Saga 43

If you want a sailboat that will cruise fast without sacrificing any comfort....look no further because this narrow-beam 46 footer  will do it all. This yacht is one of Bob Perry's latest go fast production designs. It is based on the custom 56 foot 'Stealth Chicken' that was designed for a client that wanted comfort and speed combined.  It's high tech hull is airex cored and laid up in e-glass and vinylester resin for light weight, strength and blister resistance.  It is a Blue Water cruising boat based on a concept borne out by single-handed around the world racing.  Saga was one of the first boat builders to incorporate the Solent rig.   Her narrow hull form and slightly veed plumb bow allows her to slice through the waves with minimal fuss and pitching while keeping the decks dry.  With her minimal wetted surface and the beam carried fully aft she can carry a large sail area  that creates power and speed on or off the wind.   There are two furlers in line that carry a large genoa for light air or reaching conditions and a self-tacking working jib for upwind work. 

Saga Yachts produced these yachts in St Catherines, Ontario which has had a long, rich history of building C&C yachts back in the 70's and 80's.  These yachts are semi-custom productions which allowed a fair amount of owner input on how they were built out.  Designated as the Saga 43, in reality they are 46.5 LOA with a beam of 12.0 ft giving it a disp/length ratio of 152 and a SA/Disp= 19.8.  These yachts are fast and sea kindly while emphasizing safety at sea.  30 inch high stanchions, solid pulpits fore and aft and around the mast, generous handholds and HD jackline padeyes on deck and in the cockpit attest to the safety emphasis.  They are aesthetically pleasing looking yachts with a plumb bow giving it very much a go fast look.  From the plumb bow to the rakish stern with the walk out swim platform, it is clear that this yacht is designed for speed.  There is no exterior wood trim that requires constant upkeep.  A caraspice covers all the lines that are led aft. There is no need for jerry jugs of fuel/water, propane or life raft on deck as these have all been planned for. This yacht is designed to be sailed short-handed and incorporate many labor saving features like the electric cabin top winch used to hoist the mainsail, furl the headsails or even lift the dinghy.

Stepping below will convince you that this isn't a converted race machine.  The elegant interior is a pleasing combination of satin-varnished cherry woods and oak as well as plush fabrics in mint green presented in a classic manner.  Seven Lewmar Ocean series hatches assure copious amounts of light and ventilation.  Nine SS portlights with laminated glass aid in cross ventilation; a big plus in the tropics.  There are four large SS dorade vents on deck that allow plenty of fresh air below.  In addition there are eight fans to aid ventilation.  There are bug screens for each hatch, portlight and companionway.  The salon area has four large fixed portlights creating airiness and the salon table is solid cherry with double drop leaf.  Custom drapes accent the interior decor and provide privacy when dockside.  The galley is spacious allowing room for more than one person to prepare meals.  Double sinks, Corian counters, separate freezer and refrigerator, microwave, and three burner SS stove/oven make it a real kitchen.  This particular Saga has a pantry for improved food storage.  There is a marvelous head that is one large molded fiberglass unit easily cleanable and features a separate enclosed shower.  A hatch and two portlights ventilate the area.  There is a separate forward facing chart table with a curved cushion seat, full electronics and an excellent electrical panel.  The master suite is forward of the salon and features a pullman queen berth and many cherrywood drawers, lockers and cabinets and cedar lined closets.  Forward of that suite is a water-tight crash bulkhead enclosing a workshop with tools, spare parts, and vice.  The aft cabin is a king size berth ensuite with two opening portlights and one hatch.

This 2000 Saga 43 looks like a new boat inside and out. A one-owner boat, she has been maintained unlike any vessel we have seen.   This owner has customized his yacht to his exacting tastes for detail and performance.  All winches have been oversized.  The sails are premium Hood Vectran.  Four bilge pumps-2 elec and 2 manual are in place.  A factory installed and integrated arch carries the solar panels, motor lift, antennas and radar dome. The mainsail was oversized so that the traveller could be moved to the cockpit for end of boom sheeting w/ dbl ended mainsheet.  There is a dodger, bimini, various shadecloths.  The 55Hp Yanmar and feathering Maxprop cruise this yacht at 7.5 knots and has a top speed of 9kts.  Under sail 'Fifth Element' regularly achieves 6 to 7 knots to weather; close reaches at 8 to 9 knots and has achieved speeds in the 10-12 knot range.  She is fast; yet can easily be single-handed.  Truly a yacht you should consider.

The topsides are spotless and easy to maintain.  She is equipped with everything one needs to Blue Water Cruise including an 8 gph watermaker; and yet features luxurious living.  'Fifth Element' is truly a Saga 43 brought to a new level.  She is safe, roomy, well-founded, well outfitted and ready to go.  She gives the appearance of a brand new boat.  If you want to have fun, have a home and still go fast..then you need to look no further.

This yacht has recently undergone [2011] refit and refurbished with new bottom paint, new shaft seal, new cutlass bearing, engine serviced, rigging inspected and chainplate bolts replaced, new lifelines, new head, every system inspected.  The mast and boom were Imron painted in 2011.