Cabo 45 express vs Cabo 44 HTX

Capt J is an expert on these models so nothing to add there. But I will chime in on the my experience looking at them all before settling on a bigger Cabo express.

First, Cabo 45 is nice but definitely has the look and feel of a boat from the early 2000 era. If you're OK with that check it out, there were a few 2007/2008 models for sale last year with low hours that looked really well maintained. I didn't seriously pursue one but they always catch my eye and have a loyal following.

I loved the Cabo 44 and came close twice. I still look at them when I think about downsizing. However my biggest concern was engine access outboard, but I'm a big/tall guy so this might not apply. Honestly couldn't get back there and I tried twice.

The Hatt 45 fixed the ER problems, but I didn't like the cabin changes from the Cabo 44. Somehow they kept the same accommodations but made the salon couch TINY, essentially a dining nook for 2 people. I really, really liked the Hatt 45 but seeing how we use our boat now it wouldn't have been ideal. I flop on the couch all the time plus it can serve as a bed in a pinch. For a couple on overnight trips fishing, it's doable. Two weeks in the islands not so much. I also met the guys who bought the 45 I made an offer on in the Bahamas and the salon is what they complained about.

The range on both 44/45 might be an issue if you need more than 400 miles. I spoke with one owner whose exact quote was "it burns 80-85gph whether you're doing 25 or 35 knots". 800g tank with a genset running and a safety cushion it will be tight. I remember thinking about fuel bladder for long trips.

Lastly, expresses are great if you want to captain, fish and dock shorthanded, but they're loud. CATs in an express are extra loud. I know of 2 people who had one of these models and sold them for this reason.

Couple of comments:
- I saw 1 or 2 single stateroom Hatt 45's for sale and never a Cabo 44 but they did make one with a "tackle" area in lieu of guest stateroom. Agree with Capt J the second stateroom is tight on all of them. I've had 3 people use mine but all under 6ft tall. We use it for storage on long trips and it has been handy for that. I could sleep in there, uncomfortably.

- Guy who made 80gph all the time comment had the 1150hp C18s, maybe slightly worse burn? He had the boat for a year and sold it but not for that reason.

- I made the 400 statute mile range comment because bassr22 mentioned this on another forum as a requirement. Both will come close but under 400 statute miles.

I had very similar requirements and settled on an express. Trade off is losing the living space of a convertible, but easier to run and fish shorthanded. Not many other boats come to mind if you need to be at 45ft for the slip. With wiggle room you could look at a Cabo 48 convertible, Tiara 4800 convertible or if budget allows something like the Viking Billfish 46. I always liked the Tiara 4300 open but suspect you'd sacrifice some ride vs the Cabo 44/ Hatt 45. There are some great cruising express boats but not for fishing.

We did 10 days in the Bahamas with room to spare on my 52, but it would seem spartan to someone in a 52+ convertible. Point being it's all relative, but I think it would be tougher in a 44/45. Still doable if you plan, organize and pack well. When I imagine staying for a week on one of those models, I assume I'd duck into a nice resort or rental if an option.

You might want to look at Gulf Crosser yachts. They offer nice outboard-powered cruising/fishing boats in your size range. Many commenters here note express boats with diesels are almost always LOUD. With outboard-powered boats the noise is way far aft and there is zero vibration unlike having big diesels thundering underfoot. Outboards also enable huge storage spaces under the cockpit. Boston Whaler and Pursuit offer good quality fishing/express models in the 40 foot range.

Cabo 52 but I waffled back and forth between Viking 52/44 expresses and the Cabo 44 / Hatt 45 for years with offers put in on all of them. The Cabo 52 kind of fell into my lap and has been solid. They all have trade offs.

I still think about the 44/45 models because they are great boats for fishing/cruising the Bahamas - fast, capable, 4ft draft. Only things you gain with a 52 are more range, an extra head and storage. If I were smaller in stature and didn't have my eyes on longer trips to the outer islands, I would probably have one of the models you're considering.

I think for your use the 44/45 Cabo or Hatteras Express would be a good fit. I looked at what was on market in that 2005 to 2007 era and didn't see anything I felt was appealing and most that you will find are due for a refit IMO. I did that on a very clean 48 Cabo Fly and am very happy when I look at Sportfish market today.

If you don't want a refit then I would spend a bit more and look at the 2015 45 Hatteras that are currently on the market. It seems in the Gulf doing a bladder on those offshore trips is common and with the Cap in the laz on top of the tank that would be a easy process to fill out of the cockpit and stow away once to the fishing grounds. Chugging over night at 8 knots would also vastly help your range. Looks like those 45's hold 800 gallons.

I have 1020 in my 48 with 1100 MAN's

You didn't mention budget. Lower budget end is the Cabo expresses of that vintage, mid budget would be the Hatt 45, top budget, would look the 46 Viking Billfish with u/l helms. My dad had hull #1 Cabo 35, so have watched them through their whole line up. Great boats, but can pound a little. I had a 42' custom express for 7 years, and loved having an express, but visibility was an issue. I would have looked at a ocean/viking billfish if was possible at that time. Having a convertible for long distance cruising is superior in my opinion for comfort and visibililty. If you are stuck on an express, I would recommend having one with a marlin tower, not a tall tuna tower. Mine had a tall tuna tower, and was difficult to run from up there at cruise. A marlin tower makes it almost like an open flybridge.