C&C 44 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Ball's hull carries a bevelled bow, flat forebody, ample midship sections and a creased stern, all retained for rating advantage rather than pure aesthetics. The structure itself is a sandwich of triaxial fiberglass cloth over a three-quarter-inch end-grain balsa core, and the fin keel bolts to a deep sump that is a hollow extension of the hull to maximise stability. Buyers could choose among wing, centreboard, deep-fin and elliptical keel configurations, with the deep-fin drawing 8 feet 3 inches and the centreboard variant offering 5 feet 6 inches up and 8 feet 6 inches down on a hydraulic retraction system. On the deep-fin version the thicker lower tip adds weight low down, lowering the centre of gravity of the 9,850-pound ballast. The Custom edition used more exotic construction materials and a flush transom, while the standard boat received a raised reverse transom with swim platform and ladder.

Rig and Handling

The standard rig is a masthead sloop with a tall mast and large sail area of 924 square feet, and the test boat carried a two-spreader offshore spar with rod rigging throughout, though a three-spreader version was available. All running rigging led aft to stoppers in the cockpit, but the aft genoa sheet track placement puzzled one reviewer who could not achieve a fairlead through the deck car to the turning block. The mainsheet track spanned the forward cockpit width and sacrificed considerable seating space; the same tester suggested relocating it above the companionway to reclaim room for cruising. On the water the boat proved fast, responsive and easy to steer, especially on a reach, and powered through 15 to 20 knots on a beat without hobby-horsing. A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.6 lets her approach hull speed readily, and the 47.1 percent ballast ratio means she stands up to her canvas in a blow. Writing in Canadian Yachting, Lloyd Hircock rated her up there with the best of them, and Sail magazine noted she could race on Saturday and cruise on Sunday.

Accommodations

The cockpit is large and fairly shallow, with two shallow lockers to either side and two deep stern lockers running to the transom radius for fender stowage. The bridge-deck companionway entrance carries a stainless rail on each side. Below, the starboard settee folds to a double, and the aft cabin sleeps two but benefits from leeboards on offshore passages to keep occupants off the wood side paneling. Two heads serve the layout: a large aft unit with full shower ensemble and a forward unit by the v-berth. The moulded head unit uses pressurized hot and cold water with an electric sump pump rather than a stainless sink. The L-shaped galley holds a three-burner propane stove, double stainless sinks and a large refrigeration chest. Natural light comes through side skylights, the companionway and bow hatch, and the navigation area was typical C&C—well thought out and functional. The standard boat sleeps up to seven; the Custom version simplifies the interior with fewer amenities and more stowage.

Known Issues

The aft cabin ventilation drew a complaint despite five opening ports, and a portable fan was recommended even in temperate climates. Velcro-fastened ceiling light covers were judged too flimsy to survive heavy sailing without dropping. The racing-oriented helm seat was found uncomfortable for long cruising stretches. During the test the rig exhibited pumping a couple of times, prompting a preference for running backstays on future voyages. A galley garbage chute cut into the countertop fell undetected into its own bag and was discarded.

Refits and Ownership

Simple engine maintenance is reached through the galley side panel or by removing the lower companionway steps, and the Yanmar 44-hp raw-water-cooled diesel sipped less than a gallon per hour at 2,200 rpm. Four plastic freshwater tanks fed a conveniently located bank of shutoff valves under the cabin sole. Electrical power combined 12-volt and 110-volt shore systems. A 1,600-mile passage in 10.5 days on cruising mainsail and a number-two genoa demonstrated the boat's self-sufficiency, and the fuel tank gave a useful power range (sources differ on capacity: one quotes 40 gallons, another 33).

The Verdict

The C&C 44 is a dry, kindly, strong and seaworthy sea boat that bridges the race-cruise divide with unusual conviction. Her Ball-designed hull and configurable keels let an owner tune draft and stability to venue, and her sailing record speaks to a vessel that handles heavy weather without drama. The compromises are those of her era and intent: a cockpit laid out for the race crew rather than the lounging cruiser, and a few interior details that need owner refinement.

Pros