A handsome yacht with a distinctive profile, the Independence 45 is a sturdy raised pilothouse trawler intended for those who take their cruising seriously. She’s built on a semi-displacement hull with moderate beam, hard aft chines to reduce roll (rather than rounded bilges common to most displacement designs), and a long, prop-protecting keel. Originally built in Taiwan and imported by Hans Christian as the Positive 42 (1983–85), she was lengthened in 1985 to 45 feet. A total of 18 Independent 45s were sold through 1995 by Hans Christian. Production shifted to the U.S. in 1996 where the well-regarded Cherubini Boat Company built hull #19 that same year. The floorplan, which has remained essentially unchanged over the years, differs from many pilothouse designs in that both staterooms are reached via a corridor from the salon. Visibility from the raised pilothouse is excellent. Lacking side decks, the full-width salon is particularly spacious with plenty of seating space and room for a large U-shaped galley. A single 135hp Lehman (or Lugger) diesel will cruise at 7–8 knots, and a single 315hp Cummins cruise at 9 knots. Optional twin 355hp Cummins cruise at 15–16 knots.