger cockpit and additional fuel. Hatteras did the excact same thing by adding 2 ft of cockpit to the early 1980's 50C and calling it a 52C. One last note on the 43C I sold one years ago for a guy in Islamorada that had a very rare Euro layout with a gally up a Huge forward master in the Bow, a bunk guest stateroom and a Bow entered Crew cabin forward of the master stateroom that wasnt much larger than the anchor locker.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Crew's quarters in a 43 ft boat? Must have had short crewmembers....

I like the 43C. I think that he was looking at the later 45C-II with the diagonal master, maybe I didn't read carefully enough...

 

[Bugsy]

Phew!! Thanks, guys. I feel better now.

And you're right, Jim. The OP did narrow his comments regarding the 45C.

 

[worldsaway]

Capttonyf, Sounds like I have the same boat you do. What size props are you running?

 

[Bertellini]

Jim, why would you avoid the CAT 3196s? There is a 1984 45C for sale in CT that was repowered with them and seems to be priced competitively.

 

[rsmith]

I always shake my head at these threads where someone asks recomendations on certain boats. Everyone jumps in with what they like and their favorites. No one ever asks the guy what his mission profile is to base their comments on what one would best suit his use.

 

[saltshaker]

I always shake my head at these threads where someone asks recomendations on certain boats. Everyone jumps in with what they like and their favorites. No one ever asks the guy what his mission profile is to base their comments on what one would best suit his use.

I Think he got pretty much what he asked for. The utility of all 3 boats is pretty much the same. The points made are pretty relevant and accurate. The OPer needs to make his own decision as to which will suit his needs best. His budget will drive a lot of that decision. He may have enough to buy a fair 46HP or a pristine 45C series I. Now at least he has some ideas on what each has to offer. For me it's all based on each individual boat, it's condition, equipment and options. I like the 46Hp a lot more than the 45C II. Given the choice between a tired 46HP that wasn't equipped to my liking and a refit 45C II that was turn key for me, I'd opt for the 45C. He may want a boat with a tower. If he finds a great 46HP that's a bargain without a tower that may not be right for him. No different than any other options. I have a friend looking for a 52MY. Some of the nicest and best priced ones are 2 staterooms. He needs 3 so for him the others are out. If I was in the market for one of them, I'd look hard at the one that was repowered with QSM11's but has 2 staterooms. He's aware of it but for him the 3rd stateroom is a must.

 

[capttonyf]

To Worldsaway, we are running 4 Blade 30"X33", Not sure if they were ever tweaked by a previous owner or not. Do to the fact the boat runs as well as it does I've never tried to fix whats not broken and the told prop techs to just check balance and don't mess with them.

As far as rsmith shaking his head I kind of agree. You really do need to know someones intended use and tastes before recommending any type of boat, but he was pretty specific in what he is already considering. Most people replying only want to be helpful by expressing the differences between the two models along with their preference. If you look that is what I did, I mentioned that either boat would be great depending on whats IMPORTANT to him, which he did not state and why it may sway his decision one way or the other. I then explained why I went with the 45 over the 46. Either way as I mentioned before, find the best deal and go with it, you can't go wrong with either model.

 

[capttonyf]

Well said, Jack.

 

[Blaine Thorpe]

I always shake my head at these threads where someone asks recomendations on certain boats. Everyone jumps in with what they like and their favorites. No one ever asks the guy what his mission profile is to base their comments on what one would best suit his use.

I kind of disagree, maybe because I know what I want, and have been looking but haven't been able to get out there just having a new granddaughter, and two more grand babies coming soon. I am in the market for a 45-50 convertible. I have been on a 45, 46 and 50, but I appreciate hearing comments from those that have experience with each.

I will make my own decision based on the boats I find. Some will agree with my decision, other may not. In the end it my decision based on what's out there. I will take all of the input I can get.

Blaine

 

[capttonyf]

I kind of disagree, maybe because I know what I want, and have been looking but haven't been able to get out there just having a new granddaughter, and two more grand babies coming soon. I am in the market for a 45-50 convertible. I have been on a 45, 46 and 50, but I appreciate hearing comments from those that have experience with each.

I will make my own decision based on the boats I find. Some will agree with my decision, other may not. In the end it my decision based on what's out there. I will take all of the input I can get.

Blaine

Blaine, where do you do most of your boating because that could play into factor on your decision. Of the 3 boats you mentioned the 50C needs nearly a 1ft. more water at 5 1/2 feet then the other boats you named. We boat in the Keys/Bahamas' alot and that extra draft can make a big difference if you frequent alot of the smaller marina's like Smugglers Cove, Holiday Isle, Dolphin Marina etc. Most tell you they have 6ft. but I know thats not the case, I think Holiday Isle lists a MLW of 4'6" if I remember correctly and I wrapped a Gaff around a wheel of a 54C while stirring sand at Smugglers Cove once. If looking for a 3rd stateroom and thats why you considering a 50C, maybe consider a 52C and it gets you back under 5 ft. with Keel protection. There was a nice 1995 50C available when I was looking but Draft and Fuel burn brought me back to the 45C and I couldn't be happier. When you do finally see the one for you,,,,you'll know it!

 

[Blaine Thorpe]

Blaine, where do you do most of your boating because that could play into factor on your decision. Of the 3 boats you mentioned the 50C needs nearly a 1ft. more water at 5 1/2 feet then the other boats you named. We boat in the Keys/Bahamas' alot and that extra draft can make a big difference if you frequent alot of the smaller marina's like Smugglers Cove, Holiday Isle, Dolphin Marina etc. Most tell you they have 6ft. but I know thats not the case, I think Holiday Isle lists a MLW of 4'6" if I remember correctly and I wrapped a Gaff around a wheel of a 54C while stirring sand at Smugglers Cove once. If looking for a 3rd stateroom and thats why you considering a 50C, maybe consider a 52C and it gets you back under 5 ft. with Keel protection. There was a nice 1995 50C available when I was looking but Draft and Fuel burn brought me back to the 45C and I couldn't be happier. When you do finally see the one for you,,,,you'll know it!

For now, we are on the Illinois River 180 miles south of Lake Michigan, and draft is an issue. We also have a place in the Destin area, but we would bring it back to Illinois for now. I have found several we like, but there seems to be something about each one that stops us from buying it. We have a pretty good list of "like to haves" based on our 1100 mile trip from Peoria to Destin in our 36C.

Blaine