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70data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this RELIANCE 44 buyer’s report
RELIANCE 44

RELIANCE 44

$50,308 avg$14,419 – $119,500 (7 listings)from 197246 built
$4.1K – $11K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoMasthead KetchFull/Long

Specifications

Hull

LOA44.33 ft
LWL31.42 ft
Beam11.67 ft
Draft6.16 ft
Displacement28,000 lb
Ballast11,200 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.5 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height50 ft
Jforetriangle base16.6 ft
Pmainsail luff45.3 ft
Emainsail foot16.5 ft
PYmizzen luff31 ft
EYmizzen foot7 ft
FLforestay16.6 ft
Mainsail818.6 sq ft
Jib (100%)415 sq ft
Spinnaker705.5 sq ft

About the RELIANCE 44

Many of these yachts were completed by other yards, and/or individuals, so fit, finish and other details vary. Cutter or ketch.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Pierre Meunier and built by Reliance Sailing Craft Co., Ltd. (CAN) in 1972, the Reliance 44 is a substantial masthead ketch with a production run of 46 hulls. Its heavy displacement of 28000.0 lb and full/long keel configuration define it as a robust, traditional cruising vessel from the early 1970s.

Best for:
This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and those seeking a stable, heavy-displacement platform for protected waters, given its significant weight and traditional handling characteristics.
Bluewater capability:
With a capsize ratio of 1.54 and a displacement/length ratio of 402.99, the Reliance 44 possesses the inherent stability and momentum for offshore passages, though its age and reported structural issues require rigorous verification of hull integrity before bluewater use.
Comparables:
Comparable boats include the Cal 40 and O'Day 42, which share similar production eras, heavy displacement profiles, and traditional full-keel designs that prioritize stability over speed.

Performance

Comfort46.5
Capsize1.54
SA/Disp15.8
Disp/Len403
Bal/Disp40.0

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 3 listings
Low
$13,560
Estimated Value
$15,151
High
$25,446
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

10 listings · boat years 19782011 · median $119,500

$0$2M$4Mmedian $119,50019801985199019952000200520101982 Reliance 44 · $19,500 · US1978 Reliance 44 Sloop · $46,000 · Florida, US1988 44 · $119,500 · MX1982 Reliance 44 · $4,416,5801982 Reliance 44 · $14,419 · Dominican Republic2011 Reliance reliance 44 · $189,000 · FL2011 Reliance reliance 44 · $189,000 · FL1988 Reliance reliance 44 · $119,5001982 Reliance reliance 44 · $17,0001982 Reliance 44 · $16,240 · Dominican RepublicAsking price (USD)Boat model year

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 44.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$4.1K – $11K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

16 reported issues across 7 systems for the RELIANCE 44, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

8 critical3 major5 minor
Structural7Hull2Rigging2Deck2Rudder1Engine1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a RELIANCE 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 16 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 RELIANCE 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: Yanmar, Perkins, Kubota — is it one of these?

Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.

Used sails that fit the RELIANCE 44

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