Boats

1990 Californian 45 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht — “Proven Looper”

Turn-key and fully equipped for your Great Loop adventure, this iconic 1990 Californian 45 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht combines incredible interior volume with legendary structural integrity. Built on a solid fiberglass modified-V hull, this specific vessel offers the highly desirable Great Loop-friendly clearance (17’3″ FB soft-top and arch clearance) coupled with an exceptionally stable ride in a chop. If you are looking for a tested, reliable coastal cruiser, a comfortable liveaboard, or the ultimate cruising platform for your next voyage, your search ends here.

Overview & Key Specifications

• Length Overall (LOA): 45′ 0″
• Beam: 15′ 2″ (Provides massive interior space)
• Draft: 4′ 0″ (Perfect for skinny Loop waters and the Bahamas)
• Displacement: 40,000 lbs
• Arch Clearance: 17′ 3″ (Safely clears all fixed bridges on the Loop)
• Fuel Capacity: 400-455 Gallons (Diesel)
• Fresh Water: 172-190 Gallons
• Holding Tank: 65-70 Gallons

Propulsion & Mechanical

Powered by reliable, owner-operator preferred twin Caterpillar 3208TA diesel engines.  The engine room features outstanding physical access for effortless maintenance and daily checks.

• Engines: Twin Caterpillar 3208TA (375 HP each)
• Generator: Reliable diesel genset for seamless off-grid anchoring
• Hull Design: Solid fiberglass modified-V hull

Interior Accommodations & Layout

Unlike modern raised-deck designs, the Californian features a flush-deck design, giving her a very high freeboard and unmatched safety when walking the side decks. The rich teak woodwork throughout provides a classic, warm, and inviting ambiance.

• Main Salon: Bright, open, and airy layout with massive panoramic opening windows for natural ventilation. It seamlessly connects to the aft deck.
• Aft Master Suite: A true retreat featuring a centerline, walk-around queen-size berth. It boasts abundant hanging lockers, storage, opening ports, and an ensuite head with a private walk-in shower/bath combination.
• Forward VIP Stateroom: Generous centerline queen layout equipped with a dedicated hanging locker, overhead opening hatches for ventilation, and an ensuite private head with a full walk-in shower basin.
• Galley & Dinette (Down): Well-equipped with upgraded full-size refrigerator/freezer, electric stovetop, convection microwave oven, deep sink, and a custom dinette table that comfortably converts to accommodate extra overnight guests.

Deck, Flybridge & Loop Equipment

• Aft Sundeck (California Deck): Completely covered by a standard hardtop and features full enclosure panels. Outfitted with a refrigerator, and a large lounging area perfect for entertaining at the dock or anchor.
• Flybridge: Expansive layout with dual forward-facing helm chairs, full instrumentation, bench seating, and clear visibility for tight locking maneuvers.
• Ground Tackle: Heavy-duty anchor windlass with convenient foot switches and upper flybridge chain counter controls.
• Davit System: Dinghy davit with chocks situated securely on the aft deck for effortless tender deployment and retrieval.

Recent Upgrades, Service & Improvements

New in 2026:
 • Aft deck refrigerator
 • Replaced AC unit in salon and forward stateroom
 • Battery cables and inverter switch
 • Hydraulic steering helm at upper helm
 • Black water holding tank vent filter
 • Lights in aft head and shower
 • Flat screen TV for aft stateroom onboard, not yet installed
 • Hot water heater
 • Replaced hot water lines and connected engine heat-exchange
 • 50 amp shore power cord
 • Boarding stairs and platform, approximately $10K
 • Galley 110V GFI receptacle replaced
 • Replaced forward shower sump pump box
 • Complete VacuFlush tank maintenance
 • Rebuilt head vacuum pump assembly
 • New O-rings and gaskets
 • VacuFlush switch
 • Head black hose replaced
 • Head duck bills for all heads

New in 2025:
 • Replaced galley refrigerator
 • Rebuilt port high-pressure fuel injector
 • Serviced all injectors
 • Fuel pumped off and polished
 • Starboard throttle replaced
 • Fuel gauges serviced and repaired
 • All thru-hulls and strainers serviced and replaced as needed
 • Replaced starboard engine water pump
 • Generator water leak serviced
 • Bottom and running gear sanded and prepped
 • Bottom painted with Seahawk Cukote Black
 • Zincs replaced and thru-hulls replaced as needed
 • Engine oil and filters changed
 • Main engine cooling systems flushed and refilled with new antifreeze
 • Rudder packing glands serviced
 • Generator serviced, including antifreeze flush/refill and new exhaust elbow
 • AC units serviced with manifold/strainer replaced
 • Fuel level senders serviced and replaced
 • Anchor washdown 1” seacock, thru-hull, and backing plate replaced
 • Starboard engine raw water pump and hose replaced

New in 2024:
 • Shafts balanced and propellers tuned
 • AC raw water pump serviced with seals and gaskets replaced

Current Items / Work in Progress:
 • New helm chair ordered
 • Flybridge bimini deposit given; work in progress with install date to be scheduled
 • Adjustable flybridge helm seats to be delivered and mounted
 • Dinghy motor carburetor rebuilt; additional service still needed
 • Aft deck sink lines sealed off due to leak; hot and cold water sources remain in place, but new sink and faucet are needed
 • Galley trash compactor needs a new latch

Broker’s Comments

“This 1990 Californian 45 is a rare find because it is structurally turn-key and has already successfully handled the rigors of the Great Loop. It avoids the vertical ‘wedding cake’ clearance issues of other aft cabins while offering a massive 15’2” beam that rivals 50-footers in usable living space. She is ready to travel anywhere on her own bottom today!”