Gozzard 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Gozzard 44 emerged from a lineage of well-regarded cruising yachts, with its production commencing in 1993. Gozzard Yachts, founded by H. Ted Gozzard as North Castle Marine Ltd. in 1982, built upon a reputation for creating practical and comfortable fiberglass sailboats established during his earlier venture, Bayfield Boat Yard. The company's core philosophy revolved around designing, engineering, and building the best possible boats specifically for the owner's intended use, with a strong emphasis on the "live aboard" needs of cruising couples. This ethos is clearly reflected in the Gozzard 44, which was conceived as a sturdy vessel suitable for extended-range coastal cruising or offshore passagemaking.

The Gozzard 44's design is characterized by its classic look, featuring a clipper bow, a quarter rail, and a prominent bowsprit that contributes to its overall length of 50 feet. Construction excellence was paramount for Gozzard, with the 44 featuring robust builds, quality materials, and meticulous techniques, including fully cored hulls and decks, ensuring durability and a quiet ride. During its production run, approximately 23 units of the 44-foot sailing vessel were built. Notably, the model saw a significant evolution with the introduction of the Gozzard 44 Mark II, which incorporated a newer underwater configuration and rig, differentiating it from the classic Gozzard 44.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Gozzard 44 is recognized as a beefy, traditional cutter, designed for stability and comfort in varied conditions. With a reported sail area of 1152 square feet and a displacement of 28,000 pounds, its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 19.83 suggests capable performance, particularly in lighter air, enabling it to move well without requiring heavy winds. The boat's substantial ballast of 11,700 pounds, comprising about 41.78% of its total displacement, indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Its Displacement to Length ratio of around 242.7 places it firmly in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, rather than a light, performance-oriented racer. This contributes to its reputation for being a stable and seakindly vessel, inspiring confidence in offshore conditions. Reviewers have noted the Gozzard 44's handling characteristics, with Bob Perry describing its cutter rig as a "very good arrangement for short-handed sailing," thanks to features like a long clew board on the staysail that allows for adjustable lead points for different sails. The combination of its robust build and carefully considered rig makes the Gozzard 44 a manageable and capable yacht for long-distance cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Gozzard 44 is crafted with an emphasis on comfort and maximizing living space for its intended two-person cruising crew. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design prioritizes spaciousness, reflecting the Gozzard philosophy of creating yachts for extended liveaboard periods. The interior is often beautifully finished, with American Cherry being a common material, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Typical interior layouts vary but generally include two staterooms and two heads, offering flexibility and privacy. A hallmark of the Gozzard interior is its "signature interior layout with salon forward," which creates a cozy and comfortable living area. The "B" interior layout, for example, features a spacious forward island queen stateroom with a private ensuite head, providing a luxurious owner's cabin. This layout often includes a traditional dinette amidships, serving as a central gathering point. Overall, Gozzard 44 interiors are designed for functionality and liveability, providing ample storage and practical amenities for long periods at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Gozzard yachts, including the 44, consistently praise their solid construction, exceptional build quality, and comfortable motion in a seaway. The meticulous attention to detail and the robust use of materials, such as fully cored hulls and decks, contribute to a lasting sense of security and durability. Owners frequently highlight the Gozzard 44's capability as a blue-water cruiser, appreciating its seakindliness and its ability to handle challenging conditions with grace. The in-house design by the Gozzard family is also a point of pride for owners, fostering a strong sense of brand identity and consistent quality.

While specific common problems are not widely documented, the emphasis on custom and semi-custom building means that each vessel is often tailored to the owner's needs, leading to high satisfaction. The factory's ongoing support for pre-owned Gozzard models, including upgrades and refurbishment services, further enhances owner confidence and the long-term value of these vessels. Owners often remark on the distinct and classic aesthetic of the Gozzard 44, which stands out in any marina. The Gozzard 44 is generally regarded as an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and distinctive yacht for serious cruising.