Islander 44 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Islander 44 is rooted in a design by Bill Lapworth, with Islander Yachts acquiring the hull mold for the LAPWORTH 44, originally produced by an unknown builder, in 1965. Islander then reconfigured the hull to incorporate a long keel, changing the name to Islander 44. Bill Lapworth himself stated that his involvement with this particular boat ended after the initial design. The production of the Islander 44 began in 1962, though the exact end year is not specified, indicating a potentially limited production run of approximately 10 units. During this era, Islander Yachts, which had transitioned through various ownerships and was part of the Wayfarer Yacht Corporation before becoming Islander Yachts in 1965, was establishing its reputation for solid fiberglass construction.

Bill Lapworth's design philosophy often emphasized light displacement for speed and efficiency, as seen in his influential Cal series of yachts. However, the Islander 44, with its reconfigured long keel, likely deviated from the lighter displacement characteristic of some of his earlier designs. The company's manufacturing ethos in the 1960s, which had its roots in Joseph McGlasson's early wooden boat building and subsequent transition to fiberglass, was characterized by producing durable and practical cruising sailboats. Interestingly, some tooling for the Islander 44 later went to Yachtcraft, which sold kit versions, known as the YACHTCRAFT 44 or OR 41 (with a chopped stern, sometimes called ISLANDER 41), leading to variations in deck, coach roof profile, and other details among these related models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Islander 44 is generally considered a moderate-weight sailboat with good performance characteristics. With a total calculated sail area of 838.23 sq ft and a displacement of 22,500 lbs, the sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) is approximately 16.8. This ratio suggests that the Islander 44 is a capable cruiser, offering respectable performance in a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light air or overpowered in heavy air. Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 0.355 (8,000 lbs ballast to 22,500 lbs displacement) indicates moderate stiffness and stability, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 292.5 further categorizes it as a moderately heavy cruising vessel.

Owners have consistently praised the Islander 44 for its handling, describing it as a "fantastic design" that "handles like a dream." It is noted for being stable and stiff, with excellent righting capability. Anecdotal evidence suggests the boat performs well in various conditions, including strong winds, with owners reporting confidence even in 50+ knots of wind offshore. The fin keel and spade rudder contribute to good maneuverability, making it an easy boat to manage.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not provided in the primary data, the Islander 44 was designed as a capable cruising yacht, implying comfortable interior accommodations. Based on owner discussions and historical information, the Islander 44 typically offered two main interior configurations. One version featured two quarter berths and a cabin top with a step, while a more common layout included a single quarter berth and a U-shaped galley. This suggests a focus on practical living spaces for extended cruising. Owners often undertake refitting projects, indicating that while the original layouts were functional, there's scope for personalization. The solid fiberglass hull construction typical of Islander Yachts during this period would have provided a robust foundation for the interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Islander 44 frequently commend its solid construction and excellent handling characteristics, even in challenging conditions. Many describe it as a "very solid hull" that instills confidence for offshore passages. The boat's ability to perform well on both bay sailing and in the open ocean is a recurring theme in owner reviews. Some common areas of focus for owners undertaking maintenance or refits include the potential for original deck fittings to develop leaks, which may require re-bedding, and general upkeep on older vessels. Despite being an older design, the Islander 44 continues to be appreciated for its robust build and enjoyable sailing experience, with owners frequently engaging in forums to share insights and support for these classic yachts.