The HH 44, built by HH Catamarans, embodies a new era of performance cruising catamarans, seamlessly blending exhilarating speed with luxurious comfort and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Launched in 2021, this approximately 50-foot multihull quickly distinguished itself, earning the prestigious "Boat of the Year" award in 2024 and establishing itself as a benchmark for innovative design and eco-conscious yachting. Conceived by the renowned naval architects Morrelli & Melvin in collaboration with the Hudson Yacht Group (HYG), the HH 44 is tailored for tech-savvy, performance-oriented sailors seeking a high-end, blue-water capable vessel that integrates cutting-edge technology, particularly its standard hybrid-electric propulsion system.
HH 44 Information, Review, Specs
- Make
- Model
- Number Built
- Production Year(s)
- 2021 - ??
The genesis of the HH 44 is rooted in the Hudson Yacht Group's strategic partnership with Morrelli & Melvin, which commenced in 2012 and solidified HYG's commitment to the luxury performance multihull market. The HH 44, entering production in 2021, represents a significant evolution in this collaboration, reflecting a design philosophy aimed at creating a boat "for years to come." Paul Hakes, CEO of HYG, emphasized this forward-thinking approach during its development.
HH Catamarans, known for their unwavering dedication to advanced composites, constructed the HH 44 with a hull and deck made from fiberglass and carbon-reinforced materials. This focus on carbon construction is a signature feature of the brand, ensuring exceptional strength, stiffness, and reduced weight, which are crucial for superior sailing dynamics. The design integrates a sleek sail plan, a 62.34-foot mast from the waterline, and deep daggerboards, all contributing to its performance aspirations. A particularly noteworthy aspect of the HH 44's design is its "electrification from the ground up," offering a standard parallel hybrid propulsion system as a game-changer in eco-friendly cruising. This innovative system allows for silent, fume-free motoring, with the option for standard diesel power.
Sailing Performance and Handling
The HH 44 is designed as a performance cruising catamaran, meaning it prioritizes both exhilarating sailing capabilities and comfortable long-distance voyaging. With a length overall of 49.7 feet, a waterline length of 43.57 feet, and a substantial beam of 23.46 feet, the boat promises a stable platform. Its lightweight, carbon-reinforced construction and fractional sloop rig with a reported total sail area of 1348.72 square feet contribute to its agility and speed. The vessel features deep daggerboards, allowing for excellent upwind performance and reduced leeway, a hallmark of performance catamarans, while also offering a minimum draft of 4.59 feet when retracted, enabling access to shallower anchorages. The theoretical hull speed is an impressive 8.85 knots.
Reviewers have lauded the HH 44 for its handling, describing it as capable of taking fast multihull cruising to another level. The "EcoDrives" hybrid propulsion system is also noted for its ability to provide quiet motoring at around 7.5 knots, further enhancing the sailing experience by reducing noise and emissions. Overall, the HH 44 is praised for its balance of performance, safety, and innovation, reflecting a design that "looks and sails as well as it performs."
Accommodations and Layout
The interior of the HH 44 is characterized by luxury and modern design, setting a high standard for catamarans in its size range. While specific headroom figures are not available in the provided data, reviews consistently highlight spacious and well-appointed living areas. The design prioritizes comfort and liveability, with features like ample natural light and panoramic views. The salon typically presents a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, utilizing high-quality materials, consistent with HH Catamarans' reputation for immaculate construction.
Owners can expect a thoughtfully arranged interior, often featuring a well-equipped galley, comfortable lounging areas, and private cabins. Videos and reviews frequently showcase the HH 44's interior, emphasizing its innovative layouts and attention to detail. The overall impression is one of a sophisticated, well-ventilated space designed for extended cruising and comfortable living aboard.
Owner's Perspectives
Owners of the HH 44 consistently praise its innovative nature, particularly its standard hybrid-electric propulsion system, which many view as a glimpse into the future of sailing. The vessel is often compared to a "Tesla of the seas" due to its advanced technology and eco-friendly design. Owners appreciate the silent and fume-free motoring capabilities offered by the EcoDrives, which significantly enhances the cruising experience. The HH 44 is highly regarded for its robust carbon-reinforced construction, which contributes to its perceived safety and solid performance in varying conditions.
While specific common weaknesses are not widely documented for this relatively new model, general feedback points to the HH 44 appealing to "tech-savvy, well-heeled, performance-oriented sailors" who value its unique blend of speed, luxury, and sustainable features. The involved design and engineering process, with "a lot of firepower to throw at design issues," suggests a well-resolved platform. The enthusiasm surrounding its "Boat of the Year" award in 2024 further underscores the positive reception from both industry experts and owners.
Measurements
Construction & Hull
- Construction Material
- Fiberglass (Carbon Reinforced)
- Hull Type
- Catamaran Sailboat
- Keel Type
- Daggerboard
- Ballast
- -
- Displacement
- 20701 lbs
- Water Capacity
- -
- Fuel Capacity
- -
Engine
- Engine Make
- —
- Engine Model
- —
- Engine Type
- —
- Engine HP
- —
- Engine Count
- 1
- Drive Type
- Shaft Drive
- Fuel Type
- Hybrid
Rig & Sails
- Rig Type
- Fractional Sloop
- P (Main Luff)
- -
- E (Main Foot)
- -
- I (Foretriangle Height)
- -
- J (Foretriangle Base)
- -
- Forestay Length (est)
- -
- Main Sail Area
- -
- Foretriangle Sail Area
- -
- Total Sail Area (Reported)
- 1348.72 sqft
- Total Sail Area (Calc)
- -
Dimensions
- LOA
- 49.7 ft
- LWL
- 43.57 ft
- Beam
- 23.46 ft
- Draft
- 9.84 ft
- Max Headroom
- -
- Air Draft
- 62.34 ft
Calculations
- Hull Speed
- 8.85 kn
- Pounds per Inch Immersion
- —