PJ-44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the PJ-44 began in 1972, a period when Sparkman & Stephens were at the forefront of yacht design, particularly known for their successful International Offshore Rule (IOR) designs that excelled in racing while offering impressive cruising comforts. S&S designs of the 1970s often balanced competitive performance with a seakindly motion and practical interiors, a philosophy that likely informed the PJ-44's development.

Palmer Johnson, based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, transitioned from traditional wooden boats to embrace new materials during this era. Under the ownership of avid yacht racer Pat Haggarty, the company significantly elevated its profile for performance and speed. While Palmer Johnson became renowned for custom aluminum builds, it also ventured into selling production fiberglass sailboats through its brokerage, sometimes in collaboration with European builders like Nautor of Finland, known for their Swan yachts, 6]. This strategic partnership and the shared S&S design lineage explain the close resemblance and design heritage between the PJ-44 and the Swan 44. The PJ-44 thus embodies Palmer Johnson's commitment during that time to offering high-quality, performance-oriented fiberglass yachts to a broader market.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The PJ-44's specifications reveal a design crafted for robust offshore performance and stability. With a displacement of 28,000 lbs and a waterline length of 33.89 feet, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 322 suggests a relatively heavy, traditional cruiser, capable of a comfortable motion through varied sea states. This substantial displacement contributes to its ability to carry stores and handle adverse conditions with confidence.

A high Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.45, with 12,600 lbs of ballast, indicates significant initial stability and stiffness, meaning the PJ-44 can stand up to a good breeze and carry its sail effectively without excessive heeling. This attribute is highly valued in offshore sailing for both comfort and performance. The calculated Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.07 positions the PJ-44 as a moderately powered vessel. While not a pure light-air flyer, this ratio suggests a balanced performance across a range of wind conditions, offering good speed without being overly sensitive or demanding in heavier air.

Equipped with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, the PJ-44 combines good hydrodynamic efficiency for upwind performance with a well-protected rudder for robustness and control, particularly valuable in open ocean conditions. This configuration promises a responsive yet well-mannered helm, characteristic of well-designed S&S yachts of the period, which were often praised for their balance and predictability under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior layouts for the Palmer Johnson PJ-44 are not extensively detailed in general online resources, yachts of this caliber and era typically featured well-appointed and functional interiors designed for extended cruising comfort. Given its length overall of 44 feet and a beam of 12.58 feet, the PJ-44 would likely offer ample space below deck for its crew.

General characteristics of S&S designs built for cruising in the 1970s suggest a traditional layout, often featuring a comfortable V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert into additional berths, a well-equipped galley, and a dedicated navigation station. Headroom, though not specified, would typically be generous for a boat of this size. Interior finishes would have emphasized quality, likely incorporating rich wood trim, robust joinery, and practical, durable surfaces suitable for the marine environment. Storage solutions for provisions and personal gear would have been thoughtfully integrated throughout the boat to support offshore voyaging.