2004 Shearwater 45 Boat in Annapolis, MD 21409 US
Built in 2004
45
1 Engine (Yanmar)
45 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
AN AWARD-WINNING DUDLEY DIX BLUEWATER CUTTER, BUILT BY ACHESON & ROSS
Ariadne is a 2004 ShearWater 45, one of a select number built by Acheson & Ross to the acclaimed design of Dudley Dix. The ShearWater 45 was named "Best Traditional Voyager" and "Best Cruising Boat" in Cruising World magazine's 2001 Boat of the Year Awards, and reviewing the design in Yachting Monthly, James Jermain called her "a stunning looking boat with an impressive performance and delightful manners." Always the prettiest boat in any harbor, Ariadne is a classic beauty above the waterline and thoroughly modern below it.
The ShearWater 45 was conceived as a serious offshore cruiser, built as a hand-laid GRP sandwich using an Airex core in the hull and balsa core in the deck, over a moderately long fin keel with a lead casting bolted to a molded GRP sump stub. Ariadne carries the design's powerful cutter rig, set up with an inner forestay for a staysail alongside her Genoa, the configuration Dix drew for all-round offshore performance.
That offshore pedigree isn't theoretical. She was sailed from Cape Town to the Caribbean by a previous owner, who reported sailing through sustained winds of roughly 36 knots with gusts over 50 in a quartering sea. "The boat was magnificent," he wrote afterward, going on to log 11,000 offshore miles aboard her. It's the kind of real-world validation that matters for a design built to cross oceans, not just look good at the dock.
Ariadne herself is in excellent condition and extensively equipped, with a recent round of maintenance and upgrades covering her generator, engine ancillaries, climate control, and steering system - presented ready for her next owner to cruise with confidence.
Key Features
• Design by Dudley Dix, built by Acheson & Ross - Cruising World's 2001 "Best Traditional Voyager" and "Best Cruising Boat"
• Hand-laid GRP sandwich construction - Airex-cored hull, balsa-cored deck - over a lead fin keel
• Powerful cutter rig with inner forestay set up for a staysail; triple-spreader rig
• Proven offshore pedigree, logged an ocean crossing and 11,000 bluewater miles
• Teak decks of considerable thickness, glued down rather than screwed, no concern for underlying deck core
• Yanmar 4JH3E 55hp diesel, 1,950 hours, with Aquadrive thrust bearing/bulkhead isolation
• New generator, new engine fuel lines/starter/alternator, new Yanmar engine panel
• New 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning and heat
• New Lewmar steering pedestal, linkage, and autopilot
• Full offshore electronics suite: Raymarine radar, autopilot, and instruments; ICOM SSB; Iridium-based SatLink for email, phone, and weather
• Newer fully battened mainsail, newer genoa, and a near-new asymmetric spinnaker
• Three-cabin layout with a spacious forward stateroom and a well-equipped navigation station
• CE certified
Information & Features
Engine
Yanmar 4JH3E, 55 hp, inboard diesel w/ 1,950 hours. Aquadrive coupling with thrust bearing and bulkhead isolation for reduced noise and vibration. Recently fitted with new fuel lines, starter, alternator, and Yanmar engine panel.
Dimensions
LOA: 49 ft 1 in | LOD: 45 ft | LWL: 37 ft 5 in | Beam: 13 ft 1 in | Max Draft: 6 ft 2 in
Weights
Displacement: 27,550 lb
Tanks
Fuel: 1 stainless steel tank, 80 gal | Fresh Water: 2 stainless steel tanks, 140 gal total | Holding: 1 plastic tank, 14 gal
Accommodations
3 cabins, 1 head, sleeps 6 (2 twin berths, 1 V-berth, 2 double berths)
Accommodations
Quality construction and beautiful woodwork are evident throughout. Coming down the companionway, a single head with a separate shower stall is located to starboard, alongside a large double cabin with ample storage to port. The well-designed galley - with stove, oven, double sinks, refrigeration, and freezer - sits just forward of the aft cabin to port, across from a thoughtfully arranged navigation station equipped with both navigation and communication equipment. The salon features a U-shaped settee to port and a table with settee to starboard, with a large flat-screen TV mounted above the port settee. Forward, a considerably spacious stateroom offers a wide, comfortable berth and excellent storage lockers to both port and starboard.
