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 substantial bluewater cruiser emphasizing heavy-displacement stability, expansive all-weather visibility from its raised saloon, and opulent liveaboard accommodations for families or extended voyages, with the optional schooner rig—featuring aluminum spars, a mainmast forward and mizzen aft, and provisions for jib and staysails on both masts—offering versatile sail-handling and balanced power distribution ideal for short-handed operation in varied conditions. Constructed from solid fiberglass with a protective long keel and keel-mounted rudder, 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 generous total sail area of 1,227 square feet under its Bermuda schooner configuration powered by a robust 120 HP Ford diesel engine with 285 gallons of fuel and 200 gallons of water capacity for motoring ranges exceeding 900 nautical miles. Renowned for its tank-like seaworthiness, panoramic 360-degree saloon views, teak-rich interior with 6'4" headroom across three cabins sleeping up to eight, a full-beam aft owner's stateroom, U-shaped galley, and dedicated nav station, plus inside and outside helm options, the Nauticat 44 was produced through the early 2000s with around 70 units built, enduring as a premium classic for traditionalists prioritizing safety, comfort, and unhurried exploration over high performance.
