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9data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this BOMBAY EXPLORER 44 buyer’s report
BOMBAY EXPLORER 44

BOMBAY EXPLORER 44

from 1978
$3.7K – $9.9K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoCutterFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA45.42 ft
LWL34.5 ft
Beam13.08 ft
Draft6.83 ft
Displacement28,600 lb
Ballast11,600.2 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.9 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height53.3 ft
Jforetriangle base18.5 ft
Pmainsail luff49 ft
Emainsail foot16.1 ft
PYmizzen luff9.4 ft
FLforestay18.5 ft
Mainsail919 sq ft
Jib (100%)493 sq ft
Spinnaker838.1 sq ft

About the BOMBAY EXPLORER 44

Shoal draft version: Draft- 4.83'/1.47m. Keel/Centerboard version: BU 4.83/1.47m', BD 9.42'/2.87m. It is believed that this yacht was first built as the STILLSON 44 by Harstil Industries (Fraser, Michigan,USA). And that the hull design was developed first as 'Spirit of Michigan', a competitor in the Canada's Cup match race series of 1972.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

The Bombay Explorer 44 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruising yacht designed by DeClercq and built by New Bombay Trading Co. (USA) in 1978. With a production run of only one known hull, this unique vessel offers a distinct alternative to more common production cruisers of the late 1970s.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers or those seeking a quiet, comfortable day-sailing experience, given its limited availability and specific layout. It appeals to owners who value a cutter rig for versatile sail handling and are willing to source custom canvas solutions.
Bluewater capability:
With a displacement of 28600.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.71, the boat exhibits strong stability and seaworthiness suitable for protected coastal passages, though its single-hull status limits extensive bluewater historical data.
Comparables:
Comparable vessels include other late-1970s heavy-displacement cutters like the Cal 40 or O'Day 42, which share similar beam and displacement characteristics. However, the Bombay Explorer 44 stands apart due to its singular production nature and specific DeClercq design lineage.

Performance

Comfort38.1
Capsize1.71
SA/Disp15.2
Disp/Len311
Bal/Disp40.6

Pricing

We don't have market pricing data for the BOMBAY EXPLORER 44 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 45.42ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$3.7K – $9.9K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Annual Insurance
N/A
No price data available

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

1 reported issues across 1 systems for the BOMBAY EXPLORER 44, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

1 critical
Engine1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a BOMBAY EXPLORER 44? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.

  • All 1 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
  • Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
  • Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep

One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep

Similar Sailboats

Which engine powers your BOMBAY EXPLORER 44?

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Used sails that fit the BOMBAY EXPLORER 44

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…