Seguin 44 CB TM Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Seguin 44 CB TM in 1980 marked a significant collaboration between a leading design house and a burgeoning, quality-focused builder. Sparkman & Stephens envisioned the Seguin 44 as a capable offshore cruiser, specifically designing it for speed, safety, and ease of handling for small crews. This design philosophy aligned perfectly with Lyman-Morse's ethos during their early years, a period when the company was establishing itself by fusing traditional craftsmanship with evolving materials and techniques to produce custom power and sailing yachts. Lyman-Morse, founded in 1978, prided itself on building custom vessels, and each of the fourteen Seguin 44s produced was tailored to its owner's specific tastes. While the details a centerboard keel, early Seguin 44s were also available in a fixed fin-keel configuration, offering options to suit various sailing preferences. The Seguin 44 shared its basic hull mold with the slightly larger Seguin 46, which typically featured a traditional counter stern.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Seguin 44 CB TM, with a length overall of just over 43 feet and a waterline length of 33.54 feet, is characterized by its substantial build, indicated by a Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 331.5. This high ratio places it firmly in the category of heavy, traditional cruisers, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and the ability to carry stores for extended voyages. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio, around 16.25, points to a moderate sail plan that offers balanced performance across a range of wind conditions, rather than being optimized for extreme light-air speed. The design's focus on stiffness and stability is evident in its ballast arrangement, with a reported ballast-to-displacement ratio of 40% for the Seguin 44, contributing to its ability to stand up to robust winds.

Anecdotal accounts and owner experiences frequently highlight the Seguin 44's exceptional seakeeping abilities and its balanced helm, even when sailing shorthanded. The Sparkman & Stephens design ensured a hull form that, while substantial, was considered "slightly more speedy" than many contemporary designs, offering respectable performance for a cruising boat. Evidence of its capability includes a Seguin 44 named "THISTLE" winning its class in the 2003 Marion-Bermuda Race, underscoring its potential for competitive sailing despite its cruising pedigree.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Seguin 44 CB TM is noted for its spaciousness, a characteristic highly valued by cruisers planning extended stays aboard. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the overall volume allows for a comfortable living environment. Typically configured with a two-cabin layout, the boat provides ample privacy and sleeping arrangements. The galley is often arranged in an L-shape, a practical design for offshore cooking, providing secure bracing in a seaway.

Lyman-Morse's commitment to custom craftsmanship meant that interior finishes and materials varied significantly among individual boats, reflecting owner preferences. However, the builder's reputation suggests a high standard of joinery and robust construction throughout the cabins. Specific examples, such as "Magic," a 1983 Seguin 44, highlight custom touches like blue suede cushions and elegant kerosene stoves, indicative of the thoughtful and luxurious appointments often found in these yachts. Storage is generally generous, a necessity for a bluewater cruiser. The hull-to-deck joint, formed by an inward flange bonded with fasteners, is integrated within the interior cabinetry, contributing to a clean and sturdy finish.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Seguin 44 CB TM consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly in challenging sea states, which is a testament to its robust build quality by Lyman-Morse. The boat's design for offshore and shorthanded sailing has resonated deeply with its owners, with several Seguin 44s successfully completing circumnavigations, underscoring their reliability and endurance for long-distance cruising. The enduring appeal of the Seguin 44 is further highlighted by its continued use for demanding purposes, such as one model, "Rebecca" (ex-Rainbow), being refitted for use as an offshore research vessel. Owners appreciate the custom nature of each vessel, often undertaking updates and modernizations to suit their evolving needs, such as converting interior lighting to LED. While no widely recurring design flaws or common problems are frequently cited in public forums, the custom nature of each build implies that individual vessel condition and maintenance would vary.