Sails, Rig & Deck
• Cutter rig, triple-spreader, set up for an inner forestay with staysail
• Newer "Hydra Net" fully battened mainsail with Harken batten car system
• Newer genoa; asymmetric spinnaker (like new); storm jib
• Rigid boom vang; whisker pole
• Harken roller furler, all lines led aft
• Winch package: 2x Andersen 59 ST primaries, 2x Andersen 45 ST secondaries, 1x Andersen 45 ST furling winch, 2x Andersen 45 ST coach roof winches (one electric), 3x Andersen 45 ST mast winches
• Lofrans Tigress electric windlass; new Rocna primary anchor; CQR secondary anchor with chain and rode
• Teak decks of considerable thickness, glued down rather than screwed
• Robust 1.5" stainless pushpit and pulpit; high bulwarks for sure-footed movement forward
• Recently made full winter cover
Electronics & Electrical
• Raymarine wind, depth, and speed instruments
• Raymarine autopilot with spare computer on standby, two autopilot controllers linked to GPS navigation
• Two Raymarine C-90W chartplotters
• Recent Raymarine HD radar
• ICOM SSB; Standard Horizon VHF/AIS; Garmin GPS; Navtex and MF radio
• SatLink utilizing an Iridium device for email, phone, and weather
• Sea ME electronic radar reflector
• Xantrex inverter/charger; 660Ah house bank (lead-acid golf cart batteries)
• New generator with 70 hours; new 16,000 BTU reverse-cycle AC and heat
• Radio and DVD player; flat-screen TV
• New Lewmar steering pedestal and linkage; new Lewmar autopilot; instrument NavPod at helm
Galley & Head
• Force 10 four-burner propane stove/oven; microwave
• Front-loading refrigerator; top-loading freezer
• Double stainless steel sink with Corian countertops and ample storage
• Large head with electric macerating toilet and separate shower
• Sink with Corian countertop in the head
Broker's Comments
Ariadne represents a rare opportunity to own an award-winning Dudley Dix design at an accessible price point. The ShearWater 45's combination of classic, admired lines and genuinely proven offshore capability - backed by Cruising World's Boat of the Year recognition and real bluewater mileage on sisterships - sets her apart from more common production cruisers in this size and price range. Recent investment in her generator, engine ancillaries, climate control, and steering system means she's ready to sail. For a buyer seeking a distinctive, capable cutter with genuine passagemaking credentials, Ariadne deserves a serious look.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/5/26 | Price decreased | $179,900(-5.3%) |
| 9/13/25 | Price decreased | $189,900(-5.0%) |
| 4/14/25 | Price decreased | $199,900(-8.7%) |
| 12/20/23 | Initial price | $219,000 |
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2004 Shearwater 45 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 2004 Shearwater 45
Customers praise the 2004 Shearwater 45 for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design
Many highlight its spacious and comfortable interior, making it ideal for extended cruising. Owners appreciate the boat’s solid construction and reliable performance, noting that it handles well in various sea conditions. The Shearwater 45’s classic lines and quality materials receive frequent compliments, emphasizing its blend of elegance and durability. Overall, customers value the 2004 Shearwater 45 as a well-built, beautiful vessel that offers both comfort and seaworthiness.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2004 Shearwater 45 is a popular cruising catamaran known for its spacious design and solid performance. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Spacious Layout: The Shearwater 45 offers ample living and storage space, making it comfortable for extended cruising or liveaboard situations.
Sturdy Construction: Built with quality materials, this model is known for its durability and seaworthiness.
Good Performance: With a well-designed hull and rigging, the Shearwater 45 performs well in a variety of wind conditions, providing a stable and efficient sailing experience.
Large Cockpit and Deck Areas: Ideal for entertaining or relaxing, the outdoor spaces are generous and well thought out.
Good Visibility: The elevated helm station provides excellent visibility for safe navigation.
Cons
Age Considerations: Being a 2004 model, some components and systems may require updating or maintenance to meet modern standards.
Weight: As a solidly built cruising catamaran, it may be heavier than some newer designs, potentially affecting light-wind performance.
Interior Styling: The interior design and fittings may feel dated compared to more contemporary models, which could require refurbishment to suit personal tastes.
Limited Availability: As a less common model, finding specific replacement parts may take longer or require custom solutions.
Made For
The 2004 Shearwater 45 is ideal for experienced sailors and cruising enthusiasts seeking a reliable, spacious, and well-crafted bluewater yacht. Designed for those who value both performance and comfort, it suits individuals or families planning extended offshore voyages or coastal cruising with ample living space and robust construction. Its blend of seaworthiness and thoughtful design makes it perfect for adventurers looking to explore with confidence and style.
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 2004 Shearwater 45 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $179,900 | $175,000 | $185,000 | $169,900 | $190,000 | $165,000 |
| Location | Annapolis | Annapolis | Annapolis | Curtis Bay | Annapolis | Annapolis |
| Nominal Length | 45' | 32' | 43' | 38' | 31' | 37' |
| Beam | 13' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Draft | 6' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Yanmar | Yanmar | Volvo | - | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | 55 hp | 30 hp | - | 29 hp | - | 54 hp |
| Days on Market | 984 | 61 | 59 | 71 | 65 | 420 |
| Get in touch |
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Other Information about Integrity Yacht Sales
Integrity Yacht Sales is a premier yacht brokerage on the US East Coast, headquartered in Deale, MD. Customer centric, attentive, and experienced, we specialize in helping clients achieve their dreams: sailboats, trawlers, powerboats, and more.
Boat Location
Contact Integrity Yacht Sales about 2004 Shearwater 45
PO Box 479, Deale, MD, 20751
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