KELLY-PETERSON 44
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 43.83 ft |
| LWL | 38.67 ft |
| Beam | 12.92 ft |
| Draft | 6.33 ft |
| Displacement | 30,000 lb |
| Ballast | 9,999 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 50.96 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.58 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 45.33 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.62 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 805.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 447.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 761.5 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Perkins, Ford Lehman, Lehman, Sole |
About the KELLY-PETERSON 44
Conceived by yacht broker Jack Kelly. Originally built by Yu Ching Marine in Taiwan.
Designed by D.Peterson and built by Jack Kelly Yachts/Yu Ching (TAIWAN), the Kelly-Peterson 44 is a robust cutter-rigged vessel with 200 hulls built in 1976. Its heavy displacement of 30000.0 lb and fin keel configuration reflect a design philosophy prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who value a heavy, stable platform and are prepared to manage the maintenance demands of a 1970s fiberglass construction.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 231.61 and a capsize ratio of 1.67, the KP44 is well-suited for offshore passages, though owners must vigilantly address critical structural risks like deck core moisture and rudder shaft integrity to ensure safety.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other heavy-displacement cutters from the mid-1970s such as the Tartan 44 or O'Day 42, these boats share similar beam widths and displacement ratios, offering comparable interior volume and offshore capability.
Performance
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
8 listings · boat years 1976–1981 · median $79,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 43.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
33 reported issues across 9 systems for the KELLY-PETERSON 44, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a KELLY-PETERSON 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 33 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 KELLY-PETERSON 44?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Perkins, Ford Lehman, Lehman, Sole — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the KELLY-PETERSON 44
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…