The Beneteau 44 CC (Center Cockpit) is a well-regarded cruiser that blends performance, comfort, and safety. Designed by Bruce Farr and built by Beneteau between 1994 and 2001, this sailboat was part of the popular Oceanis line. It was designed to meet the needs of long-range cruising sailors who also seek onboard comfort. Its center cockpit design provides excellent visibility, safety, and plenty of interior space.
Design and Construction
The Beneteau 44 CC features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, allowing for a stable and responsive sailing experience. The rig is a masthead sloop, which is common among bluewater cruisers for its simplicity and versatility. The hull is constructed from fiberglass (FG), ensuring durability and ease of maintenance, typical of Beneteau’s high production standards. The boat has a beam of 14 feet (4.27 meters) which adds to its stability and internal volume, and a displacement of 23,369 lbs (10,600 kg) making it relatively sturdy in various sea conditions.
Performance
With a sail area of 750 square feet (69.68 square meters) and a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 29.25%, the Beneteau 44 CC balances performance and cruising comfort. While not designed for high-speed racing, its calculated hull speed of 8.12 knots ensures it can cover significant distances efficiently. The masthead sloop rig allows easy handling of the sails, even with a reduced crew, making it ideal for long-distance cruising. The boat is powered by a reliable 75-horsepower Volvo or Yanmar diesel engine, perfect for motoring when wind conditions are less favorable.
Comfort and Accommodations
One of the standout features of the Beneteau 44 CC is its spacious and luxurious interior. Thanks to the center cockpit design, the aft section of the boat provides ample space for a large owner’s cabin with an en-suite head. This layout maximizes privacy and comfort for long voyages. The boat can carry 160 gallons (606 liters) of water, sufficient for extended cruising without frequent resupply. Headroom in the interior is generous, making it comfortable for taller sailors. The galley, salon, and forward cabin are all designed with comfort in mind, offering plenty of space and light, which is ideal for both at-sea and dockside living.
Safety and Practicality
The center cockpit layout provides additional safety in heavy seas as it positions the crew higher and more centrally on the boat, reducing the likelihood of being swept overboard. The robust design, combined with a capsize screening formula of 1.96, indicates that the boat is safe for offshore passages. The fin keel with a bulb provides a low center of gravity for better stability, and the displacement/length ratio of 210.19 ensures good motion comfort, essential for long-distance cruising.
Conclusion
The Beneteau 44 CC is a well-rounded, bluewater cruising sailboat that balances performance, comfort, and safety. With its strong construction, reliable sailing performance, spacious accommodations, and thoughtful design features, it is well-suited for sailors looking to embark on long journeys or live aboard in comfort. Its ease of handling and stability make it a great choice for both solo sailors and families alike. While it may not be the fastest cruiser, its comfort and reliability make it a solid choice for those prioritizing a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.
Specifications
| Hull Type | Fin w/bulb & spade rudder |
|---|---|
| Rigging Type | Masthead Sloop |
| LOA | 44.58 ft / 13.59 m |
| LWL | 36.75 ft / 11.20 m |
| S.A. (reported) | 750.00 ft² / 69.68 m² |
| Beam | 14.00 ft / 4.27 m |
| Displacement | 23,369.00 lb / 10,600 kg |
| Ballast | 6,835.00 lb / 3,100 kg |
| Max Draft | 5.75 ft / 1.75 m |
| Construction | FG |
| First Built | 1994 |
| Last Built | 2001 |
| Builder | Beneteau |
| Designer | Bruce Farr |
| Auxiliary Power/Tanks (orig. equip.) | Make: Volvo or Yanmar Type: Diesel HP: 75 Fuel: 73 gals / 276 L |
| Accomodations | Water: 160 gals / 606 L |
| Sailboat Calculations | S.A. / Displ.: 14.74 Bal. / Displ.: 29.25 Disp. / Len.: 210.19 Comfort Ratio: 27.49 Capsize Screening Formula: 1.96 S#: 2.32 Hull Speed: 8.12 kn Pounds/Inch Immersion: 1,838.37 pounds/inch |
| Rig and Sail Particulars | I: 46.13 ft / 14.06 m J: 17.55 ft / 5.35 m P: 42.39 ft / 12.92 m E: 16.31 ft / 4.97 m S.A. Fore: 404.79 ft² / 37.61 m² S.A. Main: 345.69 ft² / 32.12 m² S.A. Total (100% Fore + Main Triangles): 750.48 ft² / 69.72 m² S.A. / Displ. (calc.): 14.75 Est. Forestay Length: 49.36 ft / 15.04 m Mast Height from DWL: 58.75 ft / 17.91 m |
| Sailboat Links | Designers: Bruce Farr Builders: Beneteau |
Disclaimer
The considerations and analyses presented regarding the Beneteau 44 CC sailboat are of a general nature and are based on the available information and technical data on this model, interpreted to the best of our knowledge and understanding. It is important to note that the specific characteristics of any particular sailboat may vary due to custom modifications, maintenance performed, and conditions of use over time, among other factors. Therefore, the details and performance of the boat you are considering may not exactly match the information provided here.
We strongly recommend that, before making any purchasing or usage decisions, you conduct a detailed inspection of the boat in question, consult with nautical professionals and other sailors, and consider your personal needs, expectations, and capabilities. Each sailboat may have unique particularities that affect its performance and suitability for different types of sailing and sailors.
The information contained in this analysis should be used as a general guide and not as a definitive reference. Professional evaluation and personal inspection are essential to ensure that the boat meets your specific requirements and expectations.