Schaefer 450 Review (2022 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

The Schaefer 450 Fly stretches 13.7m (45ft) and makes clever use of the space available. At the stern, there's a full-beam 1.5m (5ft) hydraulic swim platform. It lowers and raises smoothly, aided by integrated stairs that form a comfortable, safe staircase down to the water. It also extends the usable deck space at anchor, particularly with the fold-out staircase and generous under-platform storage.

Also aft is a complete outdoor galley station. It features a Kenyon electric grill, a sink, proper cup holders that accommodate larger tumblers, and a cutting board surface - all shaded by a retractable awning overhead. This area is perfectly placed for dockside or at-anchor entertaining, whether you're cooking Brazilian barbecue or just prepping sundowners with chimichurri.

Fold-down bulwarks to starboard create a full balcony space at anchor, which Schaefer describes as larger than the equivalent on their 15.5m (51ft) model. It really does open up the cockpit area dramatically. Teak decking and high bulwarks with integrated rails continue the sense of security and finish throughout the exterior.

Up forward, the bow area offers a large sunpad with adjustable backrests, integrated cup holders, and good views over the foredeck. Beneath the sunpad is a forward hatch leading to the guest cabin. The bow locker contains the windlass and stainless steel anchor setup, a remote spotlight, freshwater washdown, and separate port and starboard compartments for stowage. A waste pump-out fitting is also housed here.

The flybridge, accessed from a starboard staircase in the cockpit, feels especially spacious for this class of yacht. It has fixed seating for eight, an extendable dining table, and plenty of room for movable chairs. There’s an ice maker up top too and another outdoor wet bar with sink and storage. The hardtop structure supports radar, dual VHF antennas, nav lights, and a foldable radar arch, making it suitable for Loop cruising or inland waterways.

Stepping inside via a clever scissor-style sliding door system, the saloon and galley open up into a single-level indoor-outdoor space. The layout maximizes the beam and makes the most of the climate control when needed.

The galley is compact but efficient, featuring a two-burner induction cooktop, sink, microwave oven, and a pair of upright fridge-freezer units. Schaefer’s proprietary soft-close drawers and storage systems are neatly integrated, including a large trash compartment. There’s also a movable bar unit with bottle holders that doubles as portable storage - ideal for entertaining up on the flybridge.

To starboard, the salon has a generous U-shaped seating area, hi-lo dining table with convertible coffee table leaf and integrated cup holders, and two storage poufs. Opposite is another settee with additional seating. A pop-up TV is tucked neatly into cabinetry, and the expansive single-panel curved windshield offers excellent views forward. Overhead, the tall headroom and light-toned finishes add a real sense of space.

The lower helm station is positioned to starboard and well-equipped with dual Raymarine displays, IPS joystick control, trim tab switches, Volvo Penta engine controls, Seakeeper stabilizer switch, and a Fusion stereo head unit. The large side window opens, aiding communication while docking. The yacht is available with three propulsion options: Volvo IPS diesel inboards, gasoline inboards with stern drives, or triple Mercury 600hp outboards - an unusually versatile setup for a flybridge yacht.

Owner's Cabin

The full-beam owner’s suite is aft on the lower deck. It’s a surprisingly generous space for this size of yacht, with good natural light from large hull windows and thoughtful cabinetry throughout. Headroom directly over the berth is limited, but standing height improves as you move forward, reaching around 1.88m (6ft 2in) or more.

To port is a cozy sitting area with shelving, while starboard holds deep drawers and the main hanging locker. The cabinetry is light-toned and understated, enhancing the sense of brightness and calm.

The en suite bathroom echoes the design of the forward head, with a one-person shower, toilet, sink, and ventilation. A practical wood inlay floor panel lifts out for easy cleaning, and the entire head is finished to a high standard. For a 13.7m yacht, it’s a surprisingly comfortable master cabin.

Guest Accommodation

Forward lies the second cabin, which has two single berths that can slide together to form a double, plus a hatch above for fresh air and light. There’s deep underbed storage, a battery access compartment for the windlass system, and options for shelving or hanging lockers to port and starboard. The fit and finish are consistent with the rest of the yacht, with crisp joinery and smart space-saving touches.

The day head is shared with this cabin and accessed just aft of the forward bulkhead. It’s a wet head with a separate shower screen, good ventilation, and plenty of elbow room. Schaefer’s decision to create a wet space here allows for a full-size toilet and decent storage, with no compromise on comfort.

Crew Accommodation

Unusually for a 13.7m (45ft) yacht, the Schaefer 450 Fly includes a dedicated crew cabin accessed via the transom. The space is tight but fully functional, with a proper single berth, small sink, overhead shower, and a hidden head beneath a lift-up panel. It’s intended for short overnight stays or for a captain to rest between charters or weekends onboard.

The inclusion of this space reflects cruising habits more common in Brazil, where it’s typical for families to travel with a live-in captain or deckhand. It’s not designed for extended liveaboard crew use, but as a flexible day cabin or skipper’s bunk, it’s a rare and welcome feature on a vessel this size.

This particular model is equipped with twin Volvo Penta IPS 650s, with clear separation between the engines and excellent service access throughout.

All major systems are on view, including the fire suppression units, hydraulic systems for the swim platform and folding bulwarks, raw water strainers, bilge pumps, and generator. The Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer is installed aft and makes a noticeable difference in comfort at anchor and underway. Twin fuel tanks are positioned port and starboard, and a dedicated panel forward houses the battery chargers and electrical breakers.

In terms of propulsion, owners can choose from three drive configurations: twin diesel inboards with IPS drives (as seen here), gasoline inboards with stern drives, or a triple outboard setup with Mercury 600s. That flexibility, combined with solid engineering and access, makes this yacht a genuinely capable platform for private cruising or skippered operation.

The Schaefer 450 Fly delivers a big-boat experience in a 13.7m (45ft) package. With standout features like a hydraulic swim platform, fold-out balcony, full-beam owner’s suite, and even crew accommodation, it punches well above its size. Entertaining space flows from the cockpit up to the flybridge, with clever touches like a mobile bar unit and double fridge setup in the galley.

Three propulsion options, a Seakeeper 3 stabilizer, and spacious engine access add to the yacht’s versatility, whether you're coastal cruising or considering a longer passage like the Great Loop. This is a boat that balances Brazilian flair with function, and in doing so, fills a distinct niche between Schaefer’s 40 and 51-foot models.