Introduction: The Fairline 43/45 was introduced in 1988 as the Fairline 43 Sedan, but later re-designated as the 45 until the end of production in 1992. However, the name 43/45 appears to have stuck. The overall length is approx 14.3 m which equates to 47 feet, with a 4.22 m beam (13’10”). The following are my experiences with ‘Jinto’ , being the boats’ 3^rd owner, combined with other knowledge I have picked up about the model along the way.

Engines: Fairline offered 2 choices of Volvo engines – the 306hp TAMD 61, and the 360 hp TAMD 71. Later a 375hp Caterpillar option was offered. Fairline quoted a top speed of 28knts for the 306hp and 31knts for the 360hp. However, Jinto has the larger of the two engines and I have managed a top speed of 29knts half load in slack water with new antifoul. I tend to cruise at a comfortable 22-23knts. Fuel consumption is IRO 0.7 miles to the gallon, but that is not a scientific calculation by any means!

Deck and Accommodation: There were three layouts offered;

Option 1 was f’ward master cabin with en-suite shower & heads, starboard guest twin cabin with en-suite heads with separate day access and a twin cabin with bunks to the port side.

Option 2 - f’ward master cabin with en-suite shower & heads, starboard guest twin cabin with en-suite heads with separate day access and dinette on the port side adjacent to the galley.

Option 3 - Larger master cabin & heads, guest twin cabin but no dinette or 3^rd cabin.  

Jinto is an ‘option 2’ version with an aft crew cabin fit out which comprises 2 single berths, toilet and 2 wardrobes, located under the aft cockpit – access via a hatch. The crew cabin was an optional extra when new.

Each option had the galley below on the port side, equipped with 4 burner gas/electric hob, fridge/freezer, gas oven, microwave, proper sink and plenty of eye-level and floor cupboards.

The saloon has an L-shape sofa to starboard behind the twin helm seat, and a 2 seater sofa opposite. Adjacent to this is a bar area with cupboards, glass storage and 2^nd fridge. The cockpit access is via 2 piece white powder coated ‘patio doors’.

Lighting throughout is by inset ceiling halogen downlighters or halogen spots.

Windows are stainless steel all round.

The interior wood was offered either as lacquered teak or light oak with a choice of fabric furnishings. Jinto has the teak and has been recently re-upholstered with cream leather throughout the boat, including the dinette.

The aft-cockpit has seating across the whole stern which is broken in the centre by the crew cabin hatch, which also doubles as a step for the passarelle. The boat has ED19 davits as standard and a wide bathing platform, accessed by teak tread ladder. The last models had a transom door and as such lost some cockpit seating plus the transom needed reinforcement to carry a weighty tender.

The flybridge has the helm position situated centrally with a double helm seat. There is a navigator seat on the port side Both seats have switchable backs to face the L-shaped seating on the port side and across the back of the flybridge.

The side decks are sufficiently wide with a toe-rail and solid SS rails. The bow has a large chain locker which also has plenty of room for warps and some fenders (the locker could do with being divided to make this storage easier) 

Equipment: I’m not sure what equipment was standard, but Jinto has a 12kva H&L Generator, Eberspacher heating to all cabins and screen de-mist, hot water via calorifier and immersion, battery charger, Koden radar, 3 x VHFs, cetrek auto pilot interfaced with plotter (repeated on flybridge), loud hailer/deck intercom system, GPS x 3. The electric windlass has controls at both helm positions and on the foredeck. The winch is quite powerful and broke some of my fingers a couple of years ago (would have chopped them off if I had pushed the wrong button whilst trying to release them!)

The aft canopy was modified with the addition of a SS frame and a new canopy was made for this last summer. Jinto has Whittal ED19 Davits with an Avon SeaSport 3.45m rib with 30hp Mariner o/b. The hi-fi system has been modified with the addition of various amps & speakers including a 300w sub, plus IR remote control from flybridge or deck level.

Faults: Even being fairly technical I have not spotted many faults. There are two that bug me. Firstly, the generator starts off the domestic battery bank – if you are at anchor, cane your batteries then the genny won’t start either. You can bridge (via a switch on the helm) the starboard starting battery with the domestics, but not good enough IMHO. I have since had a dedicated starting battery fitted for the genny.

The second is the starboard raw water pump. To change the impeller you need to dismantle the sides of both of the beds in the guest cabin and take out the draws in between, then cut a hatch out to reach the pump – this is a major pain – I go through the trouble to change the impeller every year, but if you are buying, don’t assume that the same has been done!

General: I have owned the boat for 2½ years now and think it is wonderful. The hull gives comfortable dry ride and exhibits the excellent handling associated with Fairline boats. The build quality is excellent. Close quarters manoeuvring is predictable and in my mind, easy – the boat does not have, nor needs a bow thruster. The engines, which have done approx 900 hours have been well looked after and this has resulted no major problems.

The accommodation is very spacious for the two of us, and would provide an excellent family boat. With the addition of the dinette rather than a 3^rd cabin you end up with an incredibly airy and spacious boat.

Prices: The prices for the 43/45 tend to vary from £120,000 for an early example with expected wear & tear, and up to £180,000 for a late, well maintained and upgraded example.

Buy the "The RYA Book of Buying Your First Motor Cruiser" By: Tom Willis This book is written for those buying a motor cruiser for the first time or for those thinking of changing their present craft. It is intended to help them through the process, not only the decision making but the bureaucracy that increasingly affects today's boat owner, from the Boat Safety Scheme to the Recreational Craft Directive and the official registration.