Thoughts on Kelley Petersons 46

shipley · #1 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002

Currently looking at a mid 1980''s Kelly Petterson 46. Seems like a well kept boat. Any thoughts on design, performance, problems before we go further? Thx for any ffedback

Jeff_H · #2 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002

The Kelly Peterson 46 is alledgely a version of the 44 that was stretched on the lofting room floor and with the blessing of the designer. While these boats have a very good reputation, I believe that the 44 is actually considered to be the better boat. That said the KP 44 and 46 would probably be one of my first choices if I were going to go the heavier cruising boat route.

Regards
Jeff

Jeff_H · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2002

OOps that should be "aledgely stretched on the lofting room floor and *without* the blessing of the designer".

Jeff

thomas s · #4 (**permalink**) 03-08-2002

Is the peterson 44 a center cockpit, if so there is one a couple of boats down from me that is beautiful, anyway there is a plug removed from the keel and thier is concrete being used for ballast, can this be right?
thomas

shipley · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2002

It is a center cockpit and not sure on the ballast

mjpatterson · #6 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002

I looked at both recently and this is what I heard.
The 46 is basically a slightly bigger version fo the 44. You still have to stoop to get through the aft cabin companionway. The story is that Doug Peteron forbade further production of the 46s because of his concern that it would not be safe in a rough sea. The handrails and posts on the 46 are two armslengths apart but the 46 requires that you let go of one grab piint to get to the next (unless you''re really tall). So, if you plan to make crossings then that may be a consideration.
You may see boats called Formosa 46. After Peterson stopped construction, the yard in Taiwan continued to make them under their own brand. See http://www.sailredwings.com.

mjpatterson · #7 (**permalink**) 07-05-2002

Talk about all thumbs! That should be the grabs on the 44 are two armslentgh apart. You can get from handhold to handhold on the 44 without letting go of your previous point.