ISLANDER 44

About the ISLANDER 44

Hull mold for LAPWORTH 44 purchased by Islander (1965-original builder unknown) and name changed to ISLANDER 44. (The designer, Bill Lapworth, has said that his involvement with this boat ended here.) After purchasing, Islander reconfigured hull to a long keel. Some tooling later went to Yachtcraft which sold them principly as kits. These were known as the YACHTCRAFT 44, OR 41 (with a chopped stern - also sometimes called ISLANDER 41*). Deck, coach roof profile and other details vary between versions. (deck mold may have been adapted from an another Islander model) (*There are actually 2 different boats from Islander/Wayfarer called the ISLANDER 41. The other is designed by Gurney and both are rare.) (See ISLANDER 41.)

Designed by William Lapworth and built by Wayfarer Yacht Corp./Yachtcraft (USA), the Islander 44 is a rare classic with only 10 hulls built in 1962. This limited production run creates a unique market position for this heavy-displacement cruising sloop.

Best for:

This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who prioritize comfort and stability over speed, given its high comfort ratio of 39.73 and substantial displacement of 22500.0 lb.

Bluewater capability:

With a displacement of 22500.0 lb, a capsize ratio of 1.56, and a fin keel, the Islander 44 is well-suited for offshore passages, offering excellent stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.

Comparables:

Comparable to other 1960s heavy-displacement American cruising sloops like the O'Day 38 or Pearson 36, the Islander 44 shares a similar focus on seaworthiness and interior volume, though it is significantly larger and heavier.