Nauticat 44 Ketch

Description

The Nauticat 44 is a Finnish-built pilothouse motorsailer designed by Kaj Gustafsson and first produced in 1974 by Siltala Yachts (later Nauticat Yachts Oy) in Pietarsaari, Finland, as a formidable bluewater cruiser blending heavy-displacement stability, expansive all-weather visibility from its raised deck saloon, and lavish liveaboard accommodations for families or long-haul voyages, with the standard masthead ketch rig—featuring aluminum spars, a mainmast forward and shorter mizzen aft, plus options for staysail and mizzen staysail—providing balanced sail power and effortless short-handed management in diverse conditions. Constructed from solid fiberglass with a protective long keel and keel-mounted rudder for unyielding tracking and grounding forgiveness, it displaces 32,000 pounds with approximately 12,000 pounds of cast iron and lead ballast, measures 43.67 feet LOA, 37.75 feet LWL, 12.17 feet beam, and 5.92 feet draft, achieving a hull speed of about 8.24 knots and a substantial total sail area of 1,227 square feet powered by a stout 120 HP Ford Lehman diesel engine with 285 gallons of fuel and 200 gallons of water capacity for motoring ranges surpassing 900 nautical miles. Acclaimed for its battleship-like seaworthiness, 360-degree saloon panoramas, opulent teak-veneered interior with 6'4" headroom across three cabins accommodating up to eight, a full-beam aft owner's suite, L-shaped galley, dedicated nav station, and inside/outside helm versatility, the Nauticat 44 was produced through the early 2000s with around 70 units built, standing as an enduring emblem for traditionalists who cherish indomitable durability, tranquil heavy-weather poise, and Finnish finesse on expeditions where fortitude and finesse eclipse velocity.