Passport 44 Information, Review, Specs

The Passport 44 began its production in 1995, emerging from the shipyards that had solidified Passport Yachts' reputation for quality offshore vessels. Founded by Wendell Renken in 1979, Passport Yachts, with Peter Hoyt joining as U.S. representative in 1980, established itself by constructing robust boats primarily in Taiwanese yards like King Dragon and Hai Yang. The company's design philosophy, evident in models like the 44, emphasized a blend of modern innovation with traditional features, ensuring yachts that are both timeless and capable. The involvement of legendary yacht designer Robert Perry, who also contributed to the iconic Passport 40, further cemented the 44's pedigree as a serious cruising yacht. 1, 2, Builder Article During its production run, the Passport 44 offered significant versatility, including both aft and center cockpit configurations, and options for shallower drafts at 6.0 feet and 5.33 feet, in addition to its standard 6.5-foot draft. Although specific details on variations like MkI or MkII were not extensively found, the availability of different cockpit and draft options allowed owners to customize the boat to their specific cruising needs. Passport Yachts eventually transitioned its production to Xiamen Hansheng Yacht Building Co., LTD in China, continuing its focus on high standards and semi-custom builds that dedicate tens of thousands of man-hours to each vessel. The Passport 44 model has since been discontinued.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport 44 is engineered for comfortable and capable cruising, translating its robust specifications into reliable performance. With a reported sail area of 900 square feet and a displacement of 25,615 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.53 suggests a moderate performer. This indicates that while the boat will move well in a good breeze, it may not be a light-air speed demon, favoring steadiness and comfort over outright speed. The yacht's ballast of 10,200 pounds contributes to a ballast to displacement ratio of nearly 0.40. This high ratio signifies excellent stiffness and stability, allowing the Passport 44 to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway, a crucial attribute for offshore sailing. Its displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 220, places it firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser. This balance typically translates to a smooth ride through waves and sufficient momentum to maintain speed in chop, without being excessively heavy or ponderous. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Passport yachts are known for their ease of handling and balance, qualities that would certainly extend to the 44, making it a reassuring vessel for long passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior measurements for the Passport 44 are not detailed in the provided data, the model aligns with Passport Yachts' reputation for meticulously crafted, semi-custom luxury interiors. Passport's design philosophy consistently emphasizes intelligently designed layouts and practical features for extended cruising. Typical for a vessel of its size, the Passport 44 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, often featuring a traditional layout that maximizes comfort and storage for liveaboard or long-term cruising. This would generally include a comfortable V-berth or island berth forward, a well-appointed head with shower, a spacious salon for dining and lounging, a functional galley equipped for offshore cooking, and private aft cabins or quarter berths. Given Passport's focus on high-quality construction and materials, owners can expect rich wood joinery, often with a choice of finishes, and robust upholstery, such as the ultra-suede found in other Passport Vista models. Ventilation and natural light are typically prioritized in Passport designs, ensuring a comfortable environment in various climates. Distinctive design features found across the Passport line, such as poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments with efficient front and top openings, likely contributed to the 44's practical amenities.