Mercer 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Mercer 44 entered production in 1959, emerging from the drawing board of William H. Tripp Jr., a prolific designer known for creating many popular wooden and later fiberglass sailboats, including the Block Island 40 and Hinckley Bermuda 40. Tripp's design philosophy for the Mercer 44 centered on creating a yacht with strong sailing performance that also offered a luxurious interior, making it a fast and comfortable cruising vessel. The initial six boats were built by Mercer Reinforced Plastics of Trenton, NJ, between 1960 and 1962. Following this, at least eight additional hulls were constructed by Cape Cod Shipbuilding in Wareham, Massachusetts, starting around 1965.

During this era, Cape Cod Shipbuilding was at the forefront of fiberglass construction, having been one of the very first manufacturers to build fiberglass boats beginning in 1947. Under the leadership of E.L. Goodwin, the company was known for its "first-rate construction" and "frugal and practical spirit," emphasizing durability and quality over mass production. This manufacturing ethos ensured that the Mercer 44 hulls built by Cape Cod Shipbuilding continued their tradition of robust, semi-custom construction. The design offered flexibility, with both masthead sloop and yawl rig options available, the latter boasting a slightly larger sail area. Though production dates are not fully specified, the Mercer 44 is listed as a retired design by Cape Cod Shipbuilding.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mercer 44, with its generous length overall of 44 feet and a waterline length of 30 feet, combines significant displacement with a versatile keel arrangement. Her displacement of 27,000 pounds and a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 446 categorize her as a heavy, traditional cruiser, suggesting a solid and comfortable motion, particularly in a seaway.

The sail area to displacement ratio of about 15.7 indicates a moderately powered vessel, capable of steady performance rather than an emphasis on extreme light-air speed. Coupled with a ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 31.85%, the boat demonstrates a stable character, designed to stand up to a reasonable breeze, though perhaps not as stiff as a dedicated racer.

A notable design feature is her stub keel combined with a centerboard, allowing for a variable draft from 4.25 feet with the board up to 9.0 feet when deployed. This configuration provides excellent versatility, enabling access to shallower anchorages while offering enhanced upwind performance and directional stability offshore. Owners often praise the Mercer 44's sailing performance and classic lines, considering them among the "prettiest boats on the water". Anecdotal evidence suggests that, when properly rigged, the Mercer 44 can be single-handed, indicating a manageable and balanced helm.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts can vary between individual Mercer 44s, the design intent for a "luxury interior" and a "comfortable cruising sailboat" suggests a well-appointed and practical living space. The vessel is designed to sleep seven, offering ample accommodation for extended cruising or accommodating a larger crew.

Typical for a yacht of its era and size, the Mercer 44's interior likely features a traditional layout with a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon would typically include settees that double as berths, often with a convertible dinette and a functional galley equipped for offshore cooking. Storage would be integrated throughout the boat, with lockers, drawers, and shelving to accommodate provisions and personal gear. The fresh water capacity of 110 gallons further supports extended periods aboard. Given the robust fiberglass hull construction pioneered by builders like Cape Cod Shipbuilding, the interior finish would likely feature durable materials, potentially incorporating wood trim for a classic aesthetic, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

The Mercer 44 has garnered a dedicated following and is often referred to as a "cult boat" among sailing enthusiasts. Owners consistently praise its classic William Tripp design, often considering it among the most aesthetically pleasing vessels on the water. The combination of its traditional lines and solid sailing performance is frequently highlighted as a major strength. The robust construction, characteristic of Cape Cod Shipbuilding's enduring commitment to quality, contributes to the Mercer 44's reputation for durability and longevity, allowing many boats to be handed down through generations. While direct common problems are not widely documented, the general consensus points to a well-built and capable cruiser that stands the test of time.