LAFITTE 44

About the LAFITTE 44

Commisioned by Mike Lewis (Pacific Far East Industries of the CA, USA). Early boats were finished in the US. Though ownership of the parent company changed a number of times, contruction of all boats was supervised by George Olivet, which is said to have ensure a high quality of build. Designer Bob Perry has included an article about the origins of the this boat in his blog. Bob Perry's blog:

Designed by Robert Perry and built by Lafitte Yachts/Chung Hwa Boatworks (TAIWAN) from 1978–1989, the Lafitte 44 is a robust cutter-rigged cruiser with only 56 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 28000.0 lb and high comfort ratio of 38.55 reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and stability over pure speed.

Best for:

This boat is ideal for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who value a stable, comfortable motion and are prepared for significant maintenance, particularly regarding the keel and rudder systems. It suits owners willing to invest in modern engine and electronics upgrades, as the fleet shows high adoption of Perkins, Yanmar, and Raymarine systems.

Bluewater capability:

With a low capsize ratio of 1.67 and substantial ballast of 11309.2 lb, the Lafitte 44 is well-suited for bluewater passages, provided the critical keel attachment and rudder systems are thoroughly inspected and maintained.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 40, which share similar beam and displacement characteristics from the same era. The Lafitte 44 distinguishes itself with a more refined Robert Perry design and a cutter rig, offering better windward performance than many contemporary production cruisers.