Csy 44 (Mid-Cockpit) Information, Review, Specs

The CSY 44's creation is rooted in the vision of Jack Van Ost, founder of Caribbean Sailing Yachts. His direct experience operating a charter company in the Caribbean highlighted a critical need for exceptionally durable vessels. From 1977 to 1980, CSY built the 44-foot model to a significantly higher standard than many contemporaries, emphasizing structural integrity and heavy hand-laid fiberglass construction. This "overbuilt" ethos meant CSY boats adhered to stringent requirements, often consistent with Lloyd's design and boat building specifications. Naval architect Peter Schmitt played a pivotal role in the design of the CSY 44, translating his design philosophy, which prioritized comfort and stability for challenging conditions, into a spacious and inherently strong vessel.

The CSY 44 was offered in three main configurations: the Mid-Cockpit (also known as "Walk-Over"), the Walk-Through, and the Pilothouse. The Mid-Cockpit version, which is the focus here, was the most popular and was primarily built for the charter trade. While most were delivered with a ketch rig, the model in question is rigged as a cutter, which breaks the sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, a common choice for offshore cruising. A shoal draft version, drawing 4.92 feet, was also available alongside the deeper 6.5-foot draft. The CSY 44 was also marketed under other names, including the Cygnet 44 and later, the Antiqua 44.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The CSY 44 Mid-Cockpit, with its heavy displacement and robust construction, is designed for comfortable and stable offshore cruising rather than exhilarating speed. With a displacement of 38,000 lbs and a length overall of 44 feet, it presents as a substantial vessel. Its calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 12.68 is relatively low, indicating that the boat is not optimized for light air performance and will require a good breeze to achieve its hull speed of 8.08 knots. The Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of about 0.368, combined with its heavy displacement, suggests a stable boat with a comfortable motion in a seaway, capable of standing up to significant wind, though perhaps not as stiff as some performance-oriented designs. Furthermore, the Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 354.8 strongly categorizes the CSY 44 as a heavy-displacement cruiser, prioritizing seaworthiness and comfort in challenging conditions over agility. Owners report that these boats are "built like a brick outhouse" and make great cruising vessels, indicating their inherent strength and reliability at sea.

Accommodations and Layout

The CSY 44 Mid-Cockpit ("Walk-Over") is known for its spacious and robust interior, reflecting its design as a comfortable liveaboard and charter vessel. The mid-cockpit design typically means the aft cabin is accessed by coming on deck, or "walking over," rather than a direct walk-through from the main salon. However, some layouts of the CSY 44 series, like the Pilothouse, featured a raised saloon, minimizing the climb to and from the cockpit and adding to the interior volume.

The interior of a CSY 44 Mid-Cockpit generally features a substantial V-berth forward, a large salon, a U-shaped galley, and an aft cabin. While specific headroom details are not always listed, the generous beam of 13.33 feet contributes to a feeling of spaciousness below deck. Reviews and owner descriptions often highlight the solid construction and use of sturdy materials. The ample water capacity of 400 gallons is a testament to its long-distance cruising intentions, as is the 100-gallon fuel capacity for its single 62 HP Perkins diesel engine. The focus of the interior design was on livability at anchor and providing good ventilation, with numerous opening hatches and ports typically found throughout the boat.

Owner's Perspectives

CSY 44 owners consistently praise the robust and "overbuilt" construction of their vessels, often describing them as being "built like a brick outhouse". This contributes to a strong sense of security and reliability, particularly for blue-water cruising in demanding conditions like the Caribbean. The large water and fuel tankage are also frequently cited as significant advantages for extended voyages. Owners appreciate the inherent strength and comfort in a seaway, making the CSY 44 a highly valued choice for those seeking a dependable and seaworthy cruising machine.

A common maintenance issue noted by some owners, however, relates to the hull-deck joint. The original sealant application in a thin line could, in some instances, fail to create a complete seal, leading to leaks that require re-bedding. Despite such issues, the dedicated community of CSY owners highlights the enduring quality and reliable performance of these classic cruising yachts. They are seen as vessels that offer exceptional strength and a comfortable motion, continuing to be sought after on the used yacht market for their blue-water capabilities